East Carolina University
College of Nursing
Graduate
Student Handbook
2010-2011
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Table of Contents
Welcome ..................................................................................................................8
General Information Section for MSN Students ..................................................... 9
History ...................................................................................................................10
Philosophy of the College of Nursing ................................................................... 11
Purpose of the College of Nursing ........................................................................ 12
Academic Regulations
Official Announcements ........................................................................................ 12
Distance Education Students ................................................................................. 12
Registration Procedures ......................................................................................... 12
Early Registration .................................................................................................. 13
Schedule Changes .................................................................................................. 13
Student Load .......................................................................................................... 14
Continuous Enrollment or Registration……………………………… ................. 14
Official Withdrawal ............................................................................................... 14
Readmission .......................................................................................................... 14
Time Limitations for Completion of Program ...................................................... 14
Grading System ..................................................................................................... 15
Grade Standards..................................................................................................... 15
Grade Appeal ......................................................................................................... 16
Removal of Incompletes ........................................................................................ 16
Change of Grade .................................................................................................... 17
Transfer Credits ..................................................................................................... 17
Revised
August 2010
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Application for Graduation.................................................................................... 17
Change of Name and Address ............................................................................... 18
Students Serving as Witnesses to Legal Documents ............................................. 18
College of Nursing Graduate Policies
Office of Student Services ..................................................................................... 18
Student Records ..................................................................................................... 18
Performance Standards .......................................................................................... 19
Criminal Background Check ................................................................................. 20
Student Misconduct Policy .................................................................................... 21
Policy on Disruptive Academic Behavior ............................................................. 23
Policy on Substance Abuse ................................................................................... 25
Policy on Impairment and Chemical Substance Abuse ......................................... 25
Policy Relating to Students who have Physical or Mental Health Issues which
Interfere with Academic/Clinical Performance ..................................................... 28
Laptop Usage in Classrooms Policy ...................................................................... 29
ECU Health Sciences Center Smoking Policy ...................................................... 29
Clinical Requirements
Health Forms and Documentation ......................................................................... 29
HIV and/or Hepatitis B Infected Health Care Workers (Including Students) ....... 30
Immunization Waivers ......................................................................................... 31
JCAHO and Other Agency Requirement .............................................................. 31
CPR Requirements ................................................................................................ 31
Professional Liability Insurance ............................................................................ 31
Health Insurance Plans for Students ...................................................................... 32
Student Illness in a Clinical Facility ...................................................................... 32
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Licensure Verification ........................................................................................... 33
Uniform Policy ...................................................................................................... 32
Uniform Variation for Clinical Settings ................................................................ 33
Student Records ..............................................................................................34
Policy on Posting Grades....................................................................................... 35
College of Nursing Policies, Resources, and Organizations
College of Nursing Convocation ........................................................................... 35
Academic Support and Counseling Center............................................................ 36
Student Emergency Needs Fund ........................................................................... 36
Office of Research & Scholarship ......................................................................... 36
CON Tech Team.................................................................................................... 37
Institutional Review Board Process....................................................................... 37
Learning Resource Center ..................................................................................... 37
Concepts Integration Laboratory (CIL) ................................................................. 38
East Carolina Center for Nursing Leadership (ECCNL) ....................................... 38
College of Nursing EXCHANGE ......................................................................... 38
Policies .................................................................................................................. 39
Organizations .........................................................................................................39
Graduate Student Organization (GSO)................................................................. 39
American Associate of Men in Nursing (AAMN) ............................................... 40
Multicultural Student Nurse Association (MSNA) .............................................. 40
Nurses Christian Fellowship ................................................................................ 40
Sigma Theta Tau International, Beta Nu Chapter ................................................ 40
National Association of Bariatric Nurses (NABN) .............................................. 41
University Resources
Student Handbook ................................................................................................. 41
Financial Aid Information ..................................................................................... 41
Dean of Students Office ........................................................................................ 42
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Student Rights and Responsibilities ...................................................................... 42
The Career Center.................................................................................................. 42
Center for Counseling and Student Development ................................................. 42
Personal Counseling Center –
The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University ................................. 43
Student Organizations ........................................................................................... 43
Student Media ........................................................................................................ 43
Central Ticket Office ............................................................................................. 43
William E. Laupus Health Sciences Library ......................................................... 43
Joyner Library ....................................................................................................... 44
Information Technology and Computing Services................................................ 44
Student Health Service .......................................................................................... 44
University Writing Center ..................................................................................... 44
ECU Online Writing Lab....................................................................................... 44
Adult, Commuter, and Transfer Student Services (ACTS) ................................... 45
University Transit Services ................................................................................... 45
Department of Parking and Transportation Service .............................................. 45
Campus Safety ....................................................................................................... 45
Disability Support Services ................................................................................... 45
Office of Intercultural Student Affairs .................................................................. 45
International Programs .......................................................................................... 46
Student Stores ........................................................................................................ 46
Dining ....................................................................................................................46
Recreational Facilities ........................................................................................... 46
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MSN Information Section
Purpose of the Master’s Program .......................................................................... 48
Objectives of the Master’s Program ...................................................................... 48
MSN Curriculum and Sequencing......................................................................... 49
Graduate Clinical Assignments ............................................................................. 49
MSN Curriculum and Sequencing
Clinical Nurse Specialist ...................................................................................... 51
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Post Masters Certificate .............................................. 52
Nursing Leadership .............................................................................................. 53
Adult Nurse Practitioner....................................................................................... 55
Adult Nurse Practitioner, Post Masters Certificate .............................................. 56
Family Nurse Practitioner .................................................................................... 57
Family Nurse Practitioner, Post Masters Certificate ............................................ 58
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner ................................................................................. 59
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Post Masters Certificate ......................................... 60
Nurse Anesthesia .................................................................................................. 61
Nurse Anesthesia, Post Masters Certificate ......................................................... 62
Nurse Midwifery .................................................................................................. 63
Nurse Midwifery, Post Masters Certificate .......................................................... 64
Nursing Education ................................................................................................ 65
Nursing Education, Post Master’s Certificate ...................................................... 66
Alternate Entry MSN Option
Alternate Entry MSN Option (Phase I) ................................................................. 67
Alternate Entry MSN Option (Phase II) ................................................................ 67
Comprehensive Assessment
General Information .............................................................................................. 68
Purpose .................................................................................................................. 68
Guidelines ..............................................................................................................68
Administrative Process .......................................................................................... 68
In Case of Failure .................................................................................................. 68
Academic Regulations
Time Limitations for Completion of Program....................................................... 68
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Academic Advisement
Advisor Responsibilities ........................................................................................ 69
Student Responsibilities ........................................................................................ 70
Cognates/Electives ..........................................................................................71
MSN Program Research Requirements .................................................71
Appendix
Appendix A: Release to Share CBC Information.................................................. 72
Appendix B: CON Event Report Form ................................................................. 73
Appendix C: Student Instructions for Drug Screening.......................................... 75
Appendix D: Notice of Drug Screening ................................................................ 76
Appendix E: Physical Exam Form ........................................................................ 77
Appendix F: Consent, Waiver, and Release Form ................................................ 79
Appendix G: Health Insurance Waiver ................................................................. 80
Appendix H: The Pin of East Carolina University College of Nursing…… .. …..81
Appendix I: College of Nursing Scholarship Application .................................... 82
List of College of Nursing Graduate Faculty ........................................................ 84
NURS 6500 Independent Study Form ................................................................... 85
Appendix J: Revision to Graduate Grade Appeal Process .................................... 86
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Welcome
Welcome to the Graduate Programs at East Carolina University College of Nursing. We are
honored that you have chosen to continue your education at ECU. We will work with you to
ensure that this endeavor is enjoyable and satisfying.
The purpose of this handbook is to facilitate your socialization to graduate study and student
life in the master’s and PhD programs. Please read the handbook at the beginning of your
graduate program and refer back to it throughout your course of study.
The administration, staff, and faculty of the College of Nursing will be responsive to your
questions and concerns. Please feel comfortable seeking assistance as needed. We are here to
help you advance your nursing career, learn new skills, and foster your scholarship in the
profession of nursing. Our success depends on your achievements—you are our biggest
investment!
Best wishes as you pursue your advanced degree in nursing.
Sylvia T. Brown, EdD, RN, CNE
Dean
College of Nursing
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General Information
for MSN Students
The College of Nursing follows the policies of East Carolina
University as set forth in the Graduate Catalog and the Student
Handbook. Policies outlined in this handbook are those specific to
the Department of Graduate Nursing Science that clarify academic
policies and procedures the faculty have established for students.
This handbook is intended to complement, not replace, the rules
and regulations set forth in the ECU Graduate Catalog and/or ECU
Student Handbook. It is your responsibility to become acquainted
with the East Carolina University policies. For up-to-date
information, consult the online version of the university’s graduate
catalog. It is the official graduate catalog and can be found at
http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/grcat/index.cfm.
This handbook will be maintained on the College of Nursing
website; policy changes will be updated electronically. Students
will be notified of changes and effective dates via ECU email.
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History
The College of Nursing was created by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1959 and
admitted its first undergraduate students in 1960. The College has been approved by the North
Carolina Board of Nursing since 1961 and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education with full approval until June 2015. Currently, the College is a member of the National
League for Nursing, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and the Southern Council of
Collegiate Education for Nursing (SREB).
Since its founding, the College of Nursing has continued to grow in numbers of faculty and
enrolled students. The first class of nursing students was admitted in the fall quarter of 1960.
Seventeen nursing majors were graduated during commencement in 1964. In 1960, there were
25 students and three faculty members. Currently, there are over 6000 graduates from the
baccalaureate program employed throughout the world. Today, the College of Nursing serves
1100 students and employs more than 140 faculty and staff.
From 1967 until 2006, the College occupied the Rivers Building complete with research and
instructional facilities, including a Learning Resources Center, a Concepts Integration Lab, six
classrooms and 40 faculty offices. In July 2006, the College moved to the new Health Sciences
Building on the west campus. This facility has expanded the College of Nursing space to
include a Learning Resource Center with 40 computer work stations and 8 Concepts Integration
labs. In addition, the Nursing section of the Health Sciences Building houses 12 classrooms and
125 faculty offices.
Authorization to plan a graduate program in nursing at East Carolina University was granted in
1975 by the General Adm inistration, University of North Carolina System . The proposed
Master of Science (MS N) program was develope d and presented to the appropriate bodies for
approval. P rogram authorization was granted in August 1977, and the first students were
admitted one m onth later in Sep tember 1977. Today this program rem ains the only MSN
degree program in nursing in eastern North Caro lina and offers m ajor study concentrations in
the following areas : Clinical Nurs e Specialis t, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Neon atal Nurse
Practitioner, Fam ily Nurse Prac titioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Nurse Anesthesia, Nursin g
Education, and Nursing Leadership.
In fall 2004, the Alternate Entry MS N Option was added to adm it students with undergraduate
degrees in fields other than nur sing to the MSN program . This pr e-licensure option is the only
accelerated course of study in North Carolin a that leads to a MSN degree. Upon co mpletion of
one year of full-tim e campus study, Alternate Entry students take the N CLEX, begin work as
an RN, and start coursework in one of the MSN concentrations.
In spring 2001, approval was received from the UNC Board of Governors to begin a PhD
program in nursing. Th e first stud ents were ad mitted in fall 2002 and the first doctoral d egree
was conferred in May 2005. The doctoral progra m has grown to 30 students and courses are
taught one day each week to m eet the schedu ling needs o f students. Approval was recen tly
granted for the College of Nursing to offer th e PhD in a BSN to PhD for mat. The purpose of
the PhD in nursing is to prepare nu rse researchers and scholars to explore, develop, and m ove
forward the scientific bases of nursing practice and nursing educat ion. Students are prepared to
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conduct research in the dom ains of nursing science and collaborat e with other pr ofessionals on
interdisciplinary pro jects. Upon graduation, students are ready to assum e positions as
researchers, administrators in public and privat e health care organizations, policy m akers and
analysts, and university faculty.
In 1987, The College of Nursing becam e a part of the Division of Health Sciences along with
the Colleges of Allied Health Sciences, the Br ody School of Medicine an d the Laupu s Health
Sciences Library. Th e Di vision is led by the Vice Chanc ellor f or He alth Scienc es who is
located on the first floor of the Brody Building.
Philosophy of the College of Nursing
Vision
East Carolina University College of Nursing (ECUCON) will be nationally recognized for
innovative programs in nursing education and collaborative, interdisciplinary partnerships that
improve the way health care is provided in rural underserved communities as well as for
research that advances nursing science. Our intent is to improve the health and well being of
citizens in the region and around the world.
Mission
The mission of ECUCON is to serve as a national model for transforming the health of rural
underserved regions through excellence and innovation in nursing education, leadership,
research, scholarship and practice.
Values
The ECU CON believes:
• All people should be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion.
• Caring relationships are the core of nursing practice.
• The profession of nursing contributes to the health and well-being of individuals,
families, organizations, and communities.
• High quality education, which includes both face-to-face and on-line learning,
transforms lives.
• Students should be prepared to actively participate in a global community.
• Nursing practice and education should occur in a diverse and inclusive environment.
• Our tradition of service learning, community engagement, and leadership provides a
model for transforming the health of the region, nation, and the world.
• Knowledge development and dissemination are our responsibility and commitment.
These guiding principles form a belief system which is foundational to our BSN, MSN and
PhD programs.
02/09 (revisions made)
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Purpose of the College of Nursing
The College of Nursing is an academic unit of the Health Sciences Division of East Carolina
University. It serves as a center of excellence for leadership in nursing, professional nursing
education, research, service, and faculty practice within a multicultural, underserved, and rural
region. It offers baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degree programs. The baccalaureate and
master’s program have special program options for registered nurse and postmaster’s student.
The objectives of the College of Nursing are to:
• Prepare well qualified entry level nurses, nurse educators, advanced practice nurses,
nurse leaders, and nurse scientists.
• Advance nursing science through engagement in research and clinical scholarship.
• Engage in collaborative, interdisciplinary partnerships that improve the health care
provided in rural underserved communities.
Academic Regulations
Please refer to the East Carolina University Graduate Catalog for details on all of these regulations.
For up-to-date information, consult the online version of the university’s graduate catalog. It is
the official graduate catalog and can be found at http://www.ecu.edu/cs-
acad/aa/SrchCatalog.cfm. There are two versions of the online graduate catalog that students
can reference. The HTML version allows the user easy navigation and indicated up-to-date
curricular revisions as well as a printable pdf version.
Official Announcements
The university maintains approximately one hundred official bulletin boards at key locations on
campus and also maintains an official bulletin board on the ECU home page, www.ecu.edu. It
is the responsibility of the student to read and know the contents of those announcements which
affect his or her program. The ECU College of Nursing will communicate official
announcements to the student’s ECU email address.
Distance Education Students
Students currently taking distance education courses should refer to www.ecu.edu/cs-
acad/options/currentstudents.cfm to access the academic calendar, advising information, the
ECU bookstore, ECU OneStop and Banner for course schedules and grades, Blackboard,
tuition and financial aid information, and student life information. Newly admitted students
may also refer to http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/options/firsttimestudents.cfm for additional
information. The Division of Continuing Studies website is www.options.ecu.edu.
Registration Procedures
Registration is time designated each semester to allow the student and the advisor to review the
student’s record and plan the student’s courses for the upcoming semester.
Students who have received a letter of admission from the Graduate School report to the CON
concentration in which they are enrolled to be assigned an advisor who will assist in scheduling
classes and completing registration. Each student, new or continuing, has primary responsibility
for assuring that he or she is completing degree requirements and determine his or her own
course registration. Students should consult their advisors for information on how to register.
To complete the process and be officially registered and entered on the class roll, on-campus
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students must pay tuition and fees to the cashier’s office. Distance education students will pay
tuition and fees through the Division of Continuing Students using the university cashier.
Payment for both campus and online options can be completed online through the students’
onestop account. No person will be admitted to any class unless officially registered either for
audit or for credit.
Students are expected to complete registration (including the payment of all required tuition
and fees) on the dates prescribed in the university calendar. Students who register during the
early registration period are required to pay their fees and secure their official schedules during
a stipulated period prior to registration day. Students who fail to pay fees by this date will have
their schedules canceled.
Any student who interrupts his or her graduate program by not registering for courses on or off
campus during any one semester of the regular academic year must apply for readmission
before being allowed to resume graduate work. See Graduate Catalog for readmission
procedures.
Early Registration
Early registration is a time designated each semester for currently enrolled, readmitted, or
newly admitted students to meet with their advisors, if necessary, to review their records and
plan their courses for the upcoming semester. Students should consult their advisors for
information on how to register. After registration the student will receive a tuition and fee
schedule giving further instructions.
Students are strongly encouraged to register early since those students who do so find it less
difficult to secure a satisfactory schedule of courses. Early registration dates are found in the
ECU Bulletin, Graduate Catalog. Courses are posted on the ECU website through Banner Self-
Service. Students admitted to a nursing program receive priority over non-degree
students during the early registration period. The College of Nursing registration dates are
posted on the CON website.
Nine semester hours is considered a full-time course load for Fall and Spring semesters and
three semester hours is a full-time load for each of the summer sessions. No more than fifteen
semester hours of work may be taken in any one semester.
Schedule Changes
A graduate student may add a course or courses through the day following the last day to
register for the semester. Students need to notify their advisor regarding schedule changes.
Schedule changes may affect financial aid. After course changes are approved, the changes may
be done through Student Services.
A graduate student may drop a course and receive no grade according to the date given in the
Graduate School calendar. A student who drops a course after the last day for graduate
students to drop a class without a grade will receive a final grade of F unless he or she has
permission from the dean of the Graduate School to drop for medical reasons or other
justification.
Schedule changes will be done through Office of Student Services during the drop/add period.
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Student Load
No more than 15 semester hours of work may be taken in any one semester without the written
permission of the department or college and the dean of the Graduate School. A student is
considered to be enrolled full-time when registered for a minimum of 9 semester hours during a
regular semester.
Continuous Enrollment or Registration
Graduate students who have previously registered for all credits in a graduate degree program
but who have not completed all requirements (e.g., thesis, professional paper, internship, etc.)
must continue to register each semester (except summer terms) until all degree requirements
are completed and filed with the registrar. Under special circumstance, exception to continuous
registration may be approved by the dean of the Graduate School. Students must be registered
for the semester of graduation (except summer, if registered for the prior spring semester).
Official Withdrawal
Student must notify their advisor regarding their intent to withdraw. Students registered on
campus withdrawal through the Office of Registrar. Students registered through Continuing
Studies must withdrawal from the Office of Student Services in the Division of Continuing
Studies. Students withdrawing for medical/counseling reasons should complete the procedure
within thirty days after the last class attendance. All other students withdrawing should
complete this procedure immediately after the last class attendance. After classes have ended,
no withdrawal, except in the case of severe medical emergency, can be filed. A graduate
student withdrawing by the last day for graduate students to drop courses without grades as
given in the Graduate School calendar will not receive grades for the semester. A graduate
student withdrawing from school after the last day for graduate students to drop courses
without grades shall receive a grade of F for all classes which he or she is failing at the time
unless, in the judgement of the
dean of the Graduate School, the failures were caused by circumstances beyond the student’s
control.
All requests for drop or withdrawal for distance education students must be submitted to the
Office of the Registrar in writing via email to DEdrops@ecu.edu or via fax to 252-328-4232.
Readmission
Any student who interrupts his or her graduate program by not registering for courses on or off
campus during any one semester of the regular academic year must apply for readmission
before being allowed to resume graduate work. Applications for readmission can be found at
http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/gradschool/applicationinfo.cfm
See Graduate Catalog for the ECU Readmission Policy.
Time Limitations for Completion of Program
“The time limit for completing all credit (including transfer credit) in nondoctoral programs is
six years. College, school, and departmental petitions for time extensions for completion of
degrees will be reviewed and acted upon by the Graduate School. The
Graduate School is empowered to establish the length of time for extensions that are granted
and to specify the conditions governing time extensions that student petitioners must meet.”
(ECU Bulletin, Graduate Catalog).
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Grading System
A-Excellent
B-Good
C-Passed
I-Incomplete – The grade of I is given for a deficiency in the quantity of work done in a course.
“I” grades must be resolved within one calendar year or a grade of “F” will automatically be
assigned. No exceptions to this policy will be allowed. No student will be allowed to graduate
with an incomplete on his or her record.
Q and R-In Progress – A special grade reserved for capstone courses such as thesis,
dissertation, professional paper, internships, pratica, and similar courses. The “Q” grade is
removed when the course is successfully completed, and replaced with a grade of “R”. The
grades in these courses are not included in meeting the cumulative “B” average required for
graduation.
F-Failure
N-Audit
Grade Standards
To meet the requ irements for g raduation and to remain in good academic standing, a stud ent
must dem onstrate acc eptable perf ormance in course work af ter being a dmitted to a graduate
program. This requires a cumulative 3.00 GPA in all course work.
In addition to the expectations for succes sful performance of course work described in the
previous paragraph, go od academ ic stand ing re quires satisfactory p rogress in the overall
graduate program . The student s’ advisor or graduate advisory com mittees m ay render
judgments as to whether satisfactory progress is being m ade toward the degree, taking into
account all aspects of academic performance and promise, not necessarily course work alone. A
positive jud gment is required to rem ain in good academ ic standing. Fo r students involved in
research-oriented p rograms, the stu dent’s depa rtment and individua l a dvisory co mmittee a re
responsible for evaluating the st udent’s skills with respect to perform ing quality research.
Failure to m eet programmatic/dep artmental standards m ay result in program term ination.
Academic Probation - F ailure to m aintain good acad emic standing results in the student being
placed on academic probation. (New regula rly adm itted st udents will not be placed on
probation until they have com pleted 12 credits or two sem esters of gra duate work, whichever
comes first.) The probationary period extends for one sem ester beyond the one in which this
status is acquired and during which the student re gisters for courses that affect the GPA (i.e.,
traditionally graded regular and non-regular courses). The period allowed between being placed
on probation and registering for courses that aff ect the GPA shall be lim ited by the student’s
advisor o r advisory co mmittee within their cr iteria f or d etermining satisf actory progres s.
Students on probation are subject to dism issal by the academ ic departm ent or the Dean of
Graduate Studies at the end of the probati onary sem ester unless good academ ic standing has
been regained. This require s adequate im provement in cum ulative GPA (3.00) and/or
satisfactory progress as determ ined by the stude nt’s g raduate adviso r o r adviso ry c ommittee.
If in the opinion of the student’s advisor or advisory comm ittee, a student’s perform ance is
sufficiently poor as to render the possibility of achieving good standing unlikely, it is within
their pre rogative to re commend immediate dism issal from the Graduate School. Such a
recommendation must be documented in writing with substantive justification for this action in
lieu of probation. It m ust be re ferred t o t he depart ment chair or appropriate adm inistrator for
15
approval and the Dean of Gradua te Studies f or f inal action. A grievance may be filed by the
procedure defined in the grievance policy.
Students in integrated bachelor’s/m aster’s degree programs who have accum ulated at least 120
credit hours of course work and who fail to m aintain a 3.0 GPA in their graduate course work
including any courses listed on their program of study will be placed on probation by th e
Graduate School and will have one sem ester in which to improve thei r cumulative grade point
averages to no less than 3.0 in their graduate course work. Fa ilure to bring the cumulative
graduate G PA to at least 3.0 wi ll resu lt in dism issal f rom the Graduate Schoo l with no r e-
enrollment permitted prior to completion of the bachelor’s degree. Students who are dism issed
from the Graduate School, and who are still in good standing within their undergraduate
programs, will be perm itted to complete their undergradu ate degrees. If a student’s adviso r,
graduate advisory comm ittee, or an appropriate graduate committee determine that the student
is m aking unsatisfactory progress toward the degree and that satisfactory progress cannot
reasonably be anticipated, immediate dismissal may be recommended. Such a recommendation
must be documented in writing with substantive justification for this action in lieu of probation.
It must be referred to the departm ent chair fo r approval and the Dean of Graduate Studies for
final action. Grades of C or hi gher m ust be earned in all re quired courses on a Program of
Study.
Standards and requirements for off-campus graduate study are the sam e as those standards and
requirements on cam pus. The academ ic departm ent chair or unit adm inistrator h as the basic
responsibility for the implementation of this policy.
Grade Appeal
The Graduate Grade Appeal Process was revised in Fall 2010. Please see Appendix J for the
new policy.
Removal of Incompletes
“A student must remove the grade of I in a course before enrolling in a nursing course for
which the incomplete course is a prerequisite” (Faculty Organization Policy, March, 1986). For
example, an incomplete in a Clinical Nursing I course must be removed before enrolling in a
Clinical Nursing II course. “The grade of I is given for a deficiency in the quantity of work
done in a course. “I” grades must be resolved within one calendar year or a grade of “F” will
automatically be assigned. No exceptions to this policy will be allowed. No student will be
16
allowed to graduate with an incomplete on his or her record (ECU Bulletin, Graduate
Catalog).”
Change of Grade
A change of grade, other than for I, for any reason, must be made within one year from the date
the original grade was received.
Transfer Credits
“Up to twenty percent of the credit hours in a program may be earned in a different but
regionally accredited institution” (ECU Bulletin, Graduate Catalog).
“Graduate level course work taken elsewhere is not automatically applicable to a graduate
degree program at ECU. Applicants for admission must indicate clearly on application forms
their attendance at other graduate-level institutions and petition their College of Nursing
adviser to apply such earned credits to their program. College petitions for application of
transfer credit must be approved by the Graduate School” (ECU Bulletin, Graduate Catalog).
Refer to the Graduate Catalog for additional information about transfer credits. See the
Graduate School website at www.ecu.edu/gradSchool to obtain a copy of the form to request
approval of transfer credit.
Transfer credit for course work from a graduate degree previously earned at East Carolina
University to a second program is not processed through the Administrative Board or the ECU
Graduate School. Graduate students in the College of Nursing requesting transfer credit for
course work completed as part of an earned graduate degree from East Carolina University
must submit such petitions to their academic advisors. Advisors will review the requests with
the appropriate graduate faculty and the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, and determine
if the course meets the ECU Graduate School criteria for transfer. The advisor will note the
decision on the Student’s Advisement Sheet and Check and Need Sheets and shall request the
Associate Dean to inform the student in writing. (Such transfer of credit must meet the usual
rules of transfer relative to final grade (not less than a B) and can be incorporated in the
required time frame for completion of the second degree).
Graduate students who have been admitted to the ECU Graduate School may enroll at other
regionally accredited graduate-level institutions for course work which is applicable to their
programs provided they have obtained advance permission from their College adviser and the
dean of the Graduate School. Forms for permission to take course work elsewhere may be
secured from the Graduate School office. Such transfer work is included in the 20 percent
maximum application of such credit to degree programs.
Application for Graduation
Application for graduation must be made on a form provided by the Registrar’s Office at least
one semester prior to completion of the requirements for the degree. The application for
graduation may be downloaded at http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/gradschool/graduation.cfm
Graduation exercises are held at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters. However, degrees are
conferred at the end of summer session. Summer graduates may participate in the Fall
Convocation and graduation following completion of all courses.
17
In addition, a special Convocation is held at the end of Fall and Spring semesters for those
graduating with the BSN, MSN, and PhD in Nursing degrees. Graduate students who anticipate
completing all requirements should inform the Associate Dean of Graduate Program’s office of
this fact four (4) weeks prior to the date of the Convocation. (this isn’t really done this way
anymore) Graduate students are encouraged to attend this ceremony and commencement in
December or May.
Change of Name and Address
It is the obligation of every student to notify the Office of the Registrar of any change in name
or address. Student may also change their address via Banner Self Service. Failure to do so
can cause significant delay in communication with the student.
Students Serving as Witnesses to Legal Documents
It is illegal in the sovereign state of North Carolina for nursing students as well as nurses and
doctors, as agents of a health agency, to witness living wills (NCGS 90-320-322). It is the
policy of ECU College of Nursing that students, graduate as well as undergraduate, are not to
serve as witnesses to legal documents of any kind (wills, informed consent, living wills, etc.)
while in the role of the nursing student in a clinical practicum (including health agencies,
clinics, and even home visits). The exceptions to this policy are those consents students need to
obtain from clients, peers or others in order to meet educational objectives; for example,
interviewing clients and obtaining research subjects’ consents.
College of Nursing Graduate Policies
Office of Student Services
The Office of Student Services is responsible for a wide array of student related activities. The
office maintains all MSN student records and acts as a liaison between students and
administration. This office is responsible for the advisement of undergraduate students,
processing admission of MSN students, providing scholarship information as well as general
information essential for students. The PhD Program Office provides these services for
doctoral students. All communication to students will be via the student’s ECU email
account. Each student is responsible for checking their email frequently.
Student Records
The Registrar’s Office of East Carolina University maintains all official grades and records of
students. However, the Office of Student Services in the College of Nursing maintains official
College of Nursing information. This includes all health information required by clinical
agencies such as copies of CPR cards, immunizations, professional liability insurance, and
health insurance coverage. Reference letters and enrollment verification letters are also copied
and put in this file. Copies of letters from faculty, administration, or the Graduate Student
Affairs Committee are also placed in student files. Criminal background checks are kept in a
separate file.
The CON policy for the administration of student educational records is in accordance with the
provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, also known as the Buckley
Amendment or FERPA. This policy provides that the student has a right of access to student
educational records maintained by the university or any department or unit within the
18
university. The policy also protects the confidentiality of personally identifiable information in
student records. Faculty, administrators, and staff are not permitted to talk with family
members and/or friends regarding student performance unless the student has identified the
individual on the FERPA release form. The student completes the form on Onestop. The
faculty or Office of Student Services can validate with the Registrars Office those individuals
whom the student has agreed to allow sharing of academic information.
Performance Standards
(Performance Standards for Admission and Progression - East Carolina University College of Nursing
Graduate Nursing Program)
The East Carolina University College of Nursing has interest and experience in accommodating
certain disabilities without compromising the integrity of the curriculum or the academic
achievement required of all students. The following performance standards describe the
nonacademic qualifications that the College considers essential for successful admission and
progression in the nursing program. These standards have been developed upon consideration
of various factors, including the minimum competencies expected of any nurse, the demands of
nursing education and clinical training, and the welfare of patients who will entrust their health
and lives to nursing College graduates.
Students accepted by the College of Nursing need to have sufficient abilities and skills in the
core performance standards for this program listed below. The examples with each standard are
not inclusive of all expected abilities and should be used only for comparative purposes by
applicants and students currently enrolled in this program.
Standard Examples of Activities
Critical Thinking – critical thinking abilities Able to accurately assess clients.
sufficient for making critical judgments. Correctly interpret findings and accurately
create nursing care plans. Accurately
calculate medications.
Communication- abilities sufficient for Able to follow written and verbal
effective interaction in verbal, written and instructions. Able to provide effective
nonverbal form with healthcare team members client teaching. Able to consult with other
and the public. health care providers in a professional
manner.
Mobility- Physical abilities include standing, Able to administer cardiopulmonary
walking, bending, and range of motion in resuscitation, move around client rooms,
extremities. work spaces, treatment areas, and
maneuver in small spaces.
Motor skills – gross and fine motor abilities Able to ambulate patients safely,
sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. administer medications intravenously, by
injection, and orally. Calibrate and use
equipment. Write or enter information on
the patient’s record.
Tactile- sufficient sensation ability for physical Able to assess a pulse, perceive
assessment and care temperature, and other aspects of
assessment. Able to manipulate syringes.
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Visual- sufficient visual ability for observation Able to read charts, monitors,
and assessment necessary in care provision thermometers. Able to assess skin color,
pupil response, wound appearance.
Accurately withdraw proper amounts of
injectable medications.
Hearing – sufficient auditory ability to monitor Able to hear monitor alarms, emergency
and assess health needs. signals, a patient’s breath sounds.
Personal behavior- emotional health sufficient Demonstrate honesty, integrity and
for full utilization of intellectual abilities, accountability. Adapt to changing patient
effective functioning during stressful situations, care situations, respect client rights and
ability to adhere to professional boundaries and avoid criminal behavior. Avoid
ethical conduct in accordance with the Code of unprofessional behaviors such as chemical
Ethics for Nurses (www.nursingworld.org) dependency and abuse.
Technological assistance may compensate for deficiencies or disabilities in some of these areas,
but must not compromise the fundamental role of the nurse or have the potential to jeopardize
patient safety. A College of Nursing (CON) applicant requesting special consideration or
accommodation on the basis of a disability may be requested to provide pertinent information
for review by the Office of Student Services. All decisions regarding applicant requests for
special consideration or accommodation will be made on an individual, applicant-by-applicant
basis after careful review and thorough consideration of all relevant factors, in keeping with
East Carolina University policies.
Applicants who identify a disability and request accommodations after acceptance
to the College of Nursing will be referred to the ECU Department of Disability Support
Services for evaluation and assistance. Applicants should be aware that the National Council
Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses and the individual state Board of Nursing are the
sole authority for granting accommodations for the NCLEX-RN. The provision of special
consideration or accommodations by a nursing College does not ensure that any similar
considerations or accommodations will be provided by the National Council Licensure
Examination for Registered Nurses.
Criminal Background Check
In order to comply with clinical agency contractual requirements and to provide the public with
nurses and nursing students who demonstrate personal and profe ssional behaviors consistent
with the standards of the nursing profession, the College of Nursing m ay require all students to
undergo a Criminal Background Check (CBC).
Satisfactory results of a crim inal background check are required for adm ission and progression
in the nursing program . Ref usal to provide con sent f or investig ation will re sult in exclus ion
from nursing courses and term ination from the program . Crim inal background infor mation
released to the College of Nursing will be us ed only f or purposes of assisting in m aking
decisions about adm ission and/or continued m atriculation in the College of Nursing. If the
background check in cludes inform ation that the student claim s is untru e or inaccu rate, these
concerns o r issues m ust be address ed by the stu dent. It is th e respons ibility of the s tudent to
resolve these issues. Students are to be advised that pending charges, convictions and/or prayer
for judgm ent ruling s may render the student inelig ible f or clinical pla cement. Addition ally,
pending charges during enrollm ent may result in r eceiving an incom plete for a clinical course
20
and possible expulsion from the program if a conviction is m ade. The progression policy
remains in effect.
The CBC must be performed by a qualified vendor selected by the CON and will meet the
following criteria:
• CBC must cover the past 10 years, or the time period since the student’s 18th birthday,
whichever is less. International students must include the time since they entered the
United States or the past 10 years, whichever is less.
• CBC must cover all states where the student has lived or worked during the last 10
years or since turning 18 years of age.
CBC must address all felony and misdemeanor crimes (except minor traffic related violations).
The student will provide a paper copy of the criminal background check directly to the College.
In addition, students must sign a “Release to Share Criminal Background Check Information
and Agreement to Report Future Felony or Misdemeanor Convictions” form (see Appendix A),
which allows the College to share information obtained in the CBC with clinical agencies for
the purpose of securing a clinical placement as part of the student’s educational experience.
Students must agree to report any felony or misdemeanor charges and convictions (excluding
minor traffic related violations), which occur during their enrollment in the College of Nursing
to the Director of Student Services. Failure to submit a comprehensive report within 5 (five)
school will be considered a violation of academic integrity and may serve as grounds for
dismissal from the College of Nursing.
The College agrees to use the student information only for the process of obtaining educational
placements for students in clinical agencies. In the event that the CBC reveals an event of
concern, the Concentration/Program Director will discuss the issue directly and immediately
with the student, prior to sharing the information with the clinical agency. The clinical agency
makes the final decision about whether a student will be placed at that site. The Assistant to the
Dean for Student Rights and Responsibilities will hear student appeals of administrative actions
taken as a result of CBC findings.
Criminal background information will be maintained in a secure file with access limited to
personnel of the Office of Student Services and the Assistant to the Dean for Student Rights
and Responsibilities. . The results will be maintained in a separate file from the student’s
academic file and will be destroyed once the individual is no longer in the nursing program.
Student Misconduct Policy
CON faculty members have academic, legal, and ethical responsibilities to protect the public, health
care community and property from unsafe nursing practices. It is within this context that
undergraduate and graduate students risk disciplinary action and/or dismissal from the CON for
conduct which threatens or has the potential to threaten property or the safety of a client, a family
member or substitute familial person, the student him/herself, a faculty member, or other health
care provider.
I. Student Awareness
Within courses, counseling, official information materials, and other instructional
21
forums of the College of Nursing, students will be provided with the documents and statements
referred to below. All nursing stud ents ar e exp ected to b e f amiliar with this polic y and ar e
further expected to perform in accordance with these requirements. This policy does not pertain
to general clinical behaviors exhibited by a st udent related to specific course req uirements.
Unsatisfactory performance in that regard will be reflected in the final grade.
II. Definition: misconduct in this policy is defined as:
1. an act or specific behavior which threatens or has the potential to threaten the physical,
emotional, mental, or environmental safety of the client, a family member or substitute familial
person, the student him or herself, another student, a faculty member, or other health care
provider or
2. any act or behavior which
a. violates the North Carolina Nursing Practice Act, Article 9 of chapter 90 of the North
Carolina General Statutes (NCGS 90-171.37; 90-171.44) or
b. violates the Code for Nurses of the American Nurses’ Association (available at
http://www.nursingworld.org)
c. violates the Standards of Nursing Practice of the American Nurses’ Association or
d. constitutes nursing practice for which a student is not authorized or educated at the time of
the incident.
III. Investigation and Evaluation of Student Misconduct
1. It is the prerogative of any faculty member who determines that a student may have
engaged in an unsafe practice to notify the student to leave the clinical setting. The faculty
member will complete the CON Event Report Form (Appendix B) and notify the appropriate
Department Chair and/or Director within 24 hours of the event. If the clinical instructor/faculty
member does not wish the student to return to the clinical setting, the following process is initiated
2. The appropriate Department Chair and the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs will
investigate the incident within three school days to determine whether there are grounds for
believing that misconduct has occurred. During this period of investigation, during which the
faculty member, department chair, and Assistant to the Dean for Student Rights and
Responsibilities will collect data and meet with the student, the student will not participate in
any nursing courses.
a. If the determination is that the incident is minor, the faculty member, in consultation with
the appropriate Department Chair and the Assistant to the Dean for Student Rights and
Responsibilities may prescribe remedial work or instruction for the student, and the student
may return to classes.
b. If the determination is that the incident is not minor, the Assistant to the Dean for Student
Rights and Responsibilities will notify the Dean and make a recommendation for a hearing.
3. The Assistant to the Dean for Student Rights and Responsibilities will immediately notify
the College of Nursing Student Affairs Committee (SAC) for undergraduate students and the
Graduate Student Affairs Committee (GSA) for graduate students and will provide the
Committee with written information prepared by the faculty member involved.
IV. Meeting Process
1. The SAC, GSA, through its chairman, will thereafter notify the student, the faculty
member, the Department Chair, and the Assistant to the Dean for Student Rights and
Responsibilities as to the time and place for a hearing. The hearing will be held within five
school days after the Committee has been notified by the Assistant to the Dean for Student
Rights and Responsibilities.
22
2. The SAC will hold a meeting at which time the faculty and Department Chair and/or Director
will be present and will provide documentation and other oral and written evidence regarding the
incident. Because of the confidential nature of this meeting, only those invited by the chair of the
committee may be present. Any member of the committee with a conflict, bias, or interest in the
case must be recused. The student will have the opportunity to challenge the presence of any
member of the committee on these grounds and a substitute will be appointed by the chair of the
committee to replace the recused member(s). The student will have the opportunity to review any
written evidence that will be used in the meeting prior to the meeting. The student will be present
and will be given an opportunity to face and to examine witnesses testifying. The student also has
the right to call witnesses on his/her behalf, and to provide documentation and other oral or written
evidence regarding the incident. With prior notification of the Chair of the SAC, the student may be
accompanied by a person who shall act as a non-participant observer. Minutes of the meeting
proceedings (but not deliberations) will be taken and a copy available to the student upon his/her
request.
3. Immediately following the factual presentation, the Committee will convene in executive
session to determine whether an unsafe practice occurred and to recommend a resolution of the
incident. The Committee will base its recommendation on all the evidence presented at the
hearing. The Committee may recommend the following resolutions: no finding of an unsafe
practice; finding of an unsafe act and a reprimand to the student; remedial work, counseling or
instruction for the student suspension; or dismissal.
4. The committee shall make its recommendation in writing to the Assistant Dean for Student
Rights and Responsibilities within 24 hours after the meeting. Assistant to the Dean for Student
Rights and Responsibilities will indicate agreement or non-agreement with the committee’s
recommendation based on the minutes from the meeting and report of the committee and forward to
the Dean
V. Post Hearing Process
1. The Dean may accept, reject, or modify the Committee’s recommendation. The Dean’s
decision will be based on the transcript of the hearing and report of the Committee. The Dean
will notify the student, the faculty member, the Department Chair, and the Assistant to the
Dean for Student Rights and Responsibilities as to the decision.
2. The decision of the Dean is final.
3. Note that dismissal from the CON does not necessarily constitute dismissal from the University
Policy on Disruptive Academic Behavior
I. The East Carolina University and the College of Nursing is committed to providing each student
with a rich, distinctive educational experience. To this end, students who do not follow reasonable
standards of conduct in the classroom or other academic setting may be removed from the course
by the instructor following appropriate notice. Students removed from a course under this policy
will receive a grade of “drop” according to the applicable university policy and are eligible for
tuition refund as specified in the current tuition refund policy.
II. Definitions: Disruptive academic conduct is defined as
1. Any conduct that interferes with the normal conduct of instructional activities and the ability of
other students to fully participate in the classroom experience. Such conduct would be considered
as disruptive by any reasonable person who is unfamiliar with the specific situation.
III. Investigation and Evaluation of Disruptive Academic Behavior
1. The course instructor has original purview over his/her class and may deny a student who is
unduly disruptive the right to attend the class. A student who engages in disruptive academic
23
conduct will receive a private verbal warning from the course instructor. The instructor should
describe the conduct of concern to the student, explain that it is inappropriate, provide an
opportunity to explain his/her conduct and if appropriate, the instructor may direct the student to
stop the behavior, suggest ways to modify conduct and provide notice with respect to what the
student will be subject should s/he engage in the disruptive conduct in the future.
2. If the conduct continues after a verbal warning, the instructor should describe the conduct of
concern to the student, explain that it is inappropriate, provide the student with an opportunity to
explain his/her conduct and if appropriate will give the student a written warning indicating that the
student will be removed from the course if the conduct does not cease and that the letter will be
placed into the student’s educational record..
3. If the conduct persists after the written warning, the course instructor will inform the Department
Chair and/or Director. The Department Chair and/or Director will investigate the incident within
three school days to determine whether there are grounds for removal of the student from the
course. During this period of investigation, the course instructor and Department Chair and/or
Director will collect data and meet with the student. If the determination is that the disruptive
behavior warrants removal from the course, the Department Chair and/or Director will notify the
Assistant to the Dean for Student Rights and Responsibilities and make a recommendation for a
meeting.
4. The Assistant to the Dean for Student Rights and Responsibilities will immediately notify the
College of Nursing Student Affairs Committee (SAC) for graduate or undergraduate students and
will provide the committee with written information prepared by the course instructor involved.
IV. Meeting Process
1. The respective SAC through its chair will thereafter notify the student, the course instructor, the
Department Chair and/or Director as to the time and place for a meeting. The meeting will be held
within five school days after the committee has been notified by the Assistant to the Dean for
Student Rights and Responsibilities.
2. The SAC will hold an official meeting at which time the course instructor and Department Chair
and/or Director will be present and will provide documentation and other oral and written evidence
regarding the incident. Because of the confidential nature of the meeting, only those invited by the
chair of the committee may be present. Any member of the committee with a conflict, bias, or
interest in the case must be recused. The student will have the opportunity to challenge the presence
of any member of the committee on these grounds and a substitute will be appointed by the chair of
the committee to replace the recused member(s). The student will have the opportunity to review
any written evidence that will be used in the meeting prior to the meeting. The student will be
present and will be given an opportunity to face and to examine witnesses testifying. Student also
has the right to call witnesses on his/her behalf, and to provide documentation and other oral or
written evidence regarding the incident. With prior notification of the Chair of the SAC, the student
may be accompanied by a person who shall act as a non participant observer. Minutes of the
meeting proceedings (but not the deliberations) will be taken and a copy available to the student
upon his/her request.
3. Immediately following the factual presentation, the committee will convene in executive session
to determine whether the student will be removed from the course.
4. The committee shall make its recommendation in writing to the Assistant to the Dean for
Student Rights and Responsibilities within 24 hours after the meeting. Assistant to the Dean for
Student Rights and Responsibilities will indicate agreement or non-agreement with the
committee’s recommendation based on the minutes from the meeting and report of the committee
and forward to the Dean
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V. Post Meeting Process
1. The Dean may accept, reject, or modify the committee’s recommendation. The Dean’s decision
will be based on the transcript of the meeting and report of the Committee and the Assistant to the
Dean for Student Rights and Responsibilities’ recommendation. The Dean will notify the student,
the course instructor and the Department Chair and/or Director as to the decision. If it is decided to
remove the student from the course, this decision must be communicated in writing to the student
with a copy promptly forwarded to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. The
Department Chair and/or Director must promptly communicate the decision in writing to the Office
of the Registrar so that the student’s schedule will be adjusted accordingly.
2. The decision by the Dean is final.
If the behavior is threatening in nature or is likely to result in immediate harm, the faculty member
should immediately contact the East Carolina University Police Department for assistance.
This policy does not restrict the instructor’s prerogative to ask a disruptive student to leave an
individual class session when appropriate or to refer the student to the Office of Student Rights and
Responsibilities for violation of the East Carolina University Student Code of Conduct.
Approved 3.4.10
Final version 3.4.10
Policy on Substance Abuse
The East Carolina University Policy on Substance Abuse details the University’s commitment
to prevent substance abuse through education and counseling and its duty to discipline those
members of the academic community who engage in illegal drug-related activities. Students,
faculty members, administrators, and other employees are responsible, as citizens, for knowing
about and complying with the provisions of the North Carolina laws that make it a crime to
possess, sell, deliver, or manufacture those drugs designated collectively as “controlled
substances” in the Article 5 of Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes. The policy is
set forth in Appendix B of the ECU Bulletin, Graduate Catalog.
Policy on Impairment and Chemical Substance Abuse
I. Policy
1. Rationale: Our philosophy regarding student substance abuse revolves around protecting the
public’s health and assisting the student in recovery. To ensure patient safety, comply with
clinical facility policies and the North Carolina Board of Nursing policy [21 NCAC
36.0320(d)], and assist students in recovery, the College of Nursing (CON) has adopted a
substance abuse policy.
2. Policy: The CON will be responsible for appropriately identifying and referring students
who are abusing substances to Student Health Services and Center for Counseling and Student
Development. The student is accountable for his/her own recovery process.
3. Informed consent: As a condition of admission to the Nursing Program, students are
required to comply with this policy and submit a written statement of informed consent.
4. Definitions: A nursing student is any full-time or part-time student admitted to the CON
which includes all degree programs. Substance abuse is the use of illegal/ un-prescribed
substances or alcohol that impairs performance when engaging in any learning activity: classes,
laboratory and/or delivery of patient care.
II. Procedure
A. Drug Screening Program (Section A applies to Alternate Entry MSN Students Only)
1. Admission Drug Screen. Students applying for admission to the nursing program after
completing all pre-requisites are selected for admission to the CON pending a negative drug
25
test. Admission may be denied or withdrawn for a positive drug test. The list of drugs that are
tested are found in table 1 on page 32.
2. Procedure for drug screening (Appendix C). Students will be notified of the procedure for
drug screening in their admission letter (Alternate Entry MSN students only). Students must
use the CON approved vendor and process for reporting drug screen results. Results will be
maintained confidentially in either the CON Office of Student Services. All expenses
associated with drug screening are the responsibility of the student.
3. Implications of positive results. A drug screen will be presumed positive if any of the drugs
listed are found in a blood or urine screen. Presumed positives will be confirmed by a second
screen from the original sample. If the screen is determined to be positive, the student will be
referred to the ECU Counseling and Student Development Office for evaluation to determine if
there is presence or absence of abuse. The ECU Counseling and Student Development Office
will notify the Dean of the CON of their evaluation. The results of all screens will be
maintained as confidential in the CON Office of Student Services. Access will be limited to the
student and the CON administrators for use in the hearing process or for readmission process.
B. Screening based on Reasonable Suspicion
1. A student may be subject to screening at any time when, in the judgment of a faculty
member or preceptor, there is reasonable cause to suspect the student is engaged in substance
abuse. Such individualized reasonable suspicion may be based on information from any source
deemed reliable by the faculty member, including but not limited to:
i. Observed possession or use of illegal /non-prescribed substances or alcohol that
impairs performance.
ii. Observed change in appearance or behavior that is reasonably interpretable as being
caused by substance abuse by CON faculty or preceptor.
2. When individualized reasonable suspicion is found to exist; the faculty begins the
documentation process by completing the Faculty Report of Reasonable Suspicion of
Drug/Alcohol Use Form (Appendix D).
3. Once reasonable suspicion is determined by a faculty member and the student has been
confronted by the faculty member who documents the suspected conduct, the student will be
removed from the learning environment and the faculty member will coordinate the screening
procedure with Undergraduate Student Services or the Assistant to the Dean for Student Rights
and Responsibilities as appropriate and will refer the student to the ECU Counseling and
Student Development Office for evaluation to determine if there is presence or absence of
abuse. The ECU Counseling and Student Development Office will notify the Dean of the CON
of their evaluation. The student is responsible for all expenses associated with drug screening.
A consent and release form will be signed by the student for drug screening (Appendix C).
Validated copies of the drug screen results will be sent to the CON Office of Student Services.
4. Students engaging in clinical experiences outside the usual screening center business hours
will be subject to that clinical agency’s policy on substance abuse policy and responsible for
any fees incurred associated with screening. Students must provide an official copy of results to
the CON Office of Student Services.
5. Once the faculty member has confronted and removed the student from the learning
environment, the faculty member shall notify the Chair and submit the Faculty Report of
Reasonable Suspicion of Drug/Alcohol Use Form to the Executive Director of Student Services
or the Assistant to the Dean for Student Rights and Responsibilities.
6. The Executive Director of Student Services and the Assistant to the Dean for Student Rights
and Responsibilities are responsible for ensuring the student provides the necessary drug
screening documents, and informing the Administrators of the CON.
26
7. If illegal substance abuse is substantiated by screening, the student must agree to participate
in a drug education and counseling program and pay all program fees, consent to regular drug
screening and other conditions and restrictions, including community service. Refusal or failure
to do so shall result in suspension from enrollment for the remaining period of probation. For
second or subsequent offenses involving illegal possession of controlled substances,
progressively more severe penalties shall be imposed, including expulsion.
C. Voluntary admission of substance abuse. Students who voluntarily report to CON faculty or
administrators that they have a substance abuse problem, will be assisted by the CON
Executive Director of Services or Assistant to the Dean for Student Rights and Responsibilities
to obtain services through East Carolina University Student Health Services and/or the Center
for Counseling and Student Development. The CON Director of Student Services or the
Assistant to the Dean for Student Rights and Responsibilities as appropriate will report
voluntary admission to the CON Dean. Continued participation in the program will be at the
discretion of the Dean. If a positive drug screen is obtained, the student will submit to drug
screens as requested by the CON and will be suspended in a manner consistent with the
applicable CON and University policies and procedures.
D. Admission/Readmission after a Positive Drug Screen
A student whose admission is withdrawn or suspended from the clinical component of the CON
due to a positive drug screen will be considered for readmission if among others, the following
conditions are met:
a.) Submit at time of reapplication to an evaluation for substance abuse by CON approved
agency and complete the prescribed treatment program.
b.) Submit to a drug screen prior to admission/readmission. A positive drug screen may result
in ineligibility for admission/readmission.
c.) Submit to random drug screens as required by CON while enrolled in the program. A
positive drug screen will result in permanent dismissal from the CON.
d.) Students seeking readmission must reapply in accordance with the readmission policy in the
CON Student Handbook.
E. Confidentiality of Information Concerning Drug Use
Individual test results of the drug screen will not be provided to clinical agencies. No release of
information will be made without the student’s written consent, unless in response to
appropriate judicial process such as a subpoena or court order.
F. Appeal Policy
The student is eligible to pursue the University Appeal policy as outlined in CON Student
Handbook.
G. Consequences of Permissible Drug Use
When students are prescribed medications that may impair cognitive and/or motor functions,
the CON expects the student not to attend clinical or laboratory courses, while impaired by the
prescribed medication. If the faculty observes changes in appearance or behavior that is
reasonably interpretable as being caused by properly used prescription medications, the student
will negotiate transportation from the facility and not return to those settings until the cognitive
and/ or motor impairment is resolved. The student will continue to be held to the course
attendance policies. The student may be required to have a physician’s endorsement in writing
27
that they are safe to practice nursing while taking a prescribed medications before being
permitted to return to clinical or laboratory setting.
Table 1. List of Drugs Tested for Abuse by Drug Screen
Alfentanil Amphetamines
Butorphanol (Stadol) Barbiturates
Fentanyl Benzodiazepines
Ketamine Cannabinoids
MDMA (ecstasy) Cocaine
Nalbuphine (Nubain) Methadone
Sufentanil Opiates
Tramadol Phencycidin e
Alcohol
Propoxyphene
Approved by College of Nursing Faculty Organization on December 6, 2007
Policy Relating to Students who have Physical or Mental Health
Issues which Interfere with Academic/Clinical Performance
Nursing students are expected to maintain levels of physical and mental health consistent with
North Carolina licensure requirements. Thus students are required to have a complete physical
exam prior to enrolling in the clinical nursing courses. Recognizing the possibility that a
student will develop health problems which interfere with learning and safe performance in one
or more nursing courses, the following policy is established: When health problems become
apparent to faculty, the student will be referred to the Academic Support and Enrichment
Center (ASEC) Counselor in the College of Nursing. Students may also be referred to Student
Health Service or a private health care provider for treatment and subsequent clearance to
resume classes.
The faculty recognizing the health problem will, after consultation with the appropriate
department chair, refer the student to the counselor, Student Health Service of the university or
the student’s private health care provider.
The student will be informed in writing that he/she will not be allowed to continue in the
specified course or courses without clearance from the Counselor, Student Health Service or
the student’s private health care provider.
The student will be counseled about the possible effect of the health problem and consequent
absence from class or clinical on the student’s grade in the specified course or courses. The
student will also be reminded of the progression policy of the College of Nursing.
28
The department chair in collaboration with the appropriate faculty member(s) will monitor the
status of the student.
The College of Nursing in collaboration with the Assistant to the Dean for Student Rights and
Responsibilities reserves the right to administratively withdraw a student from clinical courses
in the interest of protecting the public.
If the student does not receive appropriate health clearance before the beginning of the next
academic term he/she will not be allowed to register for nursing courses.
Laptop Usage in Classrooms Policy
Students may use laptops during class to record class notes or for other purposes related to the
class in session. When using a laptop, it must be fully charged and not require connection to an
electrical outlet. This is mandatory based on fire and safety regulations. In the event that a
particular computer is disruptive, the instructor has the option to require that the use of the
laptop computer be discontinued.
ECU Health Sciences Center Smoking Policy
Student, faculty, and staff in the College of Nursing are expected to follow the smoke-free plan
of the Health Sciences Campus as stated on the website:
http://www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/prospectivehealth/customcf/emhealth/Health-Sciences-Division-
policy-tobacco.pdf
This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, patients and to all visitors and contractors.
Clinical Requirements
Health Forms and Documentation
Student Health Services requires that the Report of Medical History form be on file prior to a
student attending classes. The College of Nursing requires that entering nursing students have a
complete physical examination, within the past six (6) months, prior to the beginning of any
clinical practicum experiences. As part of the health information submitted, a statement from
the student’s physician or practitioner must attest to their emotional and physical ability to
carry out nursing functions. Near the bottom of page 2 of the physical form there is a block that
says “Only for Students Admitted to a Health Sciences Program.” This block must be
completed by the health care provider to meet a requirement of the North Carolina Board of
Nursing. MSN students must have all updated immunization records on file in the College of
Nursing Office of Student Services prior to clinical practicum experiences. (Appendix E)
Students must provide evidence annually of a negative TB skin test (PPD). If a student has a
positive PPD, the student must provide evidence of adherence to a treatment plan or the student
may elect to have a chest X-ray.
Students are required to comply with the Center of Disease Control (CDC) guidelines
concerning prophylaxis for hepatitis B. The CDC recommends that health science students who
may handle needles, syringes and/or blood more frequently than once per month be immunized
against hepatitis B. One to two months after completion of the three shot series, students are
required to have a titer drawn. If the titer is negative, the student must complete a second series
of the Hep B vaccine. Following the second series of shots, a second titer is drawn. If this tier
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is positive it indicates immunity however if it is negative the student is considered a
nonresponder and no further action is needed.
Students are also required to have immunizations or a titer for chicken pox (varicella). If the
student’s varicella titer is negative, 2 doses of varicella vaccine are required. Please remember
that a person can have chicken pox and still have a negative titer due to a “light” case. The
ECU Student Health Center can draw the varicella titer. It is also necessary to make sure that
you are immunized against rubella and rubeola. Tetanus/diphtheria vaccines must be current
(within the past 10 years). We suggest you contact your healthcare provider or the Student
Health Service to receive these important immunizations and/or titers.
Please note: The University does not require distance education students to complete the
Report of Medical History form. However, completion of this form, the physical form, and
submission of immunization documentation are REQUIRED by the College of Nursing and
must be on file prior to enrolling in any clinical practicum experience.
Students who do not submit all required health documentation on time will be dismissed from
clinical until health requirements (including CPR and liability insurance coverage) are met.
Students who must miss a clinical day due to not adhering to policy may be at risk for failing
clinical.
Students are requested to complete and sign the Consent, Waiver, and Release Form (Appendix
F) for permission to use information/photos for media release and publicity.
HIV and/or Hepatitis B Infected Health Care Workers (Including Students)
Students are required to show proof of 3 hepatitis B immunizations. The first two are to be one
month apart and the third is to be six months after the second immunization.
As of October 1, 1992, the North Carolina Commission on Health Services adopted new
regulations that pertain to health care workers who know themselves to be infected with HIV
and/or have active hepatitis B infection (HBsAG+) = Hepatitis B surface antigen positive. The
regulations establish a process to review the operative and infection control practices of certain
infected health care workers.
These new regulations require that all health care workers who perform surgical or obstetrical
procedures (vaginal deliveries or surgical entry into tissues, cavities, or organs) or dental
procedures and know themselves to be infected with HIV or Hepatitis shall notify the State
Health Director. Health care workers who assist in these procedures in a manner that may result
in exposure of patients to Hepatitis B shall also notify the State Health Director. The
notification shall be made in writing to the Chief, Communicable Disease Control Section, PO
Box 27687, Raleigh, NC 27611-7687. Failure to follow these procedures constitutes a crime,
NCGS 130A-25 (a).
The State Health Director shall investigate the practice of the infected health worker and the
risk of transmission. He/she shall appoint an expert review panel. Either an expert review panel
appointed by the Chief, Communicable Disease Control Section, NC Department of
Environment, Health, and Natural Resources or an ECU expert review panel will review the
work situation and clinical condition to assess the need for alterations in job description or
infection control techniques. The State Health Director shall protect the confidentiality of the
infected health care worker and may disclose the worker’s infection status only when essential
to conduct the investigation or periodic reviews. Under University policy, you may notify the
Chairman of the Infection Control Committee and/or the Director of Prospective Health. Under
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College of Nursing policy, the student shall notify the Associate Dean of Undergraduate
Programs, the Director of Student Services (pre-licensure students) or the Director of RN/BSN
Studies (RN/BSN students), the clinical coordinator, or the Associate Dean of Graduate
Programs (MSN or PhD students) and the Counselor (as needed).
Immunization Waivers
Immunizations are mandated in all health care facilities. Students who are unable to receive
immunizations due to medical reasons must have a physicians’ order or note to cover the
student. The student will still need to have a titer drawn.
JCAHO and Other Agency Requirement
In order for students to participate in agency clinical experiences students are expected to
complete confidentiality, health information, and criminal background checks to comply with
the agency guidelines for healthcare policies and JCAHO standards. To refuse to do so may
result in the removal of a student from the setting and/or enrollment in the course. Students are
expected to pay for any fees incurred for criminal background checks. The concentration
director/clinical faculty will advise students of necessary requirements to be completed prior to
clinical practicum experiences.
CPR Requirements
It is required that all nursing students be certified annually in cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR) through the American Heart Association. The CPR course must be a face to face course.
The course you choose must prepare you at a provider level or professional level. When your
CPR expires during enrollment, you are responsible for bringing proof of a current update to
the appropriate office housing your files. Failure to do so will result in being barred from
clinical until it is on file. Student Services keeps a partial list of CPR providers.
Professional Liability Insurance
All students are required to present evidence of professional liability insurance prior to
enrolling in a clinical practicum. Liability insurance of $1,000,000 each claim and
$3,000,000 in aggregate is required for enrollment in all clinical nursing courses. Verification
of current coverage is required each year. Information about policies is available in the
Undergraduate and Graduate Offices of the College of Nursing.
With the exception of Nurse Anesthesia students, if a student holds professional liability
insurance as a registered nurse, he/she is covered for liability during clinical experiences as an
undergraduate or graduate student even though this coverage may not be explicitly stated in the
policy. Nurse Anesthesia Students must have specific nurse anesthesia student liability
insurance of $1,000,000 each claim and $3,000,000 in aggregate for enrollment in all nurse
anesthesia clinical courses.
Liability insurance provided by an employer does not cover you as a student or registered
nurse functioning in any other setting.
Please note: Alternate Entry MSN students in Phase I can have coverage by student nurses’
liability insurance under the College of Nursing group policy if desired. Payment for the CON
group policy is handled through the Office of Student Services. Students covered by the group
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policy arranged by the College of Nursing are covered only when engaged in prescribed
learning activities.
Health Insurance Plans for Students
In accordance with the University requirements, all ECU students enrolled in campus based
degree seeking programs and enrolled in at least 6 hours of credit must have health insurance
coverage, either through the UNC System plan, or have requested and received a waiver for
personal/private insurance. Students, who have questions regarding their health insurance,
should be referred to the Student Health Center’s website for further information.
http://www.ecu.edu/studenthealth/.
Health insurance coverage is a mandatory requirement for enrollment in the College of Nursing
whether the student is enrolled in campus based or online programs.
If you elect not to carry health insurance, you must sign a waiver (Appendix G) and have
it on file with the College of Nursing. This waiver can be picked up in the Office of Student
Services, room 2150. The waiver includes a statement that the student is responsible for any
expenses incurred if they become sick or injured and need care while in the clinical setting.
Proof of health insurance or the signed waiver must be submitted to the Office of Student
Services no later than August 1st or December 15th.
Student Illness in a Clinical Facility
Regular attendance in the clinical areas is expected in all nursing courses. If an emergency
situation arises (such as sudden illness), the student is required to notify the appropriate person
in the clinical agency and/or the nursing faculty member as soon as possible so that patient care
may be reassigned without delay. This is a professional responsibility which must be assumed
by the individual student and will be taken into consideration in the evaluation of clinical
performance.
If a student becomes ill while in the clinical setting, the faculty member will allow the student
to rest in a quiet area until arrangements can be made for transportation home. The student
should report to the Student Health Center as soon as he/she returns to campus.
A student requiring emergency treatment while in the clinical area will be taken to the
emergency room for emergency treatment only, and then transferred to the Student Health
Center.
An incident report, if appropriate, is to be initiated at the time of treatment (one for the agency
and one for the College of Nursing). The College of Nursing incident report is to be completed
and placed on file in the College of Nursing. Do not copy the Agency’s form.
Licensure Verification
All MSN students, with the exception of Alternate Entry MSN students in Phase I, and PhD
students must provide evidence of a current non-restricted license to practice as a registered
nurse (RN) in North Carolina or in a NCSBN compact state.
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Uniform Policy
(Applicable only to Alternate Entry MSN Students)
Students are required to purchase uniforms through J.A.’s Uniform Shop in Greenville, NC.
The College of Nursing uniform was selected by ECU nursing students and faculty and is
specially made for ECU nursing students. The uniform identifies East Carolina University
College of Nursing students and indicates to others their individual and professional standards.
The following guidelines are adapted from the requirements set forth by the Joint Commission
on Accreditation of Hospitals and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
• Uniform - purple scrub set, jacket, lab coat – all must be neat, clean, and well
fitting.
• Shoes - white, closed toe and heel. Shoes must
be neat and clean. Leather athletic shoes acceptable if they have no color (i.e. labels,
stamps, etc.). No open backed clogs may be worn.
• Name pin - worn on left side just above insignia and be visible at all times.
• Hair Style and Beards – Hair: simple, neat, clean, off the collar, and away from the
face and well controlled. No hair extensions, hair ornaments, decorative caps or
scarves. Minimal head coverings worn for religious beliefs are acceptable but must
allow the student to use a stethoscope and other medical instruments and must not
interfere with client examinations. Principles of infection control must be followed.
Beards: men must be clean-shaven or have beard neat and trimmed.
• Jewelry - only wrist watch with second hand and plain wedding band.
• Earrings - One pair of small stud earrings worn in the lower ear lobes may be
allowed at faculty discretion and according to clinical setting. No other visible body
piercing, studs/jewelry allowed including tongue studs, nose rings, eye brow jewelry
and pinna or tragus jewelry.
• Cosmetics - minimal and subtle. No fragrances.
• Fingernails - No artificial nails, extensions or nail polish. Short, clean nails only.
• Tattoos – no visible body tattoos
• Cellular telephones are strictly forbidden in clinical settings.
• No gum chewing while in clinical.
For all clinical laboratory classes, students are required to wear either scrubs of any
color or a lab coat. Closed toed shoes are required.
The cap was dropped as a part of the uniform in 1992, but may still be purchased at the
uniform shop if the student desires one.
The College pin was designed by members of the first graduating class of the College of
Nursing. It is presented to graduates at Convocation and may be worn by all graduates.
(Appendix H)
Uniform Variations for Clinical Settings
Clinical Capstone
The approved uniform and professional dress code applies.
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Licensure (For Alternate Entry MSN Phase I students only)
Instructions for completion of forms required for licensure will be given prior to the end
of Phase I. These forms include the NCLEX-RN application and the instructions concerning
the state board of nursing application for the state in which the graduate chooses to become
licensed.
Students are solely responsible for the contents, completion, and timely submission of
the application. Students are also solely responsible for contacting the Board of Nursing with
any questions related to the contents, completion and timely submission of the application.
Student Records
Privacy of Educational Records and Access to Student Educational Records
The following materials are reproduced from the ECU Bulletin, Graduate Catalog for the
information and convenience of the student.
The University policy for the administration of student educational records is in accordance
with provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, also known as the Buckley
Amendment or FERPA. The policy provides that the student has a right of access to student
educational records maintained by the university or any department or unit within the
university. The policy also protects the confidentiality of personally identifiable information in
student records. A copy of the University policy dealing with the privacy of student educational
records is maintained in each professional College and academic department within the
University. Each member of the faculty should be thoroughly familiar with this policy and
comply with its provisions.
In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, it is the policy of
the university that students have the following rights in regard to official educational records
maintained by the university.
1. Each student has the right to inspect and review any and all official educational
records, files, and data maintained by the university and directly related to the student
and not related to other students.
2. The university will comply with the request from a student to review his or her
records within a reasonable time, but in any event not more than forty-five days after
the request is made. Any inquiry pertaining to student records should be directed to the
Office of the Registrar.
3. A student who believes that his or her educational records contain inaccuracies or
misleading information or that his or her right of privacy is violated on the basis of
information contained in such records has the right to a hearing to challenge such
information and to have it removed from his or her record or to include in the record
his or her own statement of explanation. Any complaint pertaining to student records
should be made directly to the Office of the University Attorney, telephone 252-328-
6940.
4. The university will not release any information from student records to anyone
(except those agencies noted in item 5 below) without the prior written consent of the
student. The consent must specify the records or information to be released, the reasons
for the release, and the identity of the recipient of the records.
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5. Legitimate educational interest is a demonstrated “need to know” by those officials of
an institution who act in the student’s educational interest. They include: faculty,
administration, clerical and professional employees, and other persons who need student
record information for the effective functioning of their office or position. The
following criteria shall be taken into account in determining the legitimacy of a
University official’s access to student’s records:
a. The official must seek the information within the context of the
responsibilities that he or she has been assigned.
b. The information sought must be used within the context of official University
business and not for purposes extraneous to the official’s area of responsibility
to the University.
6. Information from the student’s records may be released without the written consent
of the student in the following situations:
a. in compliance with a court order or subpoena;
b. requests from the staff or faculty of the university who have a legitimate
educational interest in the information;
c. requests from other departments or educational agencies who have legitimate
educational interest in the information, including persons or companies with
whom the university has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, collection
agent, or The National Student Clearinghouse);
d. requests from officials of other colleges or universities at which the student
intends to enroll provided the student is furnished with a copy, if he or she so
desires, so that he or she may have an opportunity to challenge the contents of
the record;
e. requests from authorized representatives of the US Comptroller General or the
administrative head of a federal educational agency in connection with an order
or evaluation of federally supported educational programs;
f. requests in connection with a student’s application for receipt of financial aid;
g. requests from parents of a dependent student as defined in Section 152 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1954;or
h. requests from appropriate persons in connection with an emergency if the
knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the
student or other persons.
A student has the right to file a complaint at any time with the US Department of Education.
However, it is expected that the student normally would exhaust the available administrative
remedies for relief according to the university grievance procedures before filing such a
complaint.
Policy on Posting Grades
As soon as they are determ ined at the end of each semester or summer term, grades are posted
electronically. Students m ay secure their grades via Se lf Se rvice Banne r. In com pliance with
the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, faculty are not allowed to post grades by Social
Security Number or any other perso nally identifiable characteristic. Upon receip t of a written
request to the Office of the Registrar, a report of grades is sent to the student at his or her
permanent home address. Questions about final ex amination grades should be directed to the
instructor who determined the grade.
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College of Nursing Policies, Resources, and Organizations
College of Nursing Convocation
At the end of each Fall and Spring Semester, the College of Nursing schedules a ceremony to
recognize undergraduate and graduate students who have completed their programs of study.
Graduate students completing their studies in either of these terms are encouraged to participate
in these plans. Summer graduates may participate in the fall convocation ceremony after
completion of all coursework. At this ceremony, MSN students will be recognized and hooded
by the Vice-Chancellor or his/her designee. Doctoral students will be recognized at this
ceremony, but will not be hooded until the University graduation. This occasion is significant
for graduates and their families/friends for celebrating the accomplishment of another academic
goal. All graduate students are encouraged to attend.
Academic Support & Counseling Center – College of Nursing
Because of the rigor of nursing school and the number of nursing students, an Academic
Support & Counseling Center (ASCC) is housed within the College of Nursing in the Health
Sciences Building, Room 2145-A. This office is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday thru
Friday year round.
The Academic Support and Counseling Center (ASCC) in the College of Nursing offer nursing
students the opportunity to use academic and personal development services. Academic
services offered by the ASCC include small group and individual academic assessments and
interventions in the areas of time management, study skills, test-taking strategies, reading skills
and note-taking skills. Personal development services include stress management, anxiety
management, and career exploration.
Student Emergency Needs Fund
The Student Emergency Needs Fund was established to aid nursing students in the event of
extreme financial crisis during the academic year. Each semester, the Dean of the College
makes a gift to the fund in honor of each first semester student; alumni are encouraged to
contribute to the fund to help future nursing students. It is the dean’s hope that graduates will
continue to make contributions to the Student Emergency Needs Fund so that future classes
will have a source of emergency funds.
Funds do not take the place of financial aid and gifts are not subject to re-payment. Emergency
situations are classified as events that seriously inhibit a student’s financial ability to receive
his/her nursing education. Student inquiries should be directed to the Executive Director of
Student Services.
Office of Research & Scholarship (ORS)
The Office of Research and Scholarship, located in the Health Sciences Building Room 4210,
supports faculty and students who engage in projects related to the Scholarship of Discovery,
Teaching, Integration, and Engagement. The Associate Dean for Research & Scholarship, Dr.
Martha Engelke, provides administrative oversight for the Office of Research & Scholarship.
The office is staffed by graduate research assistants, a statistician, and an editorial consultant.
For additional information, please call 252-744-6453.
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CON Tech Team
The College of Nursing at East Carolina University has a technology team that provides a wide
variety of services to faculty, staff, and students. These services include hardware and software
support for faculty and staff computers, Blackboard support for instructors and students,
website services, multimedia support, special projects/special needs, and much more. For more
information visit the website at www.nursing.ecu.edu/techteam.htm.
Institutional Review Board Process
As of September 16, 2002, the University and Medical Center Institutional Review Board
(UMCIRB) passed the resolution endorsing the policy that anyone involved with human
subjects research must complete mandatory Institutional Review Board (IRB) training and have
a passing score. This includes principal investigators, co-investigators, research nurses, and
research assistants (including students). The required training modules must be completed by
the research team members prior to the UMICRB granting approval for any research study,
regardless of the level of risk or category of review. The UMCIRB will not accept submissions
(new, continuous review and/or revisions on existing studies) until all persons on the research
team have completed the training.
To register and take the mandatory IRB Training, go the following web site:
www.ecu.edu/irb, under the education subheading. For your convenience, use the web link
provided in your registration information, received electronically from the web master, to
access the module web site because this site is subject to change periodically.
The UMCIRB office receives a weekly electronic notice to verify the date of completion and
generates a certificate that should be used to validate completion of the required education. The
UMCIRB encourages all individuals in research to seek and take advantage of all continuing
education opportunities, recognizing that education is an ongoing process not a one-time event.
Learning Resource Center
The Learning Resource Center (LRC), located in the College of Nursing Health Sciences
Building Room 2160, is available for student use. The purpose of the LRC is to provide a
learning environment and to effectively support faculty and students. The LRC houses 40
computers, 2 printers, and 2 scanners. A copy machine is also available for student use. The
copy machine requires payment with One Card.
The inventory of the LRC includes videos, nursing computer-related software, and a limited
journal collection. JCAHO requirement forms for various hospitals are on file.
Suggested or required readings or viewings for a course can be placed on reserve in the LRC.
The LRC may also be reserved for testing, classes, and training.
The hours of operation, which are posted each semester outside the LRC, may vary from
semester to semester depending upon student staff. In general, the hours of operation are:
Monday – Thursday 7:30 am – 8:00 pm
Friday 7:30 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
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Learning Resource Center--Policies and Procedures
Printing Please adhere to the following policies regarding printing.
• No Personal Printing: LRC staff monitors the printing and has the
authority to hold printouts if warranted.
• School Related Documents: There is no limit to the printing of
school related documents as long as the page amount is within a
reasonable limit.
• PowerPoint Lecture Notes: Can be printed in outline format or 6
slides per page. If you do not know how to do this, please ask
LRC Staff.
• Papers: Remember when doing papers to use the spell check
feature in Word. This is a good way to be resourceful when
printing papers.
Noise The LRC is not a “library,” nor is it a place to gather socially. Show
respect to fellow students, faculty, and staff by keeping noise to a
minimum.
For additional information contact the coordinator of the LRC, at 252-744-6432.
Concepts Integration Laboratory (CIL)
The eight Concepts Integration Laboratories house equipment and supplies which enable the
student to practice essential clinical nursing skills in settings designed to simulate actual patient
care areas. Human simulators, task masters, and manikins are used to assist the student to
develop nursing judgment, skills proficiency, and positive patient safety practices.
In addition to scheduled lab sessions associated with classes, blocks of time are designated each
semester for open lab sessions. During these sessions, students attend the lab either by faculty
or self referral. Faculty may refer a student to the laboratories for extra practice and receive a
report on the student’s progress from the lab staff. In addition, faculty may schedule the labs for
special sessions. During all times of student use, at least one faculty member or lab staff is
present.
East Carolina Center for Nursing Leadership (ECCNL)
The East Carolina Center for Nursing Leadership was created to serve this region and the state
by fostering leadership development among undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and
practicing nurses in this area. The mission of ECCNL is to mobilize nurses to become effective
partners and leaders in creating healthier communities in eastern North Carolina.
College of Nursing EXCHANGE
The College of Nursing EXCHANGE website is a mechanism to facilitate communication with
our community partners. Through EXCHANGE we can share resources and ideas to enhance
student learning and impact the improvements of health to the citizens of the region. Please
visit the EXCHANGE site at www.ecunursingexchange.org.
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Policies
Policies relating to Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity; Notice of Nondiscrimination; and
Sexual Harassment Plan, Policy, and Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Sexual
Harassment are found in the ECU Bulletin, Graduate Catalogue.
Representation on College of Nursing Committees
Three Faculty Organization standing committees call for graduate student
representation.
• Graduate Curriculum Committee—(membership includes one graduate student, either
MSN or PhD) Monitors the ongoing development and implementation of the master’s
and doctoral curricula; makes recommendations to the Graduate Faculty Organization
for course and curricula changes that are consistent with the philosophy and objectives
of the master’s and doctoral programs and recognition of the changing health
environment; reviews new course proposals, course revisions, and course deletions and
recommends changes to the Graduate Faculty Organization; collaborates with deans and
administrative staff to monitor the implementation of the master’s and doctoral
curricula; evaluates master’s and doctoral curricula trends; and reports evaluation of
trends and recommendations related to the master’s and doctoral curricula to the
Graduate Faculty Organization.
• Graduate Student Affairs Committee—(membership includes at least one graduate
student, either MSN or PhD) Evaluates recruitment, admission, progression, and
graduation trends; reports evaluation of trends and proposed recommendations related
to recruitment, admission, progression, and graduation to the Graduate Faculty
Organization; conducts timely hearings of student appeals in a manner consistent with
policy; and consults with the University Graduate School and other academic units as
needed.
• PhD Program Advisory Committee—one second-year PhD in Nursing student is
appointed each year to serve on the PhD Program Advisory Committee. This
committee’s functions include serving in an advisory role to the PhD Program Director,
developing and monitoring admission and progression procedures, recommending
program policies to the Graduate Faculty Organization, monitoring deliver of the
program, reviewing proposals for new courses, program changes or electives for the
program prior to presentation to the Graduate Curriculum Committee, and monitoring
for quality according to a system of standards.
Organizations
Graduate Student Organization (GSO)
The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) wa s organized during the 2006 -2007 academic year
to provide a means for the presentation, consideration, and disposition of concerns and interests
of CON graduate students. GSO functions to facilitate co mmunication between students and
faculty and provide representati on in studen t an d academ ic affair s. GSO repres ents graduate
students from all CON graduate concentration s. The GSO receives funding for travel, supplies,
and other activities through the parent organization, the Graduate Student Council (GSC). The
CON GSO does not charge student fees.
The CON GSO rec ognizes the unique needs of the distance education student. To
accommodate these needs, GSO meeting s are web casts live via CENTRA. Students can
actively participate in m eetings fr om anyw here with web access by logging on using their
secure pin. Participation includes live voting during meetings, audio and visual interaction with
other members, and the ability to the view recorded meetings at later times.
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American Association of Men in Nursing (AAMN)
The Am erican Associate of Men in Nursing ( AAMN) is a national organization dedicated to
providing a fra mework for nurses to meet, discuss, and influence factors which affect m en as
nurses. However, m embership is open to any nurse, m ale or fem ale. The most im portant
objective of AAMN is the strengthening and humanizing of health care.
The East Carolina University Chapter of AAMN, is dedicated to the b elief that the best way to
strengthen and hum anize health care is to st rengthen and empower nur sing. The best way to
accomplish this is through diversity.
Multicultural Student Nurse Association (MSNA)
The Multicultural Student Nurse Associat ion (MSNA) was orga nized during the 2004-05
academic College year in an effort to increase support of multicultural nursing students at East
Carolina University College of Nursing. The or ganization addresses the concerns of minority
students and faculty within the College of Nursing regarding cultural sensitivity issues and the
lack of m inority students that su ccessfully finish the BSN program . MSNA becam e an official
organization active on the cam pus of East Carolina University within the same year and is lea d
by many students who a re f ocused on recruiting more m inorities into the nursing p rogram at
ECU.
Nurses Christian Fellowship
The East C arolina University chapter of Nurs es Christian Fellowship was founded in Fall of
2006. The organization' s primary focus is to prov ide a source of Christian encouragem ent and
guidance to nursing students and nurses in the community.
NCF offers Bible stud ies, Christ ian speakers, p rayer tim es and ot her activities to help nurses
and nursing students incorporate their f aith into the ir p ractice. Our lo cal NCF ch apter is
nondenominational and is officially affiliated with both the nation al Nurses Christian
Fellowship organization and with the East Carolina Unive rsity Student Activities Center as a
campus approved organ ization. Meeting and prayer times may vary each sem ester and will b e
announced via ECU CON advertisement venues.
Sigma Theta Tau International, Beta Nu Chapter
The purpose of Sigma Theta Tau International is to:
1. recognize superior achievement
2. recognize the development of leadership qualities
3. foster high professional standards
4. encourage creative work
5. strengthen commitment to the ideals and purpose of the profession.
Graduate students must have completed at least one-fourth of the required curriculum
in College of Nursing courses and have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 overall in
nursing to be invited for membership. Alternate Entry MSN students must complete 12 hours
of graduate courses with a 3.5 GPA overall in nursing. Invitation to membership is extended
based on criteria established by the Chapter in accordance with the national bylaws.
Community leaders may be considered for membership upon the recommendation of a member
of Sigma Theta Tau International with supporting evidence of leadership, creative work,
support for professional standards, and commitment to scholarly nursing.
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A member of Sigma Theta Tau International may transfer his or her membership by writing to
the secretary of the previous Chapter or the National Headquarters to request a transfer to East
Carolina University’s Chapter (Beta Nu).
National Association of Bariatric Nurses (NABN)
The headquarters for the National Association of Bariatric Nurses (NABN) is housed in the
ECU College of Nursing. The organization was founded in 2004 out of a recognized need for
the nursing profession to dedicate resources, knowledge, and research toward improving the
life and care of people suffering from obesity. For more information visit the website at
www.bariatricnurses.org.
University Resources
Student Handbook
The ECU Student Handbook, a special publication for students produced by the Division of
Student Life, is distributed at the beginning of the academic year. The handbook includes
information on University policies and procedures including drug and weapon policies, the
Student Code of Conduct, the judicial system process, and bylaws of the Student government
Association. Also included are the university sexual harassment, discrimination, conflict of
interest policies, and the student grievance procedures involving equal opportunity complaints.
A copy of Safety and You, the University publication that includes crime statistics in
compliance with federal regulations, is also in the handbook. This publication can be obtained
online at www.ecu.edu/studenthandbook.
Financial Aid Information
There are a variety of resources available for scholarships and loans for graduate students. This
information can be obtained from the East Carolina University Financial Aid Office, 2103 Old
Cafeteria Building (telephone: 252-328-9379), or online at http://www.ecu.edu/financial/.
Information can also be obtained at the College of Nursing website at
www.nursing.ecu.edu/grad_aid.htm.
In addition, if federal funding is available, Professional Nurse Traineeships (tuition and
stipend) can be requested by students enrolled as full-time students (9 semester hours or more).
Requests should be made in writing to the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, Professional
Nurse Traineeship Director, indicating the semesters for which traineeship aid is requested and
the specific courses to be taken each term to justify full-time student status. The University and
College of Nursing provide scholarships available for graduate students. Students also have the
opportunity to serve as graduate teaching assistants or graduate research assistants. ECU
Graduate School policies for graduate assistantships and fellowships are located at
http://www.ecu.edu/gradSchool/Assistantship%20Policies.htm. Scholarships are available
through The N.C. Nurse Scholars Program for first year, full-time students. Applications are
available in the College of Nursing Office. In addition, the College of Nursing and the ECU
Medical & Health Sciences Foundation, Inc. offers graduate fellowships and scholarships.
Application forms can be obtained from the Graduate Programs Office or from the College of
Nursing website at www.nursing.ecu.edu. (Appendix I) The application deadline is August 1
for each fall semester.
41
The Gertrude E. Skelly Charitable Foundation Emergency Loan Fund has been established to
provide emergency loans to any nursing student that has experienced extenuating
circumstances within the six-month period prior to requesting a loan. The College and ECU
Medical & Health Sciences Foundation, Inc. define “extenuating circumstances” to include
such events as a death of family member in which the student was considered their dependent,
a major disaster such as flood, tornado, etc, which affects the student, or a one-time event that
effects a significant change in a student’s life such as a serious illness, crime victimization, etc.
The Graduate Programs office will assess each candidate’s situation and refer the student to the
Medical & Health Sciences Foundation, Inc. Recipients of loans are responsible for repayment
in accordance with the policies of the Medical & Health Sciences Foundation, Inc. Loans will
be made available as long as resources are available in the fund.
Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid at the same time they are applying for
admission to the program.
Dean of Students Office
The Dean of Students Office at East Carolina University is the central campus resource for
addressing and responding to student issues and concerns. Staff within the dean’s office often
serves as liaisons between students, faculty, staff and administrators. The dean’s office
provides assistance to students, and family members who are navigating their way through
various campus procedures. Staff in the dean’s office often helps develop, articulate,
disseminate and enforce university rules, regulations, and policies. Students are encouraged to
call 252-328-9297 for an appointment or to consult with the dean’s staff. The web page may be
accessed at www.ecu.edu/studentlife/dos.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
This office works to promote personal and academic integrity and a safe learning environment
for all East Carolina University students, faculty, and staff. The office administers the Student
Code of Conduct, which defines behaviors that are inappropriate for ECU students. The code
applies to behavior both on- and off-campus, and can be found on the office web page.
Students accused of violating the Code of Conduct begin the resolution process by meeting
with the department staff. Additional information about Student Rights and Responsibilities
may be obtained by calling 252-328-6824 or visiting www.ecu.edu/studentlife/osrr.
The Career Center
Career Services provides programs and services to assist students with the transition from
academic to the world of work by preparing students for life after graduation. Career Services
offers services which include career counseling, workshops and seminars on career-related
subjects, assistance with resume writing and interviewing, and opportunities for
graduate assistantships, practicum, and internships. For more information visit Career Services,
701 East Fifth Street, telephone 252-328-6050, or in the Heath Sciences satellite office, 1504
Laupus Library in the Health Sciences Building, or
http://www.ecu.edu/e3careers/forstudents.overview.asp.
Center for Counseling and Student Development
The purpose of the Center for Counseling and St udent Developm ent is to assist students to
make the most of their opportuni ties for academic and personal development. The center offers
students cou nseling in the following areas: pers onal, acad emic, career, and alcohol and other
42
drug abuse. In addition to individual couns eling, group sessions are conducted for those
students who wish to focus on various problem s or personal concerns that arise from the stress
of university life and interpersonal relations. The center’s staff provi des both classroom and
individual programs for students who wish to improve their study skills. Ca mpus and distance
education students are entitled to the services provided by the center without charge. For m ore
information visit the cen ter at 316 W right, telephone 252-328-6661 or access the web page a t
www.ecu.edu/studentlife/counselingcenter.
Personal Counseling Center- The Brody School of Medicine at
East Carolina University
The Personal Counseling Center (PCC) at East Carolina University seeks to provide the
students of the Division of Health Sciences with confidential counseling and psychiatric
services designed to assess sources of stress, facilitate personal and academic growth, develop
improved coping strategies, and serve as an advocacy service for students. PCC also provides
outreach programs and consultation services to students, faculty and staff, classroom teaching,
and training. For more information please visit the Academic Support and Enrichment Center at
Brody 2N64. The office can also be reached by telephone at 252-744-2500, or by email at
ascc@ecu.edu.
Student Organizations
All students, including distance education students, who meet membership criteria are eligible
to participate in student organizations and activities. A list of student organizations can be
accessed at www.clubhouse.ecu.edu. The Graduate Student Advisory Council (GSAC) is the
student organization representing the interests of the graduate students in the university.
Among its activities, GSAC is responsible for planning and soliciting funds from the SGA for
graduate student events and travel to research conferences. Additional information can be
obtained from the Graduate School or at http://www.ecu.edu/gradSchool.
Student Media
The East Carolinian, the university paper, is published three times weekly by the students. It
carries university and alumni news and is designed to furnish an outlet for student expression
on all matters pertaining to student educational and social development. The paper is available
on-line at http://www.theeastcarolinian.com. Expressions, a periodic magazine, is published by
the students. It includes campus news, much of which is of particular interest to minority
students. Expressions may be accessed at http://www.expressions.ecu.edu. The Rebel is the
university literary magazine published by students. WZMB-FM is the student ratio station
offering news and a variety of musical programs of interest to all segment of the university
community.
Central Ticket Office
Located on the main floor of Mendenhall Student Center, the Central Ticket Office provides
tickets to a variety of campus-wide programs and events. Tickets to home games for football
and basketball are also distributed at the Central Ticket Office. Students are required to present
an ECU one card to secure complimentary and discount tickets. 252-328-4788
William E. Laupus Health Sciences Library
The William E. Laupus Health Sciences Library, located in the Health Sciences Building,
serves as the primary information resource facility for the university’s health science programs.
43
The library is equipped with more than 100 computers available for use and supports a growing
program of electronic information and services. Additional information about library programs,
services, and hours may be found on the website at www.hsl.ecu.edu. Both Joyner Library and
the Laupus Health Sciences Library resources are available through the VirtualLibrary@ECU.
252-744-2219
Joyner Library
The main campus library at ECU is Joyner Library. All students registered at ECU, regardless
of location, have access to electronic library resources, including indexes, full-text databases,
and journals through the library’s web page at www.ecu.edu/lib. Student status is verified by
ECU Exchange e-mail user name and password. Several departments at Joyner Library have
created a number of value-added services for distance education students; a web page
specifically for distance education students linked from the library home page, guides to
electronic resources, web-based tutorials, e-mail reference services, and a subject guide
database, the E-Journal Locator, the Virtual Reference Desk and N.C. Periodicals Index. 252-
328-6518
Information Technology and Computing Services
Information Technology and Computing Services (ITCS) provides computing, network, and
outreach support for academic education, research, and administrative programs. More than
sixty student computer laboratories that support both discipline-specific applications as well as
general computing are located throughout campus. Information technology assistance is
provided through the university-wide Help Desk and computer training courses are offered on a
regular basis. Students who have technical problems accessing the ECU web page should
telephone the ITCS Help Desk at 252-328-9866 or the Student Help Desk at 252-328-4968.
Student Health Service
The Student Health Service provides individualized and quality health care and health
education for currently enrolled, fee-paying, ECU students. The outpatient clinic provides
health care through appointments and through an urgent care clinic during operating hours. The
telephone numbers for Student Health Services are as follows: main switchboard 252-328-
6841; wellness education 252-328-6794; pharmacy 252-328-6841, ext.608
University Writing Center
The University Writing Center is located in Room 2026 in the Bate Building. The center
proofreads, reviews papers, and provides help with editing, grammar, spelling, and organization
of thoughts. 252-328-6131
ECU Online Writing Lab
The ECU Online Writing Lab (OWL) offers Distance Education students the opportunity to
consult with a trained writing center consultant via email. OWL will allow off-campus students
to ask specific questions about their writing in any stage, from invention to the final draft.
Online consultants will not simply proofread or edit anyone's paper, they will gladly answer
students' questions and try to provide feedback that will help any student become a better
writer. Only students enrolled in Distance Education courses have the opportunity to
submit papers to the OWL. For more information on using OWL, visit their website at
http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/writing/writingcenter/submit.cfm.
44
Adult, Commuter, and Transfer Student Services (ACTS)
The Office of Adult and Commuter Services provides support services and programs which
foster successful college experiences for commuters and students over twenty-four years of
age. The office provides a resource booklet for new adult, commuter, and graduate students;
newsletters and information on day care, transportation; and other community resources. For
more information, visit the office in Room 218 Mendenhall Student Center or call 252-328-
6881. Information is also available at www.ecu.edu/cs-studentlife/acss.
University Transit Services
Student transit is funded by student activity fees and is operated by students for students,
faculty, and staff at no charge with a valid ECU ID. An extensive bus route providing timely
service to, from and around the ECU campus, including commuter parking lots, off-campus
housing areas, and several shopping/service areas, is provided. For more information, contact
ECU Transit at 252-328-4724 or access www.transit.ecu.edu.
Department of Parking and Transportation Service
Regulations governing traffic, parking, registration of motor vehicles, and enforcement are set
forth in the East Carolina University Traffic Ordinance, which is available at the Department
of Parking and Transportation Services, 305 East Tenth Street. All students desiring to utilize
campus parking facilities must register their vehicles with Parking and Transportation Services
and purchase a parking permit decal. The university’s towing policy is strictly enforced.
Parking on campus is by permit only and the permit must be properly displayed. Students are
held responsible for uncleared traffic citations. For more information, contact 252-328-6294 or
access www.ecu.edu/parking.
Campus Safety
Information about criminal activity on the ECU campus, streets, and sidewalks adjacent to
campus, and in noncampus properties controlled by recognized student organizations is
available at www.ecu.edu/police. This web publication provides information about the security
of campus facilities, including residence halls; crime prevention information; information about
services and counseling for victims of violence, including sexual assault and domestic violence;
and the substance abuse policy. 252-328-6787
Disability Support Services
The Department for Disability Support Services works in collaboration with faculty, staff, and
departments throughout the university to fulfill the institution’s commitment to accessibility.
Services and accommodations are designed to meet the individual needs of all students and
encompass all aspects of university life. Additional program information is available in Slay
138, by telephone at 252-737-1016, and on-line at http://www.ecu.edu/dss/.
Office of Intercultural Student Affairs
The mission of the Office of Intercultural Student Affairs is to assist in creating an environment
that is supportive and conducive to meeting the educational, intellectual, and social needs of
multiethnic students on the ECU campus. This is achieved through creative programming
efforts such as peer mentoring, social justice institutes, leadership development opportunities
for student organizations, and providing administrative assistance to student organizations. For
more information visit the office in Ragsdale 105 or call 252-328-4350.
45
International Programs
East Carolina University is a member of several consortia which are designed to facilitate and
promote the exchange of students abroad. Students can attend more than 150 foreign
institutions in over 35 countries by utilizing these exchanges. Study Abroad information and
applications are available and processed through the Office of International Affairs 252-328-
4829.
Student Stores
Dowdy Student Stores, owned and operated by ECU, is an auxiliary enterprise for the
convenience of the university community. The Student Stores stocks books, College supplies,
computers, and other tools of the educational process for the students on campus as well as
those taking distance education classes. Textbooks and other information are available through
the Student Stores web site at www.ecu.edu/studentstores or phone 252-328-6731 (toll free: 1-
877-499-8398).
Distance education students can select, order, and pay for textbooks and have them delivered to
your home address through Dowdy Student Stores online at www.studentstores.ecu.edu/shop.
The Brody Medical Bookstore at 1 South 04 Brody Building has an assortment of medical texts
and reference materials.
Dining
Campus Dining Services offers well-balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day at each of
its seven locations. More information about campus dining is available at the ECU Dining
Services offices in Jones Residence Hall; telephone 252-ECU-FOOD (328-3663) or visit the
website at www.campusdish.com/en-US/CSSE/ECU.
Recreational Facilities
The Department of Recreational Services is located in the Student Recreation Center and
provides a broad and diverse program of wellness-oriented activities to all students, faculty,
and staff. Recreational Services strives to enhance positive recreation and wellness lifestyles of
the university community and to foster a lifelong commitment to learning skills associated with
physical, social, emotional and mental well being. A variety of recreational opportunities are
available. To receive more information, telephone 252-328-6387.
The 150,000 square foot Student Recreation Center located next to Mendenhall Student
Center houses six multi-sports courts, one squash and seven racquetball courts, a 28 foot
climbing wall, one-seventh mile track, indoor/outdoor pool with lounging area, Center Court
juice bar, three exercise studios, 10,000 square foot cardiovascular and weight training area,
outdoor adventure center, locker rooms, and administrative offices. Currently enrolled students
who have paid activity fees are automatically members of the Student Recreation Center. For
additional information access the web site at www.ecu.edu/studentlife/recserv.
The Mendenhall Student Center (MSC) provides quiet and comfortable study areas and, for
group studying, private rooms may be reserved. A full-service computer lab is open seven days
a week. For relaxation there are free movies, a wide-screen TV lounge, bowling, billiards, and
an art gallery. Additional conveniences include ATMs, meeting and dining areas, and ECU’s
Central Ticket Office. Information desk: 252-328-4700.
46
Other recreational events are scheduled frequently through the School of Music, the Theatre
Arts Department, and other campus groups. Students should watch the East Carolinian (student
newspaper), the local newspapers, and posted announcements for information concerning these
events.
47
MSN Information Section
Purpose of the Master’s Program
The Master of Science in Nursing program prepares graduates for advanced practice nursing
and for leadership roles in a variety of community based or acute care provider agencies. The
MSN program offers concentrations in: Nursing Leadership, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult
Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia,
Nurse Midwifery, and Nursing Education. Certificate programs are available for post-master’s
study in selected they are now available in all areas. An alternate entry option is available for
individuals who have earned a baccalaureate degree in another field. There is also a RN/MSN
option for registered nurses without the BSN to bridge into the MSN program.
Objectives of the Master’s Program
Graduates of this program are prepared to do the following:
1. Integrate theories and research from nursing and related disciplines to guide advanced
clinical practice; to administer nursing systems; and to influence health policy
decisions.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in the ability to critically test theory based interventions in
practice and to participate in studies which advance professional practice and expand
knowledge.
3. Function independently within an interdisciplinary framework to provide or direct
expert care.
4. Exercise nursing leadership in collaboration with professional colleagues to maintain,
reformulate or refine systems of health care that are effective, efficient, and responsive
to the needs of all people.
5. Demonstrate a strong professional identity characterized by a commitment to continued
learning, ethical decision making, scholarly work, and the capacity to effect desirable
changes.
6. Acquire a sufficient knowledge of nursing theory and research on which to base
doctoral study in the discipline.
7. Integrate a global health perspective in the development of visionary solutions to health
care problems for all citizens but particularly for those in rural underserved areas.
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MSN Curriculum and Sequencing
The graduate program in nursing offers a Master of Science Degree in Nursing. A minimum of
42 semester hour credits is required for the Clinical Nurse Specialist, 41 semester hours for the
Nursing Leadership concentration, 45 semester hours for the Adult Nurse Practitioner
concentration, 50 semester hours for the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, 41 semester
hours for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner concentration, 68 semester hours for the Nurse
Anesthesia concentration, 46 semester hours for the Nurse-Midwifery concentration, and 36
semester hours for the Nursing Education concentration. The Alternate Entry MSN option has
39 semester hours in Phase I; Phase II hours required are dependent on the clinical specialty
selected. Application deadlines are: June 15 for fall; October 15 for spring; March 15 for 1st
summer session; and May 1 for 2nd summer session for Nursing Leadership, Neonatal NP,
Nurse Midwifery, and Nursing Education. The Alternate Entry Option deadline is December 1,
Nurse Anesthesia deadline is May 31, ANP deadline is May 1 and the FNP deadline is April 1.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist deadlines are July 1 for fall, November 1 for spring and April 1
for summer. Fall enrollments are recommended in selected options for full-time study to assure
continuous progression with course sequencing.
The courses are scheduled on the basis of the principles of sequence, continuity, and
integration. This allows for progressive building on knowledge and clinical practice concepts
and research. The core nursing courses are completed early in the program. Patterns of study
have been designed to accommodate full- and part-time students.
Each MSN student is assigned a faculty advisor for academic guidance. This advisor will work
with the student advisee to develop an individualized program of study.
Graduate Clinical Assignments
Clinical assignments for graduate students are negotiated among the Director of the
concentration, the clinical preceptor and the student. Each concentration has requirements for
education and practice that the preceptor must meet as well as required practicum hours and
activities. The concentration directors are responsible for verifying that an ECU CON contract
exists with each clinical agency.
Travel
Students are responsible for their own transportation to clinical sites.
Attendance
Regular attendance in the clinical areas is expected in all nursing courses. If an emergency
situation arises (such as sudden illness), the student is required to notify the appropriate person
in the clinical agency and/or the nursing instructor as soon as possible so that patient care may
be reassigned without delay. This is a professional responsibility which must be assumed by the
individual student and will be taken into consideration in the evaluation of clinical
performance.
Uniform Policy for Concept Integration Lab
Professional Dress for Open Laboratory Experiences:
Attire must support, not disrupt, the learning environment and constitute no threat to health or
safety.
49
• All students must wear the approved lab coat and name tag. Approved purple scrubs
normally worn to clinical agency activities and laboratory activities are always
acceptable.
• No see-through, mesh, torn, tight or ill-fitting clothing will be allowed. Undergarments
must not be visible at any time.
• Tops, shirts, and blouses must be long enough to cover cleavage and midriff.
• Skirts and dresses should be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee.
• Shoes must be closed toe and encase the entire foot.
• Pants must cover the knee. Spandex pants are not acceptable.
SAC Proposed 10/16/08
Revised – 10/30/08 by SAC input via email
Approved by Faculty Organization 1/08/09
50
MSN PROGRAM REQUIRED CURRICULUM
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Prerequisites: Basic Statistics Course
Basic Computer Skills
Minimum credits required for graduation = 42 S.H.
Comprehensive Assessment Required (Portfolio format)
Core Courses Semester
Hours
NURS 6001 Philosophical Perspectives and Theoretical Bases
of Advanced Nursing Practice .............................................................. 3
NURS 6002 Advanced Nursing Practice in Complex Health Care
Organizations ......................................................................................... 3
NURS 6991 Research Methods for Advanced Nursing ................................... 3
NURS 6992 Research Utilization Seminar ...................................................... 2
NURS 6993 Advanced Nursing Synthesis ....................................................... 1
Clinical Core Courses
NURS 6050 Human Physiology and Pathophysiology
for Advanced Nursing Practice .............................................................. 3
NURS 6208 Concepts of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
of Advanced Nursing Practice ............................................................... 3
NURS 6610 Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice .................... 3
NURS 6611 Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice .............. 3
Clinical Nurse Specialist Courses
NURS 6959 Clinical Nurse Specialist Theory & Role Development .. ………3
NURS 6960 CNS Practicum I .......................................................................... 3
NURS 6961 CNS Practicum II ......................................................................... 3
NURS 6962 CNS Practicum III ....................................................................... 3
NURS ____ Specialty Course* ........................................................................ 3
NURS ____ Specialty Course* ........................................................................ 3
*Please discuss specialty courses with your advisor.
51
MSN PROGAM REQUIRED CURRICULUM
Post Master’s Certificate
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Prerequisites: Master of Science in Nursing Degree
Basic Computer Skills
Minimum credits required = 12-30
Comprehensive Assessment Not Required
Core Courses Semester
Hours
NURS 6050 Human Physiology and Pathophysiology
for Advanced Nursing Practice .............................................................. 3
NURS 6208 Concepts of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
of Advanced Nursing Practice ............................................................... 3
NURS 6610 Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice .................... 3
NURS 6611 Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice .............. 3
Clinical Nurse Specialist Courses
NURS 6959 Clinical Nurse Specialist Theory & Role Development . ……….3
NURS 6960 CNS Practicum I .......................................................................... 3
NURS 6961 CNS Practicum II ......................................................................... 3
NURS 6962 CNS Practicum III ....................................................................... 3
NURS ____ Specialty Course* ........................................................................ 3
NURS ____ Specialty Course* ........................................................................ 3
*Please discuss specialty courses with your advisor.
Clinical Core Courses and Specialty Courses may be waived dependent upon courses
completed in student’s previous MSN program.
52
MSN PROGAM REQUIRED CURRICULUM
Nursing Leadership
Prerequisites: Basic Statistics Course
Basic Computer Skills
Accounting Course
Minimum credits required for graduation = 41 S.H.
Portfolio Required
Core Courses Semester
Hours
NURS 6001 Philosophical Perspectives and Theoretical Bases
of Advanced Nursing Practice .............................................................. 3
NURS 6002 Advanced Nursing Practice in Complex Health Care
Organizations ......................................................................................... 3
NURS 6991 Research Methods for Advanced Nursing ................................... 3
NURS 6992 Research Utilization Seminar ...................................................... 2
NURS 6993 Advanced Nursing Synthesis ....................................................... 1
Nursing Leadership Courses
NURS 6971 Health Policy................................................................................ 3
NURS 6973 Management of Human Resources & Professional
Relationships in Nursing Leadership..................................................... 3
NURS 6974 Financial Management and Decision Making
in Nursing Leadership ........................................................................... 3
NURS 6977 Nursing Leadership Practicum I .................................................. 4
NURS 6978 Nursing Leadership Practicum II ................................................. 4
Nursing Leadership – Acute Care Systems Courses
NURS 6983 Administrative & Organizational Theory & Ethics:
Applications in Nursing Leadership ..................................................... 3
NURS 6984 Advanced Nursing Informatics .................................................... 3
NURS 6985 Management of Clinical Service Delivery & Outcomes ............. 3
Elective .............................................................................................................. 3
Nursing Leadership – Community Based Systems Courses
NURS 6983 Administrative & Organizational Theory & Ethics:
Applications in Nursing Leadership ..................................................... 3
NURS 6984 Advanced Nursing Informatics .................................................... 3
NURS 6310 Advanced Community Health Nsg I ............................................ 3
NURS 6311 Advanced Community Health Nsg II .......................................... 3
53
Nursing Leadership – Educational Systems Courses
NURS 6983 Administrative & Organizational Theory & Ethics:
Applications in Nursing Leadership ...................................................... 3
NURS 6903 Curriculum Development in Nursing ........................................... 3
NURS 6904 Educational Concepts, Theories, and Strategies in Nursing ......... 3
NURS 6909 Evaluation in Nursing Education .................................................. 3
54
MSN PROGRAM REQUIRED CURRICULUM
Adult Nurse Practitioner
Prerequisites: Basic Statistics Course
Basic Computer Skills
Minimum credits required for graduation = 46 S.H.
Comprehensive Assessment Required, Portfolio Required
Core Courses Semester
Hours
NURS 6001 Philosophical Perspectives and Theoretical Bases
of Advanced Nursing Practice .............................................................. 3
NURS 6002 Advanced Nursing Practice in Complex Health Care
Organizations ......................................................................................... 3
NURS 6991 Research Methods for Advanced Nursing ................................... 3
NURS 6992 Research Utilization Seminar ...................................................... 2
NURS 6993 Advanced Nursing Synthesis ....................................................... 1
Clinical Core Courses
NURS 6050 Human Physiology and Pathophysiology
for Advanced Nursing Practice .............................................................. 3
NURS 6610 Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice .................... 3
NURS 6611 Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice .............. 3
Adult Nurse Practitioner
NURS 6612 Advanced Nursing Practice with Families
in Primary Health Care .......................................................................... 3
NURS 6613 Advanced Nurse Practitioner Role Development ........................ 2
NURS 6614 Advanced Practice Nursing with Families:
Primary Care of Adults .......................................................................... 4
NURS 6615 Advanced Practice Nursing with Families:
Reproductive Healthcare ....................................................................... 2
NURS 6618 Advanced Practice Nursing: Primary Care of Adults .................. 4
NURS 6621 Advanced Practice Nursing: Care of Adults ................................ 3
NURS 6622 Advanced Practice Nursing: Care of Adults with
Acute and Chronic Illness ..................................................................... 3
NURS 6623 Advanced Practice Nursing: Specialty Care of
Adults .................................................................................................... 4
55
MSN PROGRAM REQUIRED CURRICULUM
Post Masters Certificate
Adult Nurse Practitioner
Prerequisites: Master of Science in Nursing Degree
Basic Computer Skills
Minimum credits required = 10-34 S.H.
Comprehensive Assessment Not Required
Courses Semester
Hours
NURS 6612 Advanced Nursing Practice with Families
in Primary Health Care .......................................................................... 3
NURS 6613 Advanced Nurse Practitioner Role Development ........................ 2
NURS 6614 Advanced Practice Nursing with Families:
Primary Care of Adults .......................................................................... 4
NURS 6615 Advanced Practice Nursing with Families:
Reproductive Healthcare ....................................................................... 2
NURS 6618 Advanced Practice Nursing: Primary Care of Adults .................. 4
NURS 6621 Advanced Practice Nursing: Care of Adults ................................ 3
NURS 6622 Advanced Practice Nursing: Care of Adults with
Acute and Chronic Illness ..................................................................... 3
NURS 6623 Advanced Practice Nursing: Specialty Care of Adults ................ 4
*Other Courses that might be included depending on the student’s past education and
needs:
NURS 6050 Physiology NURS 6610 Health Assessment
NURS 6611 Pharmacology
56
MSN PROGRAM REQUIRED CURRICULUM
Family Nurse Practitioner
Prerequisites: Basic Statistics Course
Basic Computer Skills
Minimum credits required for graduation = 50 S.H.
Comprehensive Assessment Required, Portfolio Required
Core Courses Semester
Hours
NURS 6001 Philosophical Perspectives and Theoretical Bases
of Advanced Nursing Practice .............................................................. 3
NURS 6002 Advanced Nursing Practice in Complex Health Care
Organizations ......................................................................................... 3
NURS 6991 Research Methods for Advanced Nursing ................................... 3
NURS 6992 Research Utilization Seminar ...................................................... 2
NURS 6993 Advanced Nursing Synthesis ....................................................... 1
Clinical Core Courses
NURS 6050 Human Physiology and Pathophysiology
for Advanced Nursing Practice .............................................................. 3
NURS 6610 Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice .................... 3
NURS 6611 Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice .............. 3
Family Nurse Practitioner
NURS 6612 Advanced Nursing Practice with Families
in Primary Health Care .......................................................................... 3
NURS 6613 Advanced Nurse Practitioner Role Development ........................ 2
NURS 6614 Advanced Practice Nursing with Families:
Primary care of Adults........................................................................... 4
NURS 6615 Advanced Practice Nursing with Families:
Reproductive Health .............................................................................. 2
NURS 6616 Advanced Practice Nursing with Families:
Primary Care of Childbearing Clients ................................................... 1
NURS 6617 Advanced Practice Nursing with Families:
Childrearing Clients............................................................................... 4
NURS 6618 Advanced Practice Nursing: Primary Care of Adults .................. 4
NURS 6619 Advanced Practice Nursing: Primary Care of
Childbearing and Childrearing Families ............................................... 4
NURS 6620 Advanced Practice Nursing: Synthesis in Primary
Care of Families .................................................................................... 5
57
MSN PROGRAM REQUIRED CURRICULUM
Post Masters Certificate
Family Nurse Practitioner
Prerequisites: Master of Science in Nursing Degree
Basic Computer Skills
Minimum credits required = 15-38 S.H.
Comprehensive Assessment Not Required
Courses Semester
Hours
NURS 6612 Advanced Nursing Practice with Families
In Primary Health Care ...................................................................................... 3
NURS 6613 Advanced Nurse Practitioner Role Development ........................... 2
NURS 6614 Advanced Practice Nursing with Families:
Primary Care of Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
NURS 6615 Advanced Practice Nursing with Families: Reproductive Health . .2
NURS 6616 Advanced Practice Nursing with Families:
Childbearing Clients ................................................................................. 1
NURS 6617 Advanced Practice Nursing with Families: Childrearing Clients . .4
NURS 6618 Advanced Practice Nursing: Primary Care of Adults ..................... 4
NURS 6619 Advanced Practice Nursing: Primary Care of
Childbearing and Childrearing Families .................................................. 4
NURS 6620 Advanced Practice Nursing: Synthesis in Primary
Care of Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
*Other Courses that might be included depending on the student’s past education and
needs:
NURS 6050 Physiology NURS 6610 Health Assessment
NURS 6611 Pharmacology
58
MSN PROGRAM REQUIRED CURRICULUM
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Prerequisites: Basic Statistics Course
Basic Computer Skills
Minimum credits required for graduation = 41 S.H.
Comprehensive Assessment Required (Portfolio Format)
Core Courses Semester
Hours
NURS 6001 Philosophical Perspectives and Theoretical Bases
of Advanced Nursing Practice .............................................................. 3
NURS 6002 Advanced Nursing Practice in Complex Health Care
Organizations ......................................................................................... 3
NURS 6991 Research Methods for Advanced Nursing ................................... 3
NURS 6992 Research Utilization Seminar ...................................................... 2
NURS 6993 Advanced Nursing Synthesis ....................................................... 1
Clinical Core Courses
NURS 6417 Developmental Physiology for Advanced Neonatal
and Pediatric Nursing Practice .............................................................. 3
NURS 6418 Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice
of Neonatal and Pediatric Patients ......................................................... 3
NURS 6419 Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Neonatal
and Pediatric Nursing Practice .............................................................. 3
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
NURS 6420 Advanced Neonatal Nursing: Research and Theory I ................. 3
NURS 6421 Advanced Neonatal Nursing Practicum I .................................... 2
NURS 6422 Advanced Neonatal Nursing: Research & Theory II ................... 3
NURS 6423 Advanced Neonatal Nursing Practicum II ................................... 4
NURS 6424 Advanced Neonatal Nursing: Research & Theory III ................. 3
NURS 6425 Advanced Neonatal Nursing Practicum III .................................. 5
59
MSN PROGRAM REQUIRED CURRICULUM
Post Masters Certificate
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Prerequisites: Master of Science in Nursing Degree
Basic Computer Skills
Minimum credits required for graduation = 20-29 S.H.
Comprehensive Assessment Not Required
Clinical Core Courses Semester
Hours
NURS 6417 Developmental Physiology for Advanced Neonatal
and Pediatric Nursing Practice ................................................................ 3
NURS 6418 Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice
of Neonatal and Pediatric Patients ........................................................... 3
NURS 6419 Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Neonatal
and Pediatric Nursing Practice ................................................................ 3
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
NURS 6420 Advanced Neonatal Nursing: Research and Theory I ................... 3
NURS 6421 Advanced Neonatal Nursing Practicum I ...................................... 2
NURS 6422 Advanced Neonatal Nursing: Research & Theory II ..................... 3
NURS 6423 Advanced Neonatal Nursing Practicum II ..................................... 4
NURS 6424 Advanced Neonatal Nursing: Research & Theory III ................... 3
NURS 6425 Advanced Neonatal Nursing Practicum III .................................... 5
Clinical Core Courses may be waived dependent upon courses completed in student’s
previous MSN program.
60
MSN PROGRAM REQUIRED CURRICULUM
Nurse Anesthesia
Prerequisites: Basic Statistics Course
Basic Computer Skills
Minimum credits required for graduation = 68 S.H.
Comprehensive Assessment Required (Portfolio Format)
Core Courses Semester
Hours
NURS 6001 Philosophical Perspectives and Theoretical Bases
of Advanced Nursing Practice .............................................................. 3
NURS 6002 Advanced Nursing Practice in Complex Health Care
Organizations ......................................................................................... 3
NURS 6991 Research Methods for Advanced Nursing ................................... 3
NURS 6992 Research Utilization Seminar ...................................................... 2
NURS 6993 Advanced Nursing Synthesis ....................................................... 1
Clinical Core Courses
PTHE 7002 Gross Anatomy and Lab ................................................................ 5
NURS 6610 Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice .................... 3
NURS 6810 Human Physiology for Nurse Anesthetists .................................. 5
NURS 6811 Anesthesia Pharmacology ............................................................ 3
NURS 6813 Chemistry and Physics of Anesthesia .......................................... 4
Nurse Anesthesia
NURS 6805 Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthetists I ..................... 3
NURS 6806 Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthetists II ..................... 4
NURS 6812 Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia................................... 2
NURS 6814 Basic Principles of Nurse Anesthesia .......................................... 3
NURS 6815 Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia I ................................ 2
NURS 6816 Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia II ............................... 2
NURS 6817 Clinical Correlations I .................................................................. 1
NURS 6818 Clinical Correlations II ................................................................ 1
NURS 6819 Clinical Practicum Nurse Anesthesia I ........................................ 1
NURS 6820 Clinical Practicum Nurse Anesthesia II ....................................... 3
NURS 6821 Clinical Practicum Nurse Anesthesia III ..................................... 4
NURS 6822 Clinical Practicum Nurse Anesthesia IV ..................................... 4
NURS 6823 Clinical Practicum Nurse Anesthesia V....................................... 4
NURS 6824 Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia ................................... 2
61
MSN PROGRAM REQUIRED CURRICULUM
Post Masters Certificate
Nurse Anesthesia
Prerequisites: Basic Statistics Course
Basic Computer Skills
Minimum credits required for graduation = 56 S.H.
Comprehensive Assessment Not Required
Clinical Core Courses Semester
Hours
PTHE 7002 Gross Anatomy and Lab ............................................................... 5
NURS 6610 Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice .................... 3
NURS 6810 Human Physiology for Nurse Anesthetists .................................. 5
NURS 6811 Anesthesia Pharmacology ............................................................ 3
NURS 6813 Chemistry and Physics of Anesthesia .......................................... 4
Nurse Anesthesia
NURS 6805 Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthetists I ..................... 3
NURS 6806 Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthetists II ..................... 4
NURS 6812 Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia................................... 2
NURS 6814 Basic Principles of Nurse Anesthesia .......................................... 3
NURS 6815 Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia I ................................ 2
NURS 6816 Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia II ............................... 2
NURS 6817 Clinical Correlations I .................................................................. 1
NURS 6818 Clinical Correlations II ................................................................ 1
NURS 6819 Clinical Practicum Nurse Anesthesia I ........................................ 1
NURS 6820 Clinical Practicum Nurse Anesthesia II ....................................... 3
NURS 6821 Clinical Practicum Nurse Anesthesia III ..................................... 4
NURS 6822 Clinical Practicum Nurse Anesthesia IV ..................................... 4
NURS 6823 Clinical Practicum Nurse Anesthesia V....................................... 4
NURS 6824 Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia ................................... 2
62
MSN PROGRAM REQUIRED CURRICULUM
Nurse Midwifery
Prerequisites: Basic Statistics Course
Basic Computer Skills
Minimum credits required for graduation = 50 S.H.
Comprehensive Assessment Required (Portfolio Format)
Core Courses Semester
Hours
NURS 6001 Philosophical Perspectives and Theoretical Bases
of Advanced Nursing Practice .............................................................. 3
NURS 6002 Advanced Nursing Practice in Complex Health Care
Organizations ......................................................................................... 3
NURS 6991 Research Methods for Advanced Nursing ................................... 3
NURS 6992 Research Utilization Seminar ...................................................... 2
NURS 6993 Advanced Nursing Synthesis ....................................................... 1
Clinical Core Courses
NURS 6050 NURS 6050 Human Physiology and Pathophysiology
for Advanced Nursing Practice .............................................................. 3
NURS 6110 Reproductive Physiology ............................................................. 2
NURS 6610 Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice .................... 3
NURS 6611 Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice .............. 3
Nurse Midwifery
NURS 6109 Introductory Nurse-Midwifery Professional Roles and Issues .... 2
NURS 6112 Nurse-Midwifery Management: Well-Woman Care ................... 3
NURS 6113 Nurse-Midwifery Management: Antepartal Care ........................ 4
NURS 6115 Nurse-Midwifery Management: Intrapartal Care ........................ 4
NURS 6116 Nurse-Midwifery Management: Postpartal and Neonatal Care ... 3
NURS 6117 Nurse-Midwifery Management: Integration Practicum ............... 7
NURS 6118 Integration of Nurse-Midwifery Professional Roles and Issues .. 2
NURS 6119 Nurse-Midwifery Management: Introduction to Primary Care
for Well Woman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..2
63
MSN PROGRAM REQUIRED CURRICULUM
Post Masters Certificate
Nurse Midwifery
Prerequisites: Master of Science in Nursing Degree
Basic Computer Skills
Minimum credits required = 25-34 S.H.
Comprehensive Assessment Not Required
Clinical Core Courses Semester
Hours
NURS 6110 Reproductive Physiology ............................................................. 3
NURS 6610 Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice .................... 3
NURS 6611 Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice .............. 3
Nurse Midwifery
NURS 6109 Introductory Nurse-Midwifery Professional Roles and Issues .... 2
NURS 6112 Nurse-Midwifery Management: Well-Woman Health Care ....... 3
NURS 6113 Nurse-Midwifery Management: Antepartal Care ........................ 4
NURS 6115 Nurse-Midwifery Management: Intrapartal Care ........................ 4
NURS 6116 Nurse-Midwifery Management: Postpartal and Neonatal Care ... 3
NURS 6117 Nurse-Midwifery Integration Practicum ...................................... 7
NURS 6118 Integration of Nurse-Midwifery Professional Roles and Issues .. 2
Clinical Core Courses may be waived dependent upon courses completed in student’s
previous MSN program.
64
MSN PROGRAM REQUIRED CURRICULUM
Nursing Education
Prerequisites: Basic Statistics Course
Basic Computer Skills
Minimum credits required = 36-39 S.H.
Comprehensive Assessment Required (Portfolio Format)
Core Courses Semester
Hours
NURS 6001 Philosophical Perspectives and Theoretical Bases
of Advanced Nursing Practice .............................................................. 3
NURS 6002 Advanced Nursing Practice in Complex Health Care
Organizations ......................................................................................... 3
NURS 6991 Research Methods for Advanced Nursing ................................... 3
NURS 6992 Research Utilization Seminar ...................................................... 2
NURS 6993 Advanced Nursing Synthesis ....................................................... 1
Clinical Nursing Courses
NURS xxxx Clinical Nursing Course ■ ........................................................... 3
NURS xxxx Clinical Nursing Course ■ ........................................................... 3
NURS xxxx Clinical Nursing Course ■ ........................................................... 3
Nursing Education Courses
NURS 6903 Curriculum Development in Nursing .......................................... 3
NURS 6904 Educational Concepts, Theories, and Strategies in Nursing ........ 3
NURS 6905 Nursing Education Role Practicum I ........................................... 3
NURS 6909 Evaluation in Nursing Education ................................................. 3
Elective/Cognate……………………………………………………………….3
Optional Course
NURS 6908 Nursing Education Role Practicum II*…………………………3
* Students who have limited academic nursing teaching experience may be required to take
NURS 6908
■ May select any clinical nursing course from our MSN curriculum
65
MSN PROGRAM REQUIRED CURRICULUM
Post Masters Certificate
Nursing Education
Prerequisites: Master of Science in Nursing Degree
Basic Computer Skills
Minimum credits required for completion = 12-15 S.H.
Comprehensive Assessment Not Required
Courses Semester
Hours
NURS 6903 Curriculum Development in Nursing ............................................ 3
NURS 6904 Educational Concepts, Theories and Strategies in Nursing ........... 3
NURS 6905 Nursing Education Role—Practicum I .......................................... 3
NURS 6909 Evaluation in Nursing Education ................................................... 3
Depending on students’ needs, past education, and teaching experience, an additional
course may be required: NURS 6908 Nursing Education Role Practicum II
66
Alternate Entry MSN Option
Prerequisites: Chemistry – 6 total credits with at least 3 credits of organic or
biochem istry content
Human Anatomy & Physiology – 8 total credits, including
labs
Microbiology – 3 to 4 total credits, including a lab
Human Growth & Development – 3 credits, preferably
Developm ental Psychology
Nutrition – 3 credits
Ethics – 3 credits in medical or professional ethics
Statistics – 3 credits
Alternate Entry MSN Option (Phase I)
NURS 6007 Health Appraisal of Individuals, Families, & Communities .................................. 6
NURS 6008 Professional Nursing Foundations .......................................................................... 6
NURS 6013 Dimensions of Professional Nursing ...................................................................... 3
NURS 6016 Comprehensive Care of Individuals Experiencing Alterations in Health I ............ 7
NURS 6017 Comprehensive Care of Individuals Experiencing Alterations in Health II ........... 7
NURS 6018 Capstone Clinical Experience ................................................................................. 5
NURS 6019 Leadership & Community Service Learning .......................................................... 5
Alternate Entry MSN Option (Phase II)
Phase II requirements vary depending on the concentration selected. Students may choose from
all concentrations offered in the MSN program, with the exception of Nurse Anesthesia.
Admission into the Alternate Entry MSN option does not guarantee admission into the
concentration of choice.
67
Comprehensive Assessment
General Information
All graduate programs require students to successfully complete a comprehensive assessment.
“The assessment may include a comprehensive examination (written and/or oral) a research
project, thesis, capstone course portfolio, and/or equivalent” (ECU Bulletin, Graduate Catalog).
The comprehensive assessment will be completed while enrolled in NURS 6993 Advanced
Nursing Synthesis in the MSN program.
Purpose
The purposes of the comprehensive assessment are to assess the student’s ability to:
a. synthesize advanced knowledge from nursing and related sciences for specialized
practice;
b. integrate research and theory in advanced professional practice;
c. evaluate issues that impact advanced nursing practice; and
d. communicate ideas effectively.
Guidelines
Each concentration will provide specific guidelines for completion of the comprehensive
assessment to be completed in NURS 6993 prior to graduation.
Administrative Process
Each concentration director will oversee the comprehensive assessment process completed
during the student’s last semester. Grading will be based on the following three categories: Pass
with Honors, Pass, and Fail. The concentration director will forward the results of the
assessment to the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and the student will be informed of
the outcome of the assessment by letter. A form is sent to the Graduate College and the
Registrar’s Office indicating the student’s grade and a copy of the grade is placed in the
student’s official record.
In Case of Failure
If a student fails the comprehensive assessment, the concentration director will provide student
feedback on his/her performance. The student will have an opportunity revise or retake the
comprehensive assessment. Failure on the second assessment will terminate the student’s
graduate program.
Academic Regulations
Time Limitations for Completion of Program
“The time limit for completing all credit (including transfer credit) in nondoctoral programs is
six years (except for the master of science in social work which is limited to four years for full-
and part-time students). College, school, and departmental petitions for time extensions for
completion of degrees will be reviewed and acted upon by the Graduate School. The Graduate
School is empowered to establish the length of time for extensions that are granted and to
specify the conditions governing time extensions that student petitioners must meet.” (ECU
Bulletin, Graduate Catalog). To initiate this process, please confer with your advisor.
68
Academic Advisement
Upon admission to the program each graduate student will be assigned to an academic advisor
by the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs. This advisor, a member of the East Carolina
University Graduate Faculty, will be responsible for assisting the student in meeting the
requirements of the program. Alternate Entry MSN Phase I students will be advised through the
Academic Advisement Center located in Student Services (2150) in the Health Sciences
Building. Generally, the advisory process includes:
1. an initial on-line or face-to-face conference with the advisor to plan the overall
program. The student should initiate this conference.
2. contact with the advisor at least once per semester, preferably during the online
registration period.
3. continued regular contact with the advisor, even if the student is not taking coursework
during a particular semester or is engaged in a research practicum.
Advisors are available to help students select cognate options, schedule and sequence
courses, assist with problems in scheduling, and for referral to other University resources.
Appointments should be made with the advisor whenever the student has need of this type of
assistance.
Specifically, the responsibilities of advisors and students are as follows:
Advisor Responsibilities
1. Advisor is responsible for checking:
- transfer credits
- credits taken outside a program in which student has been formally admitted
- credits from another degree
- credits that might be used for transfer if within the six year period in which
program must be completed. (This means transfer credit cannot be more than six
years old at time of graduation.)
- evaluation of credits from a second de gree or other w ork that may have
application for meeting program requirements.
2. Advisor is responsible for preparing a petition addressed to the Administrative Board,
Graduate School, for consideration of credits for transfer. This action should be initiated
by the advisor as soon as possible after the first advisement session. Petition is signed
by advisor and sent to Associate Dean, Graduate Programs, College of Nursing, for
approval. From this office, petition is sent to the Graduate School for action.
3. Advisor is responsible for program planning for the entire program at the time of initial
advisement. A Program Planning Sheet should be in each student’s file; the student
should have a copy for his/her own use. Program planning sheets are changed and
updated as necessary.
4. Advisor is responsible for checking the Check and Need Sheets when her/his advisee is
within twelve hours of graduation. The Advisor and Advisee sign the Check Sheet. The
69
Advisor and Associate Dean for Graduate Programs sign the Need Sheet. Care should
be taken to make sure that courses listed on the Check Sheet are congruent with courses
taken to fulfill program requirements. The Need Sheet requires that the Academic
Advisor verify that the Comprehensive Assessment has been successfully completed.
(A statement on performance is placed in each student’s record after the results are in.)
5. Advisors are responsible for advising and reviewing schedules for advisees prior to
registration.
Student Responsibilities
1. Each student, new or continuing, has primary responsibility for assuring that he or she is
completing degree requirements.
2. Keeping informed about dates and processes for on-line registration.
3. Actions on removing Incompletes.
4. Making applications for graduation, taking comprehensive exam, and for a placement in
clinical practica.
5. Obtaining and completing all permits to take courses other than scheduled ones on the
main campus.
6. Maintaining a current copy of the Program Planning Sheet and making sure that course
requirements are met.
7. Having Online Registration Schedules signed by one’s Academic Advisor prior to
online registration and fee-paying.
8. Checking with Registrar at least six weeks prior to graduation; if any problems are
found, the Advisor and/or Associate Dean for Graduate Programs should be notified
immediately.
9. Keeping one’s Advisor informed about changes and/or decisions relating to pursuit of
the degree. If student becomes inactive for a semester or more, he/she is expected to
notify the Advisor about his/her status.
10. Submitting a copy of liability insurance and licensure to practice nursing in North
Carolina at each Fall and Spring enrollment.
11. Maintaining health records in the East Carolina University Student Health Center.
Please note:
- Official communication will be conducted via ECU student e-mail accounts.
- Students should check their e-mail frequently for announcements and information.
- All graduate students are required to save their work (papers, projects,
returned exams, etc.) throughout their program in a file folder or portfolio. Faculty
will periodically review the portfolio during the course of your program and at the
conclusion of your courses for the purpose of outcome evaluation.
70
Cognates/ Electives
Cognates and electives are selected by the student according to the curriculum plan of each
particular major concentration in the MSN program. The student’s academic advisor will
recommend suitable courses from which to choose.
Additional courses may be developed during the academic year. Selected courses from other
concentrations or disciplines can be enrolled in as electives by students from different majors.
(See academic advisor)
MSN Program Research Requirements
All Master of Science in Nursing candidates are expected to value the contribution of scholarly
activities to the profession and the need to continue scholarly activities on a long-term basis.
Program objectives relating to research must be met irrespective of the major culminating in the
demonstration of beginning research competencies.
71
Appendix A
Release to Share CBC Information
East Carolina University
College of Nursing
RELEASE TO SHARE BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND AGREEMENT TO REPORT
FELONY OR MISDEMEANOR CONVICTIONS
By signature, I agree to provide the College of Nursing with a Criminal Background Check (CBC) for the purpose
of complying with contractual requirements of clinical agencies seeking to identify and evaluate care providers
who have been convicted of one or more criminal offenses before they participate in patient care. The College has
my permission, and I direct it, to share information obtained in the investigative report generated by my CBC with
health care agencies to whom I have been assigned for clinical educational experiences. Only group information
will be shared without my knowledge and opportunity for involvement. I further agree to report any adverse
event, including felony or misdemeanor charges and convictions (excluding minor traffic related violations),
which occur during my enrollment in the College of Nursing within 5 school days of occurrence.
By this agreement, I understand that:
• the College of Nursing will be provided a check of my background seeking information on criminal
convictions for the lesser period of either the past 10 years or since my 18th birthday, in all states in which
I have resided or worked;
• I will use the investigative agency approved by the UNC system to conduct the check;
• my privacy will be fully maintained throughout this process;
• any information about misdemeanor or felony charges or convictions learned through this check will be
discussed with me prior to my identity and history being shared with external parties’;
• only essential information from my CBC report may be shared with applicable agencies;
• should the College need to reveal my identity and CBC findings to a clinical agency, I have the right to
submit information to the College for inclusion in the transmittal;
• the College of Nursing agrees to use my information for the sole purpose of securing placement for
educational experiences in any clinical agency;
• my failure to permit the sharing of this information will result in the inability of the College of Nursing to
secure suitable clinical placement for me, thus rendering me unable to complete my nursing degree
program at East Carolina University;
• I must report felony or misdemeanor or felony charges and convictions which occur during my
enrollment within 5 school days of occurrence to the Executive Director of Student Services;
• failure to report any future misdemeanor or felony charges and convictions in a timely and complete
manner will constitute a violation of the academic integrity code;
• failure to report requisite information may constitute grounds for dismissal;
• I have the right to appeal administrative actions taken as a result of information obtained in my CBC by
submitting a written statement of appeal to the Assistant to the Dean for Student Rights and
Responsibilities
RETAIN A COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS
_____________________________ ___________________________________
Name (please print) Signature
_________________________________ _______________________________________
Banner ID Date (STUDENT COPY)
Drafted from UNC-CH: 12/05
(ASD Revised 06/19/2008)
72
Appendix B
Event Report Form
East Carolina University
College of Nursing
Complete one copy for the central file. No other copies are to be made or retained. Follow the
attached guide.
Student Legal Name_____________________________ Date__________________
Banner ID# _____________________________ Time__________________
Agency _____________________________ Unit___________________
For Completion by Student:
Specific event: Give detailed description of situation and circumstances surrounding incident.
Use pertinent history but do not use patient identifiers such as name, room number, address,
Medical Record (MR) number etc.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
73
For Completion by Student and / or Faculty:
Action: Include reporting of event and sequelae. If student injured, state how injured and
treatment received and by whom.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
__________________________ __________________________
Student Signature Faculty Signature
__________________________ __________________________
Date Date
6/24/09
Approved Edits by Executive Committee
74
Appendix C
Student Instructions for Drug Screening
To order your drug screening from CertifiedBackground.com, please follow the instructions
below.
Instructions
1. Go to www.CertifiedBackground.com and click on “Student.”
2. In the Package Code Box, enter package code: CS24DT
3. Select a method of payment: Visa, MasterCard or money order.
Once your order is submitted, you will receive a password via email to view the results of your
testing. The results will be available in approximately 48-72 hours after completion of the
testing.
Important Notes
This package contains a drug screen only. Please print out the email confirmation and bring to
Amy Dilday in Student Services to receive your “chain of custody” form. This “chain of
custody” form must be presented when you go to your local LabCorps office for testing. You
do not have to bring a copy of the “chain of custody” form back to Student Services. LabCorp
is located at the following address:
LabCorp
2253 Stantonsburg Road, Greenville, NC 27834
http://www.lapcorp.com
252-758-1493
252-752-7519 (fax)
Hours
Monday-Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
Once the results are available, please print a copy and bring to Amy Dilday in Student Services.
www.Certifiedbackground.com Phone: 888-666-7788 info@certifiedbackground.com
75
Appendix D
Notice of Drug Screening
To: _______________________________________________________
(Name of Student)
From: _______________________________________________________
(Faculty, College of Nursing)
Re: Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing
Based on individual reasonable suspicion that you may be engaging in the impermissible use of drugs
prohibited by the College of Nursing Program of East Carolina University, you are to report for drug
screening as outlined by policy no later than __________ (time) on ____________ (date). You will be
required to provide a urine and/or blood sample and/or submit to an alcohol breathalyzer test at that
time, in accordance with
a) the policies and procedures established by the College of Nursing Program at East Carolina
University.
b) your signed consent to the provisions of the policy and the program for Substance Abuse.
Confirmed confidential written results shall be sent to:
Office of Student Services
College of Nursing
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina 27858
Signed:_________________________________ ______________________
(nursing student) (date and time)
Faculty:__________________________ ______________________
(date and time)
76
Appendix E
ECU College of Nursing
Physical Examination Form
To be completed and signed by Physician, Physician’s Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner.
(Please print in black ink.)
Last Name First Name MI Date of Birth (month/day/year) *Banner ID Number
Permanent Address City State Zip Code Area Code/Phone Number
Height________ Weight________ TPR________/________/________ BP ________/________
Vision: Urinalysis:
Corrected Right 20/________ Left 20/________ Sugar ____________________________
Uncorrected Right 20/________ Left 20/________ Albumin __________________________
Color Vision________________________________ Micro ____________________________
Hearing: HGB or HCT (if indicated)___________________________________
(gross) Right________ Left________
15 ft. Right________ Left________
Are there abnormalities? Normal Abnormal Description (attach additional sheets if necessary)
Head, Ears, Nose, Throat
Eyes
Respiratory
Cardiovascular
Gastrointestinal
Hernia
Genitourinary
Musculoskeletal
Metabolic/Endocrine
Neuropsychiatric
Skin
Mammary
Is there loss or seriously impaired function of any paired organs? Yes________ No________
Explain
Is student under treatment for any medical or emotional condition? Yes________ No________
Explain
Recommendation for physical activity (physical education, intramurals, etc.) Unlimited________ Limited________
Explain
Is student physically and emotionally healthy? Yes________ No________
Explain
Based on my assessment of this student’s physical and emotional health on __________________, he/she
(date)
appears able to participate in the activities of a health profession in a clinical setting. Yes________ No________
If no, please explain________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________ _____________________________________
Signature of Physician/Physician’s Assistant/Nurse Practitioner Date
______________________________________________________ ____________________________________
Print Name of Physician/Physician’s Assistant/Nurse Practitioner Area Code/Phone Number
Office Address City State Zip Code
77
Immunization Record Page 2
Last Name First Name MI Date of Birth (month/day/year) *Banner ID Number
To be completed and signed by physician or clinic. A complete immunization record from a physician or clinic may be attached to this
form. (Please print in black ink.)
Month/day/year Month/day/year Month/day/year Month/day/year
DTP Or Td OR
Td booster
Polio
**MMR (after first
birthday)
MR (after first birthday)
Measles (after first ****Titer Date/Result
birthday)
Mumps ****Titer Date/Result
Rubella ****Titer Date/Result
Month/day/year Month/day/year Titer Date & Result
***Varicella Series of
two doses OR
****Varicella titer
Result
Month/day/year read mm induration
Tuberculin (PPD) Test
within 12 months
Month/day/year Results
Chest X-ray, if positive
PPD
Treatment
(if applicable)
Month/day/year Month/day/year Month/day/year
***Hepatitis B series
AND
If series was completed more than five years prior to entrance in nursing courses, one of the following:
***Hepatitis B Booster
within five years
OR Titer Date & Result
****Hepatitis Titer
Signature or Clinic Stamp REQUIRED:
_____________________________________________________ _____________________________________
Signature of Physician/Physician’s Assistant/Nurse Practitioner Date
______________________________________________________ _____________________________________
Print Name of Physician/Physician’s Assistant/Nurse Practitioner Area Code/Phone Number
Office Address City State Zip Code
* Provision of Social Security number is voluntary, is requested solely for administrative convenience and record keeping accuracy, and is requested only to provide a
personal identifier for the internal records of this institution.
** Must repeat Rubeola (measles) vaccine if received prior to 12 months of age. History of physician-diagnosed measles disease is acceptable, but must have signed
statement from physician.
*** Only laboratory proof of immunity to rubella, mumps, and varicella is acceptable if the vaccine is not taken. History of rubella, mumps, and varicella disease, even from
a physician, is not acceptable.
**** Attach lab reports.
78
Appendix F
Consent Waiver and Release
East Carolina University
College of Nursing
Greenville, NC 27858-4353
Name of Student: ______________________________________________________________
Home Address: ________________________________________________________________
Phone number: ________________________________________________________________
To be signed by the subject, parent or guardian
I hereby give permission to the College of Nursing at East Carolina University and Pitt County Memorial
Hospital to prepare, use, reproduce, publish, exhibit my name, picture, likeness, or voice, or any or all of them for
use by, including but not limited to, the news media, and the department in their public relations, educational
programs and department/university website on the internet. Any photograph, photo transparency, drawing or
other illustrative graphic material, audio-visual tape or audio-visual illustration may be used without my prior
examination of the finished product.
I have crossed out, dated and initialed any exceptions to this consent waiver and release form.
I hereby waive my rights to privacy in connection with consent above given and I hereby release,
discharge, and agree to hold harmless all the parties to whom this consent is given from any liability whatsoever
and agree that this consent and waiver will not be made the basis of a future claim of any kind.
Signed: _____________________________________
Relationship: _________________________________
Witness: ____________________________________
Date: _______________________________________
Purpose (Complete only if subject is giving consent for a specific one-time use.)
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Return to:
CON Graduate Programs Office,
2150-C Health Sciences
College of Nursing, East Carolina University
Original to be kept on file in the CON Graduate Programs office.
Last revised 8/01/06
79
Appendix G
Health Insurance Waiver
I understand that health insurance coverage is strongly recommended by the College of
Nursing for students enrolled in the nursi ng program . I also understand that if I
become sick or injured and need care while in the clinical area, I will be responsible for
any expense incurred.
____________________________________
Print Name
____________________________________
Signature
____________________________________
Date
80
Appendix H
The Pin of East Carolina University College of Nursing
The pin (as described below) is available for purchase by MSN graduates through the
ECU Student Stores. The pin (without BSN) is available in 10K gold, gold-filled and sterling
silver. A guard with MSN is also available for attachment. Each semester the Student Stores
posts notice of the deadline for ordering on bulletin boards with the College of Nursing.
Master’s degree graduates are welcome and, in fact, encouraged to wear the College pin.
Description of College Pin
The pin for the College of Nursing of East Carolina University was designed by the
students and they described the design as follows:
It is based on a modified shield of trust and is taken from the East Carolina University
seal. Nursing is based on trust. Curled around the bottom of the shield is a ribbon bearing the
name of the College and the degree awarded. The shield has three points. These stand for three
of the characteristics of a good nurse: love, mercy, and understanding. The pin is divided into
four sections, three across the top and one at the bottom. In the upper left hand corner is the
world. The globe is a never-ending circle which shows the type of service we hope to render. In
the upper right hand corner is an open book and a quill and an inkpot. The book is the book of
knowledge. The quill and the inkpot are the symbols of a learned person and the arts. In the
center section is the caduceus with an “N”, which is the symbol for nursing, as well as the
founding date of the College of Nursing. The Florence Nightingale lamp which symbolized
service and light is at the bottom. In the flame of the lamp is a ruby which represents a vibrant
life. Each nurse should be a vibrant person full of energy. Across the center of the pin is the
University motto “Servile,” which means to serve. “We are a part of our University, and it is
appropriate that we use the University motto as our goal in life;” Through its symbols the pin
represents worldwide service through knowledge.
In the years to come we shall look to you for the fulfillment of these symbols.
The pin may be ordered from the ECU Student Stores during the last semester of study.
81
Appendix I
College of Nursing Scholarship Application 2009/2010
East Carolina University
College of Nursing
Graduate Programs Scholarship Application
If you are interested in receiving College of Nursing scholarship funds, please complete this general application
form. SEE THE COLLEGE OF NURSING WEBSITE FOR UPDATED FORM AND DATES EACH
SPRING.
Important information about the scholarships:
If awarded the scholarship must be split between the 2 semesters.
Certain information is requested because donors have particular criteria for applications. If you do not
meet the qualifications, the award cannot be given. Therefore, it is important that you carefully answer all
questions.
Name: _______________________________ ECU ID #:____________________________
Home Address:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Are you a North Carolina Resident? ____Yes _____No_____
North Carolina County of Residence
_____________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the following high school: Ayden-Grifton? _____Yes ____No
Are you employed by the Brody School of Medicine? _____Yes ___No
E-mail address:
_________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: (_____) ______________________
Academic Status in fall: 200___ First Year ____ Second Year ____ Other____
Currently enrolled:
Yes ____ No ____ Full time _____ Part Time _____ Non-Degree Student: ___________
Anticipated Graduation Date: __________________________
List the areas of nursing which interest you the most:
Geriatrics _____ Oncology _____Rural focus _____ Nurse Anesthetist______
Pediatrics _____Emergency/ Critical Care_______ Hospice_____ Community Health____
Family Nursing Practice____ Nurse Midwifery_____
(over)
82
Scholarship Application
Page #2 Name: __________________________________ ECU ID: _______________
Concentration/Program:
Adult Nurse Practitioner_____ Family Nurse Practitioner _____ Nursing Leadership ________
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner ______ Nurse Anesthesia _______ Nursing Education _________
Nurse-Midwife _________Clinical Nurse Specialist _______ Alternate Entry MSN _________
PhD _________
WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER PLANS AFTER GRADUATION?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
IF THE SCHOLARSHIP IS BASED UPON FINANCIAL NEED EXPLAIN HOW YOU WOULD
QUALIFY FOR THE AWARD (Give brief explanation)
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
LIST THE TYPES OF WORK EXPERIENCES YOU HAVE HAD (OR ATTACH A RESUME):
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
WHAT TYPE OF COMMUNITY OR SCHOOL SERVICE HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
PLEASE LIST ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE YOU ARE CURRENTLY RECEIVING,
SUCH AS:
NURSE TRAINEESHIP, NURSE SCHOLARS, EMPLOYEE TUITION REIMBURSEMENT,
GI BILL, OR OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
This information is considered confidential and available only to Scholarship Committee. Please return
this application by April 15 to the Graduate Programs Office in Health Sciences Building 3166-B. One
letter of reference must accompany this application.
03/03/08 AMS
83
List of College of Nursing Graduate Faculty
* This list will be continuously updated as faculty positions are filled. An updated list will be available from the
College of Nursing Graduate Programs Office*
Sylvia T. Brown, Professor and Dean, EdD Ann M. Schreier, Associate Professor, PhD
Elaine Scott, Associate Professor, PhD
Graduate Faculty
Martha Alligood, Professor, PhD Graduate Teaching Faculty
Rebecca Benfield, Associate Professor, PhD Rebecca Bagley, Clinical Assistant Professor,
Josie M. Bowman, Associate Professor, DNS MSN, CNM
Garris Conner, Associate Professor, DSN Lou Anne Baldree, Clinical Associate
Robin Webb Corbett, Associate Professor, Professor, MD
PhD Nellie Droes, Clinical Associate Professor, PhD
Frances R. Eason, Professor, EdD Melydia Edge, Clinical Associate Professor,
Martha K. Engelke, Professor, PhD, Richard MSN, CRNA
R. Eakin Distinguished Professor Lou Whichard Everett, Clinical Professor,
Phyllis N. Horns, Professor and Vice EdD
Chancellor, DSN Greg Gambrell, Clinical Assistant Professor,
Elizabeth Jesse, Associate Professor, PhD, MSN, CRNA
CNM Kimberly Hardy, Clinical Assistant Professor,
Mary Kirkpatrick, Professor, EdD MSN, FNP
Maura McAuliffe, Professor, PhD Stuart James, Clinical Instructor, MBA
Linda Mayne, Associate Professor, PhD Kathleen Leonard, MSN
Janice A. Neil, Associate Professor, PhD Bobby Lowery, Clinical Assistant Professor,
Marie E. Pokorny, Professor, PhD MSN, FNP
Iona Poston, Associate Professor, PhD Cathy McLean, Clinical Assistant Professor,
Dorothy Rentschler, Associate Professor, PhD MSN
Mary Ann Rose, Professor, EdD Jane Miles, Clinical Instructor, MSN
Nancy N. Stephenson, Associate Professor, Frank Moore, MSN
PhD Melissa Ott, Clinical Assistant Professor, MSN
Mel Swanson, Professor, PhD Pamela Reis, Clinical Assistant Professor,
Susan Williams, Associate Professor, DNS MSN, CNM
Carol Winters-Moorhead, Professor, PhD Michelle Skipper, Clinical Assistant Professor,
MSN, FNP
Renee Spain, Clinical Instructor, MSN,
Associate Graduate Faculty
MAEd, CNM
Laura Gantt, Associate Professor, PhD
Mollie Tripp, Clinical Instructor, MSN, NNP
Barbara Kellam, Associate Professor, PhD
Nikki Barrett, Clinical Assistant Prof
Kim Larson, Associate Professor, PhD
Kristen Barbee, Clinical Assistant, MSN
Bonnie Benetato, Assistant Professor, PhD
Carolyn Horne, Clinical Instructor, MSN
Annette Peery, Assistant Professor, EdD
Donna Roberson, Assistant Professor, PhD
Donna Lake, Clinical Instructor, MSN
Janice Puglisi, Clinical Assistant Professor, MSN
Debra Kosko, Clinical Assistant Professor, MSN
84
College of Nursing
Graduate Programs
Independent Study (NURS 6500) / Selected Topics Form (NURS 6006)
Readings and Research in Nursing (NURS 6521)
1. Student: _________________________ Banner ID Number: _________________
2. Independent Study (NURS 6500) ________
Selected Topics (NURS 6006) ________
Readings and Research in Nursing ________
3. Term to be offered: _____________ Credit Hours: _____
4. Faculty Director: _______________________________ _________
SIGNATURE DATE
5. Title of Independent Study / Selected Topic / Readings and Research in Nursing
6. Purpose Statement:
7. Objectives:
8. Plan of Activities: (include number of class/clinical/seminar sessions, length of sessions,
etc.)
9. Evaluation Methods: (Criteria for assessment)
Copies: Student
Faculty member
Associate Dean for Graduate Programs
Appendix J Revised Grade Appeal Policy
Overview and Purpose
The goal of this grade appeal policy is to establish a clear, fair process by which graduate students can contest a course grade
that they believe has been awarded in a manner inconsistent with university policies or that has resulted from calculation errors
on the part of the instructor. Recognizing, however, that the evaluation of student performance is based upon the professional
judgment of instructors, and not withstanding the exceptions noted at the end of this policy, appeals will not be considered
unless based upon one or more of the following factors:
• An error was made in grade computation.
• Standards different from those established in written department, school or college policies, if specific
policies exist, were used in assigning the grade.
• The instructor departed substantially from his or her previously articulated, written standards, without
notifying students, in determining the grade.
Only the final course grade may be appealed. The grade assigned by the instructor is assumed to be correct and the student
appealing the grade must justify the need for a change of the grade assigned.
Appeals Procedure
1. Formal grade appeals must be initiated by the student by the end of the twenty-first calendar day of the
semester (not including summer sessions) following the award of the grade.
2. The first step to resolve differences between an instructor and student concerning a grade should be a
discussion with the instructor. If the instructor of record will not be available within one semester (not
including summer sessions), the department chair or designee may act in lieu of the instructor of record for
the purpose of grade appeals.
3. If the instructor and student cannot resolve the appeal, and the student wishes to pursue the matter further,
he or she must present to the chair of the department or designee in which the course is offered, a written
appeal that includes the following:
˜ A statement addressing how the appeal meets one or more of the three criteria necessary for a
formal appeal.
˜ A description of the outcome of the informal discussion process.
˜ Any relevant documents the student would like to be reviewed as part of the appeal process.
˜ A copy of the course syllabus and assignment descriptions.
The department chair or designee may request additional materials from the student. After receiving a copy
of the appeal materials from the department chair or designee, the instructor has fourteen calendar days to
respond in writing to the appeal. The department chair or designee will discuss this response with the
faculty member andwill provide the student with written notification of the outcome of this step within
seven calendar days after receiving the instructor’s response.
4. If there is no mutually agreed upon resolution between the student and the instructor, and the student
wishes to pursue the matter further, he or she has seven calendar days to submit his or her written appeal to
the college dean or designee. The college dean or designee will review the appeal, provide copies of all
appeal materials to the instructor, and discuss the appeal with both the instructor and the student. The
instructor has seven days to review the written appeal the student has presented to the Dean and, if desired,
prepare an additional written response. The college dean or designee will provide the student with written
notification of the result of this step within fourteen calendar days after receipt of the appeal from the
student.
5. If step 4 does not lead to a mutually agreeable resolution between the student and the instructor, and the
student wishes to pursue the matter further, then a Grade Appeal Committee shall be formed by the Dean of
the school or college in which the program resides within ten calendar days. This committee shall include
five graduate faculty members from the college: one selected by the student, one selected by the instructor
of record, and one appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School, and two appointed by the Dean of the
school or college in which the program resides.. A majority shall prevail in the committee. The Committee
shall elect its own chair. The function of the Grade Appeal Committee shall be to evaluate the appeal in
terms of the stated grounds for the appeal. The Committee’s decision may be to keep the assigned grade or
to raise the assigned grade. The Committee shall provide a written justification to the Deans of the
academic school or college and the Graduate School for its decision, including minority opinions when
they exist, no later than twenty-one calendar days after the Committee’s formation. The college dean shall
inform the student and the instructor of the Committee’s decision and provide both parties with copies of
the Committee report.
6. In the case of a change of grade, if the instructor of record does not implement the change of grade decided
upon by the Committee within ten calendar days after learning of the Committee’s decision, the dean shall
implement the change of grade as determined by the Committee on the student’s official transcript through
the change of grade procedure. This shall be the last step in the deliberation of the formal grade appeal.
7. The Dean of the Graduate School shall forward a written record of the results of all grade appeals to the
appropriate Vice Chancellor within fourteen calendar days. Dean of the Graduate Schools shall also
provide an annual summary to the Graduate School Administrative Board of the number of cases heard and
the aggregate result of the process.
Exceptions to the Grade Appeal Policy
The Grade Appeal Policy shall constitute the sole internal administrative remedy for a change in grade, except when the grade
being disputed resulted from an alleged academic integrity violation or when a grade dispute involves an Office of Equal
Opportunity and Equity discrimination complaint. If a grade dispute arises from an issue that is covered under the university’s
Academic Integrity Policy, the process for resolution that has been established for appealing academic integrity violations must
be followed. If a grade dispute arises from an issue that is covered under the university’s Equal Opportunity and Equity
policies, the process for resolution that the Office of Equal Opportunity and Equity has established must be completed prior to
the use of the University’s grade appeal process.”