Education/Research: West Penn School of Nursing:

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Student Services

Freshman Enrichment Sessions

A two day program is provided to assist entering students in being successful throughout the program. Some of the topics are skills on studying, test taking and time management.

Grievance Procedure

The School of Nursing has a student grievance procedure that can be used for resolving difficulties that cannot be solved through informal channels. Guidelines for problem resolution are included in the Student Handbook and include provisions for faculty and peer participation in the process.

Guidance Program

The guidance program, based on the philosophy and goal for the School, provides the structure for personal and professional growth.

Personal, academic and career counseling are interwoven throughout the School's curriculum and extracurricular activities. Students become involved in the School's counseling program when they first contact the School. On-site counseling is also provided by Clarion University faculty.

Handicapped Students

Handicapped students are provided an equal opportunity to participate in the total curriculum orientation, student government and student activities. Needs of handicapped students are considered on an individual basis.

Health-Related Services

Students must arrange for their own health care and are required to have health insurance. Health insurance information may be obtained from the financial aid officer.

The School of Nursing is not responsible for any student's hospitalization or medical expenses, eye examinations, corrective lenses, dental care or psychiatric services.

All pre-admission health examinations and laboratory tests required by the School prior to the second year are to be paid for by the student.

If a student is absent from class and/or clinical activity due to illness, a physician's statement indicating that the student can resume class and clinical activity may be required.

Emergency health care is available to students through The Western Pennsylvania Hospital's Emergency Department. The student is responsible for payment of fees.

Parking

Free parking and shuttle service are available to students at the Hospital-owned lot located at McCandless Street and Butler Street in Lawrenceville. The lot is open Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and is closed on weekends and holidays. Students are strongly encouraged to park in the Hospital lot rather than on the street. A shuttle schedule may be obtained in the Hospital lobby at the Friendship Avenue entrance and is in the Student Handbook.

Professional Conduct

American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, Pennsylvania Professional Nursing Law, and the WPAHS Code of Ethics define professional conduct. Infractions are handled by administration and faculty on an individual basis and may result in professional probation or termination from the program. In addition, the Code of Academic and Clinical Professional Conduct of the National Student Nurses Association, Inc., has been adopted by the Student Council and faculty as a guideline for student conduct.

Student Employment

Students may be employed while enrolled in the School of Nursing, but must adhere to the following policies:

• The School of Nursing assumes no responsibility for employment.
• The employer assumes complete responsibility for the student during work hours.
• Working hours must not conflict with scheduled classes or clinical experiences.
• Students employed by a healthcare agency cannot work as professional nurses.
• The student insignia must be removed or covered if the School of Nursing uniform is worn during work hours.

Student Records

Maintenance and retention of student records are in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, Pennsylvania Code of the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing; and state and federal financial aid regulations.

All records are confidential and maintained in locked files under the control of the School's director.

Substance Abuse Policy

Substance abuse, which includes possession, distribution or consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs, is not tolerated at the School of Nursing. It is not permissible to use recreational drugs or prescriptions drugs for other than prescribed purposes. If illicit drugs are used, there are criminal penalties under local, state and federal laws. In addition, there are sanctions under the Pennsylvania Professional Nursing Law. Substance abuse may be considered cause for termination from the School of Nursing program. Details of the School's compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) are included in the Student Handbook.