Education

Allegheny Valley Hospital and Citizens School of Nursing will provide a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. Students will be made aware of the effects of drug use and the hospital policies regarding the unlawful possession of controlled substances on hospital property outlined as follows:

• General information concerning substance abuse, the related legal implications, and the Hospital and School of Nursing policies will be included during orientation to each academic year.
• Students are expected and required to report for clinical experience and class on time and in appropriate mental and physical condition. Policies for immediate on-site testing of impaired individuals are in place.
• The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance on hospital property or while participating in a school-related activity off hospital premises is absolutely prohibited.
• Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. Students involved in violations of this policy may also be subject to legal consequences.
• Students with drug dependency or substance abuse problems are encouraged to seek help in dealing with such conditions through the Employee Health Service, where appropriate referrals can be made and where health insurance plans can provide assistance with treatment options as appropriate. Students who voluntarily seek assistance will not jeopardize their positions in seeking such help. However, clinical performance problems and other violations of school policy will continue to be noted and may subject the student to the disciplinary process.
• As a further condition of continuing enrollment, students abide by the terms of this policy and also must report to the Director of the School of Nursing any conviction under a criminal drug statute for violations occurring on or off Hospital premises.
• The hospital is required to take appropriate action against any student convicted of criminal drug offense and is required to impose sanctions, which can range from discharge to a requirement of satisfactory participation in a drug/alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, as a condition of readmission to the educational program.
• Any student receiving financial aid will acknowledge in writing his/her understanding of the imminent loss of financial aid when arrested or convicted of a drug related offense.

Applicants should be aware of the student drug screening policy/procedures.