Nursing Program Policies & Procedures

Welcome to the Nursing Program.  The Licensed Practical Nursing Program is four (4) terms (12 months) in length.  Upon successful completion of this program a Diploma will be awarded.  The Associate Degree of Nursing Program is eight (7) terms (21 months) in length.  Upon successful completion of this program an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree will be awarded.

This program policy manual has been developed by the staff and administration of the Health Sciences Division of Indian Hills Community College.  Its purpose is to serve as a guide for all students enrolled in the Nursing programs.  The policy manual supplements the Indian Hills Community College Student Handbook and College Catalog; consequently, all policies and regulations from the general handbook are to be observed in addition to those outlined in the following pages.

This booklet contains specific information that may help you understand the policies and procedures of the Nursing Department.  Please read the manual carefully and ask questions if any of the information is unclear.  Nursing instructors and the Department Chair of Nursing are the best resources for answering questions that you might have concerning departmental policies or procedures.

Accreditation Status

Indian Hills Community College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.  The Practical Nursing Program on the Centerville Campus and the Practical, Associate Degree and Associate Degree Online/Hybrid Completion programs on the Ottumwa Campus were last surveyed by the Iowa Board of Nursing on September 26, 2013.  Continued full six-year accreditation of the programs, as defined in the Iowa Administrative Code Nursing Board 590 Section 2.12(3), was granted February 26, 2014 by the Iowa Board of Nursing.

Program Philosophy

Indian Hills Community College, as a community centered institution, strives to meet the needs of all people for post-secondary education.  The College believes every opportunity should be provided for each student to develop to their maximum potential in order that they might become a valuable and contributive citizen in our complex and ever-changing society.

The Department of Nursing, as an integral part of Indian Hills Community College, believes its main purposes are:

1. To provide a program of nursing education that builds on previous experiences and affords the student the opportunity to acquire attitudes, knowledge, and skills necessary to become an effective member of the health team and serve the health needs of society; and
2. To provide nursing education programs for two levels of practitioners – practical and associate degree nurses, and to provide opportunities for articulation from the practical into the associate nursing program.

The faculty of the Department of Nursing believes that learning is an individual and continuous process resulting in a behavioral change which can be measured, and that learning is facilitated and affected by motivation, self-discipline, and structured experiences.  We further believe that the role of the instructor is to identify learning needs, guide the learner, and establish an environment conductive to learning.

We believe the nursing student is an adult learner, and as such, shares the responsibility for his/her learning.  We believe that the best knowledge base for nursing practice is a combination of general and competency-based education that allows the student to develop into an effective, compassionate, and responsible practitioner.

We believe nursing is a caring profession that involves promotion, maintenance, and restoration of self-care status.  If return to self-care is no longer possible, nursing provides the client continuous support and assistance to adapt to new levels of self-care.  The nursing process, incorporating principles from the biological, social and behavioral sciences, is utilized to formulate an appropriate plan of care.  We believe critical thinking skills and effective communication techniques are essential abilities the nurse must possess in order to support the client in the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of self-care.  Nursing is a dynamic, interactive process that results in a therapeutic relationship that requires sensitivity to and respect for the privacy and dignity of each individual.

We believe practical nursing education includes liberal arts and nursing courses.  The nursing courses will focus on the development of basic nursing skills centered on the normal physiological responses of the body as well as less complex pathophysiology.  Upon graduation, the practical nurse will be able to assume entry level responsibility for basic client care under the direction of a registered nurse or other qualified autonomous health professional.  We believe practical nursing education may also serve as the foundation for articulation into the associate degree nursing program.

We believe associate degree nursing education continues to build upon the educational foundation provided in the practical nursing program by increasing the complexity of study.  We acknowledge that psychological, physiological, and social factors strongly influence health.  The knowledge of these sciences must be progressive and dynamic in order to prepare the nurse to function in an ever-changing social and health care environment.  Upon graduation, the associate degree nurse is prepared to function as an entry level provider of nursing care, an educator, planner, and coordinator of client care, in addition to service as a client advocate and a member of the nursing profession.

We further believe that graduates of the practical and associate degree nursing programs must establish and maintain a personal code of ethics that reflects positively on the nursing profession.  Inherent in this tenet is the necessity of instilling the student with the desire to become a lifelong learner who appreciates the value of continuing his/her education to remain a competent practitioner in the nursing profession.

Revised:        April 1996, October 2001, March 2003, April 2004, April 2021
Reviewed:     April 1999, 2000, 2005, May 2006, August 2007, May 2011, June 2013, January 2016, November 2021

Program Outcomes - Practical Nursing

Upon successful completion of the Practical Nursing program, the graduate will:

1. Provide basic nursing care under supervision to promote, maintain, or restore self-care status.
2. Possess knowledge from the physiological, psychological and social sciences that provides a foundation for the provision of holistic client care.
3. Utilize the nursing process to provide nursing theory-based client care.
4. Possess effective oral and written communication skills.
5. Engage in therapeutic communication with clients and families.
6. Know the ethical and legal parameters of his/her scope of practice and operate within these parameters.
7. Recognize the need for continuing education to maintain competency.

Revised:          April 1996, July 2008 (Title only)
Reviewed:       April 2001, January 2002, March 2003, April 2004, April 2005, May 2006, July 2008, November 2010, May 2011, June 2013, January 2016, November 2021

Program Outcomes - Associate Degree Nursing

Upon successful completion of the Associate Degree Nursing program, the graduate will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge, comprehension, and application of social and scientific principles in the analysis and synthesis of data as a health care provider in a variety of health care settings.
2. Utilize the nursing process in the provision of nursing care to meet the complex health care needs of culturally diverse clients in order to promote, restore, maintain or support self-care status across the lifespan.
3. Collaborate with health care providers to manage client care using appropriate institutional and community resources.
4. Communicate therapeutically with clients, families and health care team members.
5. Adhere to the ethical and legal principles in relation to standards of practice.
6. Implement strategies for organization, prioritization, delegation, and assignment of nursing care in the management of multiple clients.
7. Demonstrate accountability for professional behavior, development and growth.

Revised:          November 2006, July 2008 (Title only) 
Reviewed:       April 1996, 2001, January 2002, March 2003, April 2004, April 2005, May 2006, July 2008, November 2010, May 2011, July 2013, January 2016, November 2021

The Ladder Concept (Articulation)

Indian Hills Community College offers two programs in nursing education. Qualified students may enroll in the 0ne year Practical Nursing (LPN) program or the two-year Associate Degree (RN). During the first four terms, course work is the same in the Practical and Associate Degree Nursing programs. At the beginning of the fifth term, it is possible for PN students to be admitted to the ADN program, if openings exist. Any practical nursing student interested in continuing in the Associate Degree program must complete an application.

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program

This is a one-year, full time program that admits students every Fall Term. A graduate of the Practical Nursing program is eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensing examination. Upon successful completion of NCLEX-PN exam, the graduate will be a licensed practical nurse entitled to use the initials LPN after his/her name. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is qualified to provide basic nursing care, administer medications, perform treatments, and complete documentation for the medically stable patient under the supervision of the registered (professional) nurse or physician.

Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program

This is a two-year program that admits students every Fall Term. A graduate of the Associate Degree Nursing program (RN) is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination.  Upon successful completion of NCLEX-RN exam, the graduate will be a registered nurse entitled to use the initials RN after his/her name. The Registered Nurse (RN) is qualified to provide complex nursing care utilizing the nursing process.  Biological, psychological, sociological and spiritual principles are applied in the provision of holistic care.  The Registered Nurse is educated to function in a variety of roles that include care provider, patient advocate, educator, counselor, or manager.

Advanced Standing Program

This program is designed for the individual who has completed a practical nursing program and has applied for and/or successfully passed the NCLEX-PN.  The course of study may be completed in the 12-month day program.

Further Programs in Nursing

Students admitted to any 2-year ADN program should be prepared for the possibility of enrolling in an RN to BSN completion program at some point in their nursing career. It is possible to prepare for articulation into advanced nursing degrees past the ADN level by completion of an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in addition to the ADN degree.  IHCC has articulation agreements with the University of Iowa, Bellevue University, and William Penn University.  Students should contact the Academic Advising and Registrars’ offices for further information related to declaring an AA degree.

Admission of Students

All applicants are required to submit high school transcripts or HiSET scores, college transcripts (if applicable), and scores from one of the following examinations:  ACT, Accuplacer Next Generation, or SAT.  IHCC will be using the TEAS as placement testing for all nursing programs. Students will have needed to take a CNA course and then complete the Iowa CNA written and skills testing to become active on the Iowa Direct Care Workers Registry. The Admission Committee reviews each applicant’s completed file.  The Admissions Committee is comprised of the Associate Dean of Health Sciences, Department Chair of Nursing, a Nursing Faculty member and a representative from Enrollment Services. This committee makes the final selection based on the applicant meeting the required benchmarks.

Prospective Nursing Students

Nursing courses with a clinical component may not be taken by a person:

1. who has been denied licensure by the Board of Nursing.
2. whose license is currently suspended, surrendered or revoked in any United States jurisdiction.
3. whose license/registration is currently suspended, surrendered or revoked in another country due to disciplinary action.

Upon completion of the PN or ADN program, the graduate must successfully complete the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN to be licensed.  In order to qualify for this exam, prospective students should be aware of the following restrictions:

1. If a nursing student has ever been convicted of a felony or is presently being tried for a felony, they may be denied licensure by the State Board of Nursing. (see appendix C).
2. Licensure requires that the candidate be a graduate of an accredited high school or equivalent (see appendix D).

The above restrictions will not prevent a student from admission into the Nursing program, but the student must be aware that should any of these restrictions apply, the student may be denied licensure by the State Board of Nursing.

Criminal Background Checks

All students enrolled in the nursing program will be required to register for and complete all Castle Branch® requirements to be eligible to participate in clinical rotations.  The student must have the background check portion completed prior to the first day of Term 1, for the PN year.  The second-year students entering Term 5 must have all Castle Branch requirements completed before the first day of the term. If students leave the program for any period of time, the criminal background will have to be repeated. If the student is convicted of any criminal charges other than minor traffic violations after the initial criminal background check and while enrolled in the nursing program, the student must report the conviction to the Department Chair, Nursing Programs within 30 days and complete another criminal background check. Students must have a cleared status on the criminal background check before being allowed to attend the first day of clinical experience. Students reentering any nursing program of study after a time out of the program will need to repeat the criminal background check and pay any and all fees.  

Criteria used to determine whether a student is ineligible to participate in an Indian Hills Community College Health Sciences program: 

Castlebranch®

PN students

All students are required to complete Castle Branch® requirements by midterm of the term prior to the start of clinical rotations.  Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the Nursing Program, at the discretion of the Nursing Department Chair. All Castle Branch® requirements must be successfully uploaded by the student, and approved by Castle Branch®, before a student may attend clinical. Students will be responsible to watch for Castle Branch® emails and address any issues immediately.  Students are responsible to monitor for deadlines and upload renewals for, requirements that need renewed before the student has graduated from the program (e.g. CPR, annual TB test).  Any attendance issues that are related to noncompliance with Castle Branch® requirements will be unexcused.

RN students

All students are required to complete Castle Branch® registration before the first day of the term 5.  Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the Nursing Program, at the discretion of the Nursing Department Chair. All Castle Branch® requirements must be successfully uploaded by the student, and approved by Castle Branch® before a student may attend clinical.  Students will be responsible to watch for Castle Branch emails and address any issues immediately.  Students will be responsible to monitor for deadlines and upload renewals for requirements that need renewed before the student has graduated from the program (e.g. CPR, annual TB test).   Any attendance issues that are related to noncompliance with Castle Branch® requirements will be unexcused.

All students that are re-entering or transferring from another program will need to pay for and complete another background check and drug screen.

Physical Health Requirements

Nursing students will be in direct contact with patients at the clinical affiliating sites.  It is required that each student have a physical examination prior to starting the clinical component to assure both the student and the affiliate that the student is physically able to participate in the activities required of a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse.  Each student will have a physical performed by a licensed physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.  The physical exam documentation will be uploaded to the student’s Castle Branch® account.  A two-step TB skin test will be required prior to being allowed at a clinical site.  A TB skin is then expected to be kept current (annually) for the length of the nursing program.  Influenza vaccinations are required and the student will be asked to provide paper documentation of the influenza vaccine.  If the student is unable to produce documentation of the vaccination, they will be asked to leave the clinical site until documentation can be produced. COVID-19 vaccinations are required by certain clinical affiliates.  Students whose Castle Branch® requirements are not current will be required to leave the clinical setting and will have an unexcused clinical absence. This clinical absence must be made up at a cost to the student of $120.

Student Health Statement

Each student is required to sign a student health statement at the beginning of the nursing program and upon return to clinical following absence due to health problems or changes in health status that have the potential to influence patient/nurse safety and affect the quality of care provided by the nursing student.  The Nursing Student Physical Abilities Requirements form will be reviewed and signed by the student.  It is the responsibility of the student to inform the Department Chair, Nursing Programs of any health condition that would compromise the safety of patients in the clinical setting and/or the student themselves.

Drug Screening

Students entering any nursing program of study will be required to do lab testing for drug screening (urine or serum) or both. Failure of any drug test would result in immediate dismissal from any and all of the nursing programs of study.  Students assigned to clinical facilities are subject to the same requirements as facility employees relating to lab tests and immunizations.  Students may be notified to report for random drug testing before or during a clinical rotation at any clinical facility.  Students will be provided with information on approved screening agencies.  The student is responsible for fees attached to all screenings.  Changes in rotation schedules will not be made on the basis of this requirement.

Students may be asked by the IHCC Nursing Program to submit to a random drug screen.  Refusal to do so is grounds for dismissal from the program.

Professional Conduct

When caring for sick and injured patients, employees and students must conduct themselves in a professional manner.  Students are also expected to relate to peers and instructors in a professional manner in the classroom.  Any serious violation or repeated minor violations may lead to dismissal from the program.  Nursing students will be held responsible/ accountable to uphold the standards of the IHCC Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the IHCC Student Handbook, and the Nursing Code of Ethics, as found in the description below and on the signature sheet in Appendix F.

1. The student is responsible for being available for instruction in his/her assigned area.
2. The student will be ready for clinical experiences at the assigned time and will report to the clinical instructor.
3. The student is responsible to the clinical instructor.
4. The student will adhere to the policies of the clinical site in which they are completing clinical experiences.
5. The student will develop a sense of protection for the health and well-being of the patient and themselves by careful, safe use of standard precautions and appropriate nursing practices.

The following are examples of misconduct in the clinical/classroom setting:

1. Falsifying records or dishonest behavior.
2. Leaving a clinical area during clinical hours without permission, loafing, sleeping on the premises or conducting personal business during clinical hours.
3. Failing to follow instructions or neglecting duties assigned.
4. Displaying immoral conduct, such as using alcohol or illegal drugs while on duty or reporting for clinical or class under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or being charged with drug related offenses while enrolled in the program.
5. Fighting, horseplay, disorderly conduct, loud talking, or the possession of weapons on health care facility/agency or college property.
6. Threatening any person while in the clinical or classroom setting.
7. Acting in a discourteous manner toward patients, visitors, physicians, health care staff, instructors, or peers.
8. This includes the use of vile or abusive language, rude and/or derogatory comments made to students or to instructors, facial expressions or body language indicating disrespect (i.e. eye rolling) and general disrespect for others.  This would be any action that falls under the definition of horizontal violence. 
9. Abusing time spent on breaks or lunch.
10. Disregarding health care facility safety rules.
11. Smoking at the clinical site, to include the parking lot or on the grounds.
12. Parking in unauthorized areas.
13. Any HIPPA violation such as disclosing information about patients, students, physicians, staff or ancillary personnel.
14. Destroying, stealing or misusing hospital, patient or college property.
15. Having excessive absenteeism or tardiness.
16. Violating dress code.
17. Refusing to provide care to a patient because of the patient’s race, color, sex, religion, age, beliefs, or handicap.
18. Going through a patient’s possessions without authorization and/or permission of the patient.
19. Using cell phone, tablets, laptops, or computers in the clinical areas in a manner not related to the care of the patient or in a way in which the patient’s privacy is not maintained.
20. Any act the represents dishonest behavior on the part of the student in the clinical or classroom settings will result in dismissal from any nursing program of study.

The student may be requested to leave the school/clinical site at any time for unsatisfactory attendance, work, or conduct.  The cooperating agencies, with the school’s approval, may request withdrawal of any student from clinical experience in their institution if his/her work has a detrimental effect on its nursing staff or patients.  Students will be given an opportunity to meet with the faculty and other interested parties to discuss the problem before any final action is taken.

Confidentiality

All patient information that students have access to is personal and private; therefore, confidentiality in nursing is crucial.  Any violation of the “patient rights” is a HIPAA violation and would be possible cause for dismissal.  Violation would include, but not be limited to:  a) discussing information about a patient in an inappropriate setting, or with someone not related to the care of the patient; b) taking pictures of the patient; c) exposing a patient unnecessarily; d) inappropriate handling of personal possessions of the patient, such as going through a patient’s personal items without authorization of the patient; e) posting patient or facility information with any patient related content into social media outlets.  All students will adhere to the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations of the facility they are attending. Use of cell phones in the clinical care area is prohibited. Posting any information relating to patient care or clinical experiences on computer social networking sites is a HIPAA violation and is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: pictures or texts that include the name of a facility; dates relating to experiences; type of treatment or experience that the student was involved with; patient name or personal information (i.e.: age, diagnosis, personal circumstances); facility staff names or conversations; or specifics of any treatment or interaction with patients, families, or staff.

Honesty

Honesty is expected in all actions and activities related to the nursing program.  Cheating is defined as the use of unauthorized resources by a student during a test and/or written assignment.  This includes using notes, books or other written information during a test or duplicating someone else’s work. Supplying work to others is also considered cheating and students are subject to the same actions as with other violations. Misuse of online resources, including accessing instructor test banks is considered cheating.  Test questions are expected to be answered without prompts and all written work is expected to be original.  Any kind of sharing of test questions is considered cheating.  Any act that represents dishonest behavior will result in dismissal from any nursing program of study.

In the event that a student is suspected of violating this policy the instructor or administrator suspecting the violation shall prepare a written statement notifying the student of the alleged violation, and the student will meet with the Department Chair of Nursing and Simulation to review and document the allegations.  The student has the right to appeal.  All appeals are to follow the Student Appeal Process outlined in the college wide handbook.

Non-Discrimination Statement

To view the full Non-Discrimination Statement, please visit the College Catalog & Student Handbook or the college website.

Sexual Misconduct Policy

To view the full Sexual Misconduct Policy, please visit the College Catalog & Student Handbook or the college website.

Statement of Ethical Practice

The administration and faculty of Indian Hills Community College is guided by a belief in the dignity, worth, and potential of each student. The following ethical practices guide policy development and interaction with students.

1. A goal of this institution ensures that all recruitment activities shall be objective and based on accurate information.
2. The educational program will ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate and/or share in like experiences.
3. The college shall adhere to the provisions of the Civil Rights Act.
4. All those with access to confidential information regarding a student will respect completely the confidential nature of such data.
5. The college shall acquaint the student with written policies for dismissal, promotion, and graduation, and shall abide by its written policies.
6. Students will be adequately informed of changes in the program before these changes become effective.
7. A student will be notified promptly if they are facing disciplinary action or dismissal for any reason and made aware of the student appeals process.
8. Upon satisfactory completion of all graduation requirements, a student shall not be prohibited from graduating and applying for the licensing examination.

Faculty Advising

To assure that all students entering the nursing program have access to a designated advisor to provide guidance, academic information, referrals, and support; students will be assigned a Faculty Mentor when they enter the Nursing Program. Assignments will be made alphabetically by student last name or by class. 

Faculty Mentors will provide the following support:

1. Provide counseling support and guidance to students.
2. Clarify policies and procedures.
3. Discuss student desire to withdraw from courses or change their program.
4. Assist with identifying resources available to students to support program progression such as tutoring, Student Health, Success Center, Testing Center, Academic Advising and Financial Aid.
5. Verify student progress each term on completing graduation requirements by assisting with updating student Graduation Worksheets with students each term before the opening of enrollment for the upcoming term.

Clinical Experience

All students have, as part of their curriculum, clinical learning experiences in hospital, long-term care, and community settings.  Clinical experiences are provided in health care agencies to give learners the opportunity to apply knowledge that has been acquired in the classroom to real life situations.

1. Due to the number of students in the program, requests for specific sites CANNOT be honored.  The clinical coordinator will try to place students nearest their address of record, if possible, depending upon the needs of the nursing department, clinical affiliates, and resources available.  You may at any time be assigned a clinical site that is NOT nearest your home address at the discretion of the nursing faculty.
2. Students are required to arrive at the assigned clinical location at the designated time.  The assigned hours will be similar to the actual working shifts in the clinical areas—day or evening, and may include weekends, holidays, and times the college is closed.
3. The actual clinical areas and hours at the cooperating health agencies are determined by the administration of the school in consultation with the administration of the health care agency.
4. A clinical instructor will be responsible for assignments and learning experiences of students in each clinical area.
5. Students must remember that the institution is cooperating with the College to provide the necessary experiences to enable the student to attain the outcomes of the program.  The students need to remember they are guests of the cooperating agency and conduct themselves in an appropriate manner, observing all rules and regulations applicable to those who work for that agency.
6. Nursing courses with a clinical component may not be taken by a person:  a) Who has been denied licensure by the board b) Whose license is currently suspended, surrendered or revoked in any U.S. jurisdiction c) Whose license/registration is currently suspended, surrendered or revoked in another country due to disciplinary action.
7. In specialty rotations comprised of multiple practice areas during the same term (OB, Community Health, Mental Health, CCU, One Day Surgery, and preceptorship), all components must be successfully completed to pass the clinical rotation.
8. You must have reliable, personal transportation to clinical rotations at any location you are assigned.

Dress Code

All students in the Nursing Program should be neat and clean in appearance at all times.  During class periods, students may use their own judgment as to what to wear.  Clothing must conform to codes of decency and shoes must be worn at all times.

Uniform Dress Code

1. For any clinical experience, including simulation, all students will be required to wear the approved clinical uniform. The approved uniform, including top and pants, must be purchased through the Ottumwa or Centerville Campus Bookstore.  The uniform consists of: a) maroon scrub top, embroidered with IHCC Nursing logo; b) maroon scrub pants; c) socks/hose (no half sock or short socks allowed); d) white or black shoes made entirely of vinyl, rubber, or leather, with no shoe laces.  Optional maroon warm-up jacket with IHCC Nursing logo, also available at the bookstore, is allowed.  You may also wear a solid white, long-sleeved shirt under your scrubs for warmth. This shirt cannot have any colors or writing.  Uniforms are not to be worn as street attire.  Failure to follow the dress code will result in immediate dismissal from clinical and an absence for the day will be recorded.
2. No shoes made of canvas or fabric which would allow a sharp object to penetrate the fabric.  Shoes must have a closed toe/closed heel and may not have holes in the top of the shoe.  Shoes may not have laces.
3. A photo ID badge will be issued to students coordinated through the campus Library.  A new badge will be issued for each year in the program.  Photo name tag must be worn above the waistline at all times with picture and information visible and unobstructed by stickers.  All photo IDs will be returned to the instructor upon completion of the program.
4. Uniforms must be clean, neatly pressed, and free of odor at all times.
5. Shoes must be clean and polished.
6. Students must be clean, free of body odor, and have well-trimmed fingernails.  Fingernails should not be visible from the palm side of your hand with no polish, gel, or acrylic coatings.  No polish/false or acrylic nails may be worn at any time in a clinical/simulation setting.
7. Make-up must be conservative in nature while in uniform.
8. Hair must be neat and controlled.  If your hair touches your collar it must be put up in a neat ponytail or bun.  No hair ornaments or hats are to be worn.  Hair color outside of naturally occurring tone (i.e.: purple, pink, green, blue, & any florescent) are not allowed in clinical settings. Religious or cultural head coverings will be allowed.
9. Jewelry must be kept to a minimum.  You may wear one wedding band with no raised stones and/or one pair of post/stud earrings (one in each earlobe).  Necklaces, bracelets, facial piercings, tongue piercings, and ear gauges are prohibited.
10. Visible tattoos are to be covered during clinical experiences, including facial, neck, chest, arms, and wrists.
11. Additional items the student is required to provide:
    1. Watch with a second hand (no smart watches, digital watches, or Apple/FitBit watches)
    2. Notepad and black pen
    3. Stethoscope
    4. Pen light
12. Graduating students may wish to purchase the following:
    1. Nursing cap
    2. School pin
    3. White scrubs are worn by all nursing students who are participating in the pinning ceremony.
13. Failure to follow the IHCC Clinical Dress Code Policy will result in the student being requested to leave the clinical area and being counted absent for the day.

Affiliation Dress Code

While on affiliation with specific agencies, the student will follow the dress code specified in the guidelines for that rotation.  At no time will jeans be part of the dress code while on a clinical affiliation.

Student Health Services

For information regarding Indian Hills Student Health Services please visit the College Catalog & Student Handbook.  

Student Mental Health Services

Student Mental Health Services and counseling are available to all students (both Centerville and Ottumwa) on the Ottumwa Campus of Indian Hills Community College, by appointment.  Please contact: IHCC Mental Health Counselor at:   [email protected].

Clinical Protective Health Policy

The nursing faculty at Indian Hills Community College believes that physical and mental health are essential components of well-being and are imperative for successful performance in the nursing program.  An alteration or limitation in physical or mental functioning has the potential to influence patient/nurse safety and affect the quality of care provided by the nursing student.

To assure that patient safety is not compromised and to avoid the increased risk of student injury, the nursing instructor, using professional knowledge and judgment, may request the student to leave the clinical setting if the student’s physical or mental status is impaired.  Physical and mental impairment that potentially may affect student performance in the clinical setting may include, but is not limited to:

1. contagious conditions (i.e. chicken pox, influenza, herpes simplex)
2. immune-suppressed conditions (i.e. chemotherapy)
3. physical limitations (i.e. back/neck injury, fracture, sprain, surgery, high risk pregnancy)
4. impairment of judgment/mental functioning (i.e. prescription drug, drug or alcohol use/abuse)
5. cognitive impairment (i.e. anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression, sleep deprivation)
6. uncorrected visual/hearing impairment

When the instructor becomes aware of any of the identified or similar conditions, the following procedure will be followed:

1. After gathering sufficient information concerning the physical and/or mental status of the student, the instructor will determine the feasibility of the student remaining in the clinical setting.  If it is determined that the student is not able to perform at the expected level due to physical illness or limitations and/or mental impairment, the student will be dismissed from the clinical setting.
2. The student will be notified that dismissal from the clinical setting will result in a clinical absence or absences that will be addressed as specified in the program policy manual.
3. The instructor will notify the Department Chair of Nursing of the student’s health status and the action taken within 24 hours.
4. Documentation of the student’s status and instructor’s action will be completed on the Student Loss/Accident/Safety form within 24 hours and a copy will be provided to the Department Chair of Nursing within 48 hours.
5. A signed medical release by a physician (MD or DO) or a nurse practitioner will be required at the discretion of the instructor and in consultation with the Department Chair of Nursing before the student can return to the clinical setting.  Information provided by the physician must include a statement confirming that the student’s condition has resolved and no longer presents a patient/student safety concern.  The student must be able to resume functioning at a level compatible with meeting clinical requirements and achieving clinical competence.
6. The student will be required to sign a student health statement before returning to clinical.  Forms will be available with the clinical nursing instructors or in the nursing office.

Student Injury

On Campus

If a student is injured on campus, a first aid supply cabinet is available in the main office of the RHEC building. Please refer also to the “Student Health Services” section above.

At Clinical Site

Accidents will be reported immediately to the IHCC clinical nursing instructor and the facility Risk Manager or Nursing House Supervisor. Both a facility incident report and an IHCC Incident Report Form should be completed by the IHCC nursing supervisor. The IHCC Department Chair of Nursing  should be notified and the IHCC form should be submitted to the Dean of Health Sciences within 24 hours.

Financial Responsibility

Any health care charges related to student injuries sustained during clinical rotations should be submitted to the Dean of Health Sciences. The bill and related incident report will be submitted to Human Resources for review. If the incident and subsequent treatment qualifies, the charges will be paid through workman’s compensation. The student will be financially responsible for any charges that do not qualify for workman’s compensation.

Communicable Diseases

Indian Hills Community College believes any student or employee of IHCC with a communicable disease should be allowed to attend their regularly assigned duties as long as they are physically able to perform the tasks assigned them and as long as their attendance does not create a substantial risk of transmission of the illness to students or employees in the college.  The college will make every effort in light of the individual’s circumstances to provide the least restrictive environment for continued attendance.

Indian Hills Community College recognizes there may be greater risks for the transmission of a communicable disease for some persons with certain conditions and in certain settings than for other persons infected with the same disease.  These special conditions shall be considered in assessing the risk of transmission of the disease, the effect upon the educational program, and the effect upon the person’s continued attendance in the least restrictive environment.

Hazardous Materials/Waste Policy

The proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste products are everyone’s responsibility. Contact your instructor immediately if you suspect exposure to or contact with ant hazardous materials.

Your instructor will acquaint you with the following for any areas in which hazardous materials are in use:

1. Location of the Material safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
2. Protective clothing, etc. required for handling materials.
3. Proper disposal of used or unwanted materials and waste.

Social Media Policy

Social Media is a dynamic platform for interaction through words, images, audio and video.  Examples of these sites include, but are not limited to:  Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Linked In, Twitter, You Tube and many more. The Nursing Program at Indian Hills Community College respects the rights of its faculty and students to use social media outlets as a means of self -expression, however, posts made on social media sites may become viral at any time or may be available on public platforms potentially permanently; even when they have been deleted from the website to which they were originally posted.  Social media sites have the potential to reflect both negatively of positively on any user’s future and their future employment.  Nursing students and faculty at IHCC have both ethical and legal obligations with any social media communications.  Thus, IHCC has adopted this social media policy for its faculty and students.  It is the expectation of the college that its content will be adhered to.

The intent of the policy is not to restrict the flow of communication, but to provide guidance for professional, ethical and legal interactions for all of the participants.  The following, are examples of students conduct that in any form of social media are considered unprofessional and may result in disciplinary action and or dismissal from any nursing program of study.

1. Posting or discussing confidential patient/family information or photographs.  IHCC considers confidentiality of our patients and families to be of the utmost importance.  Any direct or indirect disclosure of patient or family information is subject to disciplinary action/termination from any nursing program of study.
2. Posting or discussing information about IHCC, IHCC Services, clients, employees, or anyone associated with the college.
3. Posting or discussing defamatory or false information about IHCC, college services, clients, vendors, employees or anyone associated with the college that is disparaging in nature.
4. Harassing of discriminatory postings of any discussions concerning anyone associated with IHCC.   Students are expressly prohibited from using any social media platform to harass, bully or intimidate other students, faculty or anyone associated with the college.  This would include the following: Derogatory comments with regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, political beliefs, Veteran status, etc.  This includes any and all other protected class or status information recognized by federal, state and local laws.
5. Sexually suggestive, humiliating or demeaning comments.
6. Threats to intimidate of physically harm an employee, student, of anyone associated or affiliated with the college.
7. Speaking or posting in any way on behalf of the college without explicit permission of the President of the College.
8. Posting work related pictures of college employees, students of anyone associated with the college without that persons’ permission.
9. Students are not allowed to access social media sites during any classroom for clinical hours without the express permission of the classroom or clinical instructor.  Students doing this for any non-school related purposes will be subject to disciplinary action/termination.
10. Additionally, students who identify themselves in any social media platform as an IHCC nursing student must recognize and adhere to the following additional guidelines.  Others may view you as a representative of the college.  Because of this distinct possibility, students who choose to identify themselves in this manner are required, as a condition of their enrollment, to observe some additional guidelines when referring to the college, college employees, faculty, its’ programs and activities.  Students who identify themselves as an IHCC nursing student must be respectful of all social media platforms and communications that refer to IHCC, its employees, faculty or anyone associated with IHCC.  Any obscenities, profanity, vulgar language or images are prohibited.
11. Any discussions referencing conduct that is prohibited by the college or college policies is prohibited.

Any failure on the part of the student to comply with these guidelines for social media conduct will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the college.

Further information for social media guidelines may be found at:

1. ANA Website: http://www.nursingworld.org/FunctionalMenuCategories/AboutANA/Social-Media/Social-Networking-Principles-Toolkit
2. NCSBN Website: https://www.ncsbn.org/NCSBN_SocialMedia.pdf

Cooperating Agencies - Ottumwa

Cooperating Agencies - Centerville

Course Prerequisites

Term 1

PNN 109 Fundamentals of Nursing A

1. All preclinical paperwork, portfolio documents and CPR, HIPPA, Blood-borne Pathogens, Physical, Immunizations, Background Checks, etc. must be completed prior to the start of the first day of the term in which a student will be attending a clinical rotation. Students who do not have clinical requirements completed and approved by Castle Branch will be asked to take a time out and be pulled from the clinical rotation.  Nursing Student Orientation is required for all students entering any nursing program of study.
2. All students must have completed American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS prior to entry to any nursing program of study and the card must be viable to run through the length of any and all nursing programs of study.  If it does not, it is the student’s responsibility to retake and successfully pass American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS.
3. Students re-entering any program of study in nursing will need to complete any and all of the prerequisite preclinical requirements prior to re-entering any nursing program. 
4. All students that are re-entering or transferring in from another program will need to pay for and complete another background check and drug screen.

BIO 175 Human Anatomy

BIO 176 Human Anatomy Lab

CSC 105 Computer Essentials

ENG 105 Composition I

Term 2

PNN 114 Fundamentals of Nursing B

Successful completion of PNN 109 with a grade of “C” or better

BIO 178 Physiology

Human Anatomy

BIO 179 Physiology Lab

Human Anatomy Lab

PSY 111 Introduction to Psychology

Term 3

PNN 119 Acute and Chronic Nursing Conditions A

Successful completion of PNN 109 and PNN 114 with a grade of “C” or better

MAT 120 OR MAT 156 College Algebra OR Statistics

BIO 101 Introduction to Biology (a prerequisite for Microbiology)

Term 4

PNN 950 PN Seminar

Successful completion of PNN 109, PNN 114, PNN 119 with a grade of “C” or better. 

PNN 131 Acute and Chronic Nursing Conditions B

Successful completion of PNN 109, PNN 114, and PNN 119 with a grade of “C” or better. 

Term 5

ADN 228 Complex Health Problems A

Successful completion of PNN 109, PNN 114, PNN 119, PNN 131, and PNN 950 with a grade of “C” or better.

1. All preclinical paperwork, portfolio documents and CPR, HIPPA, Blood-borne Pathogens, Physical, Immunizations, Background Checks, etc. must be completed prior to the start of the first day of the term in which a student will be attending a clinical rotation. Students who do not have clinical requirements completed and approved by Castle Branch will be asked to take a time out and be pulled from the clinical rotation.  Nursing Student Orientation is required for all students entering any nursing program of study.
2. All students must have completed American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS prior to entry to any nursing program of study and the card must be viable to run through the length of any and all nursing programs of study.  If it does not, it is the student’s responsibility to retake and successfully pass American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS.
3. All students that are re-entering or transferring from another program will need to pay for and complete another background check and drug screen. All Castle Branch clinical requirements must be up to date before the first day of clinical or the student may not be allowed to continue on and will have to sit out until those classes are available again in another term. 
4. Students who are coming back in to complete the RN year (LPN to RN) must have successfully completed both Human Anatomy and Human Anatomy Lab and Physiology and Physiology Lab, Composition I, Introduction to Psychology, and Computer Essentials either at IHCC, or have them transferred in from another school.

Term 6

ADN 229 Complex Health Problems B

Successful completion of PNN 109, PNN 114, PNN 119, PNN 131, PNN 950, ADN 228 with a grade of “C” or better. 

Microbiology w/Lab

BIO 101

Term 7

ADN 699 Preparation for Entry into Practice

Successful completion of PNN 109, PNN 114, PNN 119, PNN 131, PNN 950, ADN 228, and ADN 229 with a grade of “C” or better.

Public Speaking or Fundamentals of Oral Communication (choose one)

No prerequisites

Program Progression Policy

Progression policies exist in the nursing programs at Indian Hills Community College to assure that students are academically prepared to successfully complete the NCLEX-PN and/or NCLEX-RN.

Refer to the IHCC College Catalog for course prerequisites.  A student will not progress in the nursing program unless all prerequisites for each course have been successfully completed.

Progression in the program is dependent upon meeting the following criteria:

1. To begin Term 1 (PNN 109) student must successfully complete a 75-hour Nurse Aide course and must currently be listed on the Nurse Aide Registry (Iowa Certificate from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals).  Completing Nurse Aide testing (“testing out”) is not sufficient. Students are expected to be proficient with the skills and subject matter taught in the CNA course.
2. To continue progression into the second term in the nursing program, the student must have successfully completed Fundamentals of Nursing A, Human Anatomy, Human Anatomy Lab, Computer Essentials, and Composition I with minimum grades of “C” in any course with a prefix of PNN or BIO. 
3. To continue progression into the third term in the nursing program, the student must have successfully completed Fundamentals of Nursing B, Physiology, Physiology lab, and Introduction to Psychology with minimum grades of “C” in any course with a prefix of PNN or BIO.
4. To continue progression into the fourth term in the nursing program, the student must have successfully completed Acute and Chronic Nursing Conditions A, Introduction to Biology, and College Algebra OR Statistics with minimum grades of “C” in any course with a prefix of PNN or BIO.
5. To continue progression into the fifth term in the nursing program, the student must have successfully completed Acute and Chronic Nursing Conditions B and PN Seminar with minimum grades of “C”.
6. To continue progression into the sixth term in the nursing program, the student must have successfully completed Complex Health Problems A with minimum grade of “C”.
7. To continue progression into the seventh term in the nursing program, the student must have successfully completed Complex Health Problems B and Microbiology with Lab with minimum grades of “C”.
8. To continue progression in the nursing program, all courses must be completed with minimum grades of “C”. The student has one chance to repeat any of these courses successfully if the first attempt is below the “C” level. Student will not be allowed to continue in the program if the grade is not at the “C” level after the second attempt.
9. If a student does not successfully complete a nursing or required science course (PNN, ADN, BIO) with the required “C” or above grade, they will need to repeat the course. The second time a student is unsuccessful with a nursing or required science course, not necessarily the same course, the student will be dismissed from the Nursing Program. 
10. Inability to pass courses with minimum grade standards or withdrawing from courses with minimum grade standards of “C” after the free add/drop period is considered to be the same for progression standards.
11. The student must successfully complete all support courses/prerequisites prior to or by the end of the designated term.
12. CLEP examinations for required support courses must be successfully completed prior to the designated term or the student must enroll in the course.
13. If students do not have a “C” at midterm, a conference with the instructor will be scheduled.  The instructor will prepare a Conference Report that specifies the reason for the conference and recommendations.  It is the responsibility of the student to schedule an appointment with the course instructor once midterm grades are posted.
14. Students needing additional help or tutoring are strongly urged to contact the Nursing Tutor, whose information can be found at the downstairs Administrative Assistant desk.  Students may contact the SUCCESS Center at 641-683-5238 for courses other than Nursing Courses.  Services available at the SUCCESS Center include:  Peer Tutoring, Professional Tutoring, Developmental Classes, and Computer Labs.  Faculty members are available to support students enrolled in Anatomy, Physiology, English, and Mathematics.
15. There are no options for extra-credit work or repeating exams or paperwork to raise course grades.

Course Progression Requirements

In addition to the course prerequisites documented in this student handbook and the IHCC College Catalog, students must meet the following requirements to progress in the nursing program.

Minimum of “C” in the following courses within two attempts.

Practical Nursing Program

1. PNN 109 Fundamentals of Nursing A
2. PNN 114 Fundamentals of Nursing B
3. PNN 119 Acute and Chronic Nursing Conditions A
4. PNN 131 Acute and Chronic Nursing Conditions B
5. PNN 950 PN Seminar
6. BIO 175/176Human Anatomy and Human Anatomy Lab
7. BIO 178/179Human Physiology and Human Physiology Lab
8. BIO 101 Introduction to Biology

Associate Degree Nursing Program 

1. ADN228 Complex Health Problems A
2. ADN229 Complex Health Problems B
3. ADN699 Preparation for Entry into Practice
4. BIO 187 Microbiology w/Lab

A minimum grade of “D” must be achieved in the support courses to meet graduation requirements.  The following are considered support courses:

1. Introduction to Psychology
2. Composition I
3. Computer Essentials
4. College Algebra or Statistics
5. Public Speaking or Fundamentals of Oral Communication 

In addition to the above requirements, each student must achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 in the nursing curriculum to be eligible for graduation.  Any student whose current term GPA falls below 2.00 will be placed on academic probation for the next term.  Academic probation may affect financial aid.  See the Financial Aid Counselor for clarification of individual situations.  Two terms of academic probation may result in dismissal from school.

Dosage Calculations/Math Test Requirements in Nursing Clinical and Theory

To receive a passing grade in Nursing Clinical students must demonstrate the ability to correctly calculate and safely administer medications.  All students will be required to pass a dosage calculation examination with a minimum grade of 90% prior to administering medication.  This examination will be administered in the first four weeks of the first clinical/simulation rotation.  Students not receiving an 90% on the examination will be scheduled to attend a mandatory dosage calculation remediation session.  Following the remediation session, a second dosage calculation examination will be administered.  Students will be required to pass the examination with a minimum score of 90%.  If a student continues to demonstrate the inability to correctly perform dosage calculations on the 2nd examination, remediation of math skills in the SUCCESS Center and/or assigned nursing tutor will be required.  SUCCESS Center and/or assigned nursing tutor remediation and third examination must be completed within three (3) weeks of the first attempt/test.  Following remediation in the SUCCESS Center and/or assigned nursing tutor, a final dosage calculation examination will be administered.  Students not achieving a minimum of 90% on the 3rd dosage calculation examination will be required to withdraw from Nursing.  

Math questions will be part of every test students take in theory, lab, and clinical.  Dosage calculation/math questions will be no more than 10% of any given unit test in theory.  Students will be expected to be proficient in math/dosage calculations throughout the program and any indication that the student is not proficient will result in further testing/remediation.

Repeat/Readmission Policy

Program statistics indicate that students who repeat specific courses more than one time or re-enter the program multiple times are less likely to be successful on the NCLEX-PN and/or NCLEX-RN.  To support student success the following repeat policy statements have been developed:

1. Students will be allowed to repeat core course nursing courses (see list of core courses) one time in any/all nursing programs of study. If the student does not achieve a final grade of a “C” (78%) or better, in one of the core courses, it is considered an unsuccessful attempt and student will be withdrawn from the program and cannot progress to the next term. The student must indicate the intent to return to the program and repeat the course the next time the course is offered dependent upon seat availability.  If students fail a core nursing course a second time, they will withdraw from the program and will not be eligible for re-entry into any nursing program of study. 
2. Students will be allowed to re-enter the nursing program one time at any level (Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing levels).
3. Students desiring to re-enter the nursing program will be required to complete the appropriate college forms which can be obtained in the Health Sciences Division Office or from the Department Chair.  Prior to re-entering the program, applicants will be required to submit a Plan of Action or Reflection paper describing what student actions lead to the low grade in the course the first time the student took it and what the student will do differently in order to ensure success the second time taking the course and submit it to the Department Chair to approve before the student registers for classes.
4. Students leaving the nursing program for reasons not related to grades will be allowed one re-entry to the program at any level.
5. Any student enrolled in a core nursing course, which results in a withdrawal (after the 8th day of the term) or a grade of less than 78%, constitutes an attempt of the course.
6. Students accepted into both PN and ADN at time of initial admission (ADN1) who do not continue to the ADN year during the term directly following the completion of the PN year, must reapply to the ADN year and will be admitted under the most current course catalogue and admission requirements.
7. Readmission is based on the availability of seats in the program.

Transfer

IHCC accepts credit from other approved post-secondary institutions and will apply these credits, when appropriate, toward requirements of the program in which the student is enrolled.  Core Nursing courses are not typically transferable from other schools. If a student feels they have prior credit for a general education class, transcripts must be submitted to the Registrar will review the transcript to make the determination concerning transfer credit.  Students may be asked to provide course syllabi, course outlines or other documentation before credit is granted.

Termination Policy

Students who wish to terminate or withdraw from a program are required to have a conference with the Department Chair of Nursing. Add/Drop/Withdrawal forms can be obtained from the Health Sciences Division office in the Rural Health Education Center or from the Student Services office on the Centerville Campus.  Any withdrawal from a core nursing course or a corequisite course constitutes withdrawal from the program.  All withdrawals must be completed eight days prior to the end of the term.

Attendance Policy

Indian Hills Community College considers attendance to be very important.  The nursing faculty expects the student to be present for classes, labs, and clinical experiences in order to attain the objectives of the program.  

Classroom

Attendance records are maintained daily for every course. Attendance records will be reviewed when considering appeals for re-entry into the program. Students may not miss more than two theory days per class without prior approval from the Department Chair of Nursing.  On the third absence from class, the student will be withdrawn from the program and will need to reapply and repeat the entire course, including all theory, lab, and clinical components, even if the student was passing all components of the course before the absence.

Students are responsible for any classroom, lab, or clinical content they missed due to an absence.  Students will be given a zero for any in-class assignments/activities and those assignments/activities will be made-up only at the discretion of the instructor and only if it does not put any undue burden upon the instructor to recreate the original activity/assignment.  If the instructor allows a make-up of a missed assignment, it must be made-up within three calendar days of the absence.

If absent on a scheduled test day, the student will be allowed the opportunity to make up the exam at the IHCC Test Center or with the instructor in the office at the instructor’s discretion.  The exam will be made-up on the first day back to class outside of class hours and must be completed within one week of the original test date or a zero will be recorded as the grade for the test and the student will no longer be able to take the test.

Clinical/Simulation 

To evaluate whether a student has met the clinical objectives/outcomes for a particular clinical course, the students are expected to attend clinical and arrive prepared with appropriate assigned homework or other preparation needed to perform optimally at the clinical experience including simulation.  Failure to meet course competencies due to lack of attendance will result in an unsatisfactory evaluation and course failure. In the event of a clinical absence, the following policies apply:

1. Absences must be reported directly to the clinical instructor at least 30 minutes prior to the assigned duty time.  Failure to do so will be considered a “no-call/no-show”.  No-call/no-show is unacceptable.  A no-call/no-show incident is grounds for failure of the Clinical rotation.  A second no-call/no- show incident at any time in the program will be grounds for dismissal from the Nursing Program.
2. A student is expected to treat clinic as they would a job. Arriving to clinical late or leaving clinical early is considered an absence for the clinical day. The time on the Instructor’s cell phone is used to determine student arrival or departure time. Students are advised to arrange their schedule in such a way that they arrive at clinic 10-15 minutes early.  This allows for student preparation prior to the start of a clinical day.  Arriving as late as 1 second after the start of the clinical day is considered an absence and the student will receive and unsatisfactory for the day.  All time missed due to an absence must be made-up at the designated clinical make-up day at the end of the term, however, the student will still recieve the absence.  The student must be on the unit with all belongings put away and ready to start patient care by the start time of the clinical experience.  Coming in the door of the facility, arriving in the parking lot at the start time, or not being prepared to begin care of the patient at the start time will result in an absence.
3. Every clinical absence must be made up by the student on the scheduled make-up days at the end of each term, which are usually the last two clinic days of the rotation.  It is understood that sometimes things happen which prevent a student from attending clinical, but which are not long-term events.  Clinical absences are taken very seriously.  The two days allotted at the end of the term will be supervised by a clinical instructor at a clinical site which may not be the site where the student missed the day, requiring the student to possibly have a longer commute to the make-up site.  There will also be an assignment in the form of a clinical paperwork packet that will be assigned and turned-in for grading.  The student must submit this packet the following day after the make-up clinical and the instructor has seven (7) days to grade the work and return to the student for revisions and corrections.  This will result in a student receiving an incomplete for the course and may affect the students’ financial aid.   Clinical absences are separate and apart from leaves of absences for maternity leave, jury duty, medical leave, military leave, etc.  Graduation status will not be posted on transcripts or released to the Board of Nursing until all make-up days have been completed satisfactorily. 
   1. If a student misses more than two clinical days, make-up of the subsequent days will be only for extreme circumstances and will be at the discretion of the Department Chair of Nursing.  If subsequent days are needed to be made-up due to extreme circumstances, the student will arrange that day(s) with the instructor and will pay $120 for each unscheduled make-up day.  This will be only at the discretion of the Department Chair of Nursing and will need to be pre-approved.
   2. Clinical paperwork that is due on the date the student is absent must be emailed to the instructor before 6:45 am on the due date. Clinical journaling will still be due as scheduled by instructor.  If the student is absent for a pre-approved appointment, then the assignment must be turned in before the absence.  Students failing to meet this standard will receive a “0” for the assignment and for the clinical day.  
4. If a student misses more than two days of clinical in a term, they will fail the clinical component of the course, thereby failing the entire course in which they are enrolled.  Students who have unexpected surgery, maternity needs, or military duty may meet with the Department Chair and request a Leave of Absence.  Students granted a Leave of Absence and who will miss more than 4 days of the clinical component in any term will be required to repeat the entire course in the next term it is offered.  Leave of Absence consideration requires prior written request or prior notification to the Department Chair of Nursing before the actual absence occurs, for consideration of approval. If an unexpected event occurs (i.e. emergency surgery) the student will be expected to notify the Department Chair of Nursing as soon as possible after the event. 
5. All absences for class and clinical experiences are documented in the student’s permanent record.

Leave of Absence

If an unavoidable period of extended (more than 2 days) absences is anticipated, the student should contact the Department Chair of Nursing. If this situation is known in advance, the faculty will work with the student in an attempt to minimize any adverse impact on the student’s educational goals.  Keep in mind that the charge of the Nursing Department to the Board of Nursing and to the Community is to ensure the student is able to meet all course objectives.  Missing more than 4 days of clinic is considered to be missing too many days to allow the student to meet the necessary objectives of the course.  Arrangements will be made for the student to repeat the course in the next term that it is offered, if a seat is available.   The following events qualify for Leave of Absence:

1. Maternity leave
2. Surgery – self or a dependent
3. Medical restrictions – (must be a specific medical restriction that prevents clinical attendance)
4. Military service
5. Jury duty

Vacations, even if planned prior to entering the program, will not qualify for an excused Leave of Absence.  Each day the student is absent due to vacation will count as an absence.

The Student will submit a written request, including documentation, to the Department Chair of Nursing. Days cannot be banked that would allow a student to have more than 4 absences.  If the number of absences or “leave of absence” days exceeds 4 days, the student will withdraw from the nursing clinical course for that term and repeat the course in the next term in which it is offered. All make up days must be completed before returning to the nursing courses. The student cannot progress to the next full term of nursing courses until all clinical days for the current term are completed.  

Testing Policy

The IHCC Nursing Program Testing Policy and Procedure shall serve as a model for quality testing procedures, test delivery and testing environments that will provide information to students.  These standards have guidelines which are beneficial for all involved in the testing process.

Purpose:

To promote and assure accurate, quality testing operations and procedures that uphold ethical practices and prepare students for successful completion of the NCLEX.

Objectives:

1. Promote and provide information for quality testing procedures at IHCC.
2. Provide standardized testing criteria that promotes quality testing procedure and practices.
3. Recognize the importance of testing environments, conditions and procedures for standardized testing.
4. Reduce distractions in testing environments.
5. Ensure the security of all testing materials.
6. To empower students with the best opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities.
7. To demonstrate and enhance professionalism.

Testing Standards:

1. Only computer/electronic testing will be used.  No paper tests will be given.
2. Appropriate examination storage and handling procedures will be followed to test integrity.
3. Integrity of testing will be assured through active proctoring.
4. Privacy and confidentiality of examiners will be maintained.
5. Responses to exam concerns will be treated respectfully, while still maintaining the integrity of the test and the testing environment.
6. Referrals to the Success Center, tutor, and the IHCC Testing Center will provide students with appropriate resources for successful testing.
7. Test evaluation and planning will be completed in a comprehensive manner and will be ongoing in nature.

Testing Procedure:

1. All tests will be administered at the beginning of a class session.
2. All faculty will take and assure class attendance at the beginning of each testing session.
3. Students will be seated randomly or by an arranged seating chart.  Seating arrangements will be at the discretion of each instructor. Seating arrangements will limit the view of other examiners and will foster adequate proctoring.
4. Students will not be allowed to sit for any examination until personal belongings are properly placed in designated areas away from the examiner.  These designated areas will be at the discretion of the instructor.
5. No coats, hats, gloves, , blankets, scarves, bags, purses, paper, etc., or any other materials will be allowed on chairs, tables, or under desks that will serve as the student testing station.  All materials must be stowed in the instructor designated area prior to the student beginning any testing.
6. Any and all electronic devices not being utilized for testing are required to be off or muted during testing and stowed in the instructor designated area prior to any testing.
7. Headphones, ear buds, head gear, wireless appliances, etc. will not be allowed to be worn during testing. No Apple, Google, FitBit, or Android watches or other similar devices.
8. Provisions will be made for religious or cultural attire.
9. Ear plugs may be used by students but only with instructor approval prior to the start of the test.  These may not be electronic.
10. Testing stations/desktops should be completely clear during testing sessions.  No food or drinks will be allowed during testing.
11. No cell phones of other devices may be used during testing.
12. Students will be issued a whiteboard, eraser, and marker by the instructor.  No writing on the board can begin until the test has started.  The student must turn in the board, eraser, and marker before leaving the testing session.
13. Testing sessions will be timed, no additional time for an exam will be allowed unless prior arrangements have been made or the student has documented need for additional test time.
14. The length of time of the examination will be specified by the instructor at the beginning of the testing period. Students will be allowed a total of a minute and a half (1.5 minutes) per question to test (ie. 50 questions = 75 minutes test time).
15. Students may not ask questions during a testing session.
16. Test questions or content are not to be discussed following testing.
17. To minimize distractions for students who are testing, you are asked to sit quietly after submitting your completed test.  If you choose to leave the room at the completion of the test, you may not re-enter the classroom until everyone has completed testing.
18. Make-up tests may not be taken during scheduled class or clinical time.  
19. Tests will be graded within one week (7 days) of testing and grades will be posted after a thorough test analysis is completed by the instructor.
20. Students requiring accommodations for testing (i.e. increased testing time, tests read, and distraction-free environment) should contact the Success Center to obtain the necessary assistance. Classroom instructors may not make accommodations without proper notification from the Success Center.
21. If assistance is needed to improve test taking skills, contact the Success Center, instructor, or tutor.

Special Circumstances:

Off campus testing may be required in the event of a required quarantine or other such college-wide or program events.  During such times:

1. Tests/exams may include the use of electronic surveillance methods.
2. The expectation is that the student will sit at a desk/table and not lie back in a recliner or sofa to take the test.
3. The testing area needs to be completely void of any items other than ONE piece of blank paper and two pencils or pens.  This means the floor around the table should be clear.  There should not be papers or books on or within reach of the testing area.
4. ALL students will do a careful, slow, environmental scan, focusing on the tabletop, person’s lab, floor, and area surrounding the table, as well as the room.  EITHER A BRIEF OR NO ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN WILL RESULT IN A “0” FOR THE EXAM GRADE.
5. Students will focus on the computer while taking the exam.  Excess looking to the side or up will be interpreted as cheating and the test may be considered invalid.  If this is the case, a zero will be given for the grade and the student will be at risk for being dismissed from the program.
6. When preparing to use the scrap paper, the student will announce, “I am doing a calculation.”
7. The student will show both sides of the paper at the end of the test.  This should be done slowly so that both sides can be clearly viewed in the video.
8. A student who feels they can’t abide by these expectations may arrange to come in the Ottumwa campus testing center and take the exam there.  They would still have to take the exam at the same date and time as the class and would be held to the same testing standards as listed in the Nursing Policy Handbook.
9. Students who flag high on Respondus will be asked to come in and test at the testing center.
10. Students will use the calculator function that is inserted into Respondus, not a physical calculator.
11. Books, notes, physical calculators, or any other helps, such as post-it notes are not allowed.
12. If a student does not have reliable internet, they are responsible for arranging prior to the test date to take the exam at the testing center or at a pre-designated site on campus.  This must be arranged through the instructor.

Ethics Statement:

If any of the testing policies are not followed or any student is suspected of cheating or tampering with any test in any form or format or exhibits any irregular, unusual or dishonest behavior, including disclosure of test contents, whether tangible or intangible, the student will be required to surrender their test.  The test will be invalid and student will receive a grade of zero and be dismissed from the program.         

Grading Policy

The Health Occupations Division grading scale is listed below:

Students must achieve a 78% (C) or above in the following courses to progress in the program.  

Calculation of GPA

You may compute you GPA at any time by following this example:

To calculate your grade point, multiply the credit hours X the numerical grade.  Add the total credit hours and the total grade points.  GPA=grade point divided by total credit hours. Grades will not be rounded.  A 77.9 % will be a D.

Grades

Each instructor provides the grading criteria for the course.  Grades are based upon individual achievement, not upon the relative performance of your classmates.  Each student is expected to be present for all classroom, laboratory, and clinical learning experiences.  It is expected that all examinations are taken as scheduled and assignments submitted as specified by the instructor. 

If a student is unable to complete some portion of assigned course work during the regular term, an approved leave of absence (surgery, family death, illness of a child requiring hospitalization, maternity leave) may be requested from the Department Chair of Nursing.  Should the leave be granted, the student must complete the course work within two (2) weeks after returning from an approved leave. The IHCC school calendar identifies midterm dates.  A mark of “I” (Incomplete) will be assigned in this situation.  “Incomplete” (“I”) grades assigned at the end of a term automatically convert to the letter grade “F” at midterm of the following term unless the work is satisfactorily completed.

If an approved leave of absence is not granted, late work will not be accepted.

Students must notify the school of any detected errors within two weeks after the final grade is awarded.  The student should contact the course instructor immediately with individual grade questions.  Questions regarding your GPA should be discussed with your instructor, Department Chair of Nursing, or Dean.

1. Tests will be given throughout each course.  Each instructor will determine the time of the tests and a schedule will be provided to the student.
2. Any student who drops below a 2.0 grade point average at any time is automatically considered to be on probation.  If the grade point average is not raised to 2.0, the student may be requested to leave the program.
3. Conferences will be scheduled periodically to discuss grades, progress, and concerns.  Students may schedule conferences with the instructor, Department Chair of Nursing or faculty advisor at any time.  Students are expected to take the initiative in scheduling conferences when grades are below average.
4. IHCC accepts credit from other approved post-secondary institutions and will apply these credits, when appropriate, toward requirements of the program in which the student is enrolled.  Transcripts from other colleges must be submitted to the office of the Registrar for review. Nursing courses from other institutions will typically not be accepted.
5. Students who wish to terminate or withdraw from a program are required to obtain termination papers.  Termination papers are obtained at the Ottumwa Campus in the Health Sciences office and in the Student Services office at Centerville.  Proper termination procedures insure that the student does not receive grades of “F” for all courses taken.  All withdrawals must be completed prior to two weeks before the end of the term.  All withdrawals from the nursing program require meeting with the nursing faculty.

Appeal of Final Grades

To view the full Appeal of Final Grades Policy, please visit the College Catalog & Student Handbook.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation will be certified by the issuance of a degree or diploma.  Satisfactory completion includes complying with all program requirements as well as the following:

1. The student must achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average in the nursing curriculum;
2. A minimum of 16 semester hours in an associate degree program must be earned at Indian Hills Community College (a minimum of 12 semester hours, or one term, in diploma program must be taken at IHCC);
3. The student must have met all financial obligations to the college;
4. The student earning an associate degree must have a high school transcript which indicates graduation or a HiSET certification on file in the registrar’s office before a diploma or associate degree will be issued.
5. Students must successfully complete all core and support courses and meet graduation requirements at the Practical Nursing (PN) level before beginning the second year of the Associate Degree program.

Placement

The ability of a student to obtain employment in his/her career field upon graduation is a very important part of the educational process.  The Health Occupations Division, working cooperatively with each student, will do everything possible to see that this outcome is met:

1. The student is responsible to actively seek employment.
2. The division will keep students informed of known available employment opportunities.
3. The student is asked to provide the Department Chair, Nursing Programs / Health Sciences Secretary with placement data once a job is accepted. This helps develop statistics that assist IHCC, the Iowa Board of Nursing, and Iowa Workforce Development in planning for the future. 
4. The Health Sciences Division may sponsor a career fair annually to make students aware of employment opportunities.

Curriculum

To view the full program curriculum, please click on the links below.

• Practical Nursing, Diploma
• Associate Degree Nursing, A.A.S.

Faculty Directory

For a full listing of Faculty members please visit the faculty directory in the College Catalog & Student Handbook or search the Online Faculty/Staff Directory.