Student Services

Summer Enrichment Program

A multiple-day program is provided by the School and Clarion University to assist entering students in being successful throughout the program. The topics covered include skills for studying and test taking, time management, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Orientation

Orientation is essential for the student's professional and personal growth and adjustment.  Informative sessions are scheduled prior to the beginning of formal classes to facilitate the student's adjustment to college and nursing responsibilities.

The School's orientation program informs individuals about their rights and responsibilities within the School.

A mentor program introduces new students to the social network of the School through student-to-student interaction.

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 admissions office.

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.

An annual TB skin test (PPD) is required and offered by the Hospital at no cost to the student.  Seasonal influenza vaccine is available at no cost to students who desire the vaccine.

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 included in the Student Handbook.

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.

Campus Security Information

Reporting Criminal Actions and Emergencies
It is the responsibility of all West Penn Hospital School of Nursing students to report any criminal or suspicious activity and emergencies occurring on campus.  This is necessary to help maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of the Security Department in responding to all calls for assistance.  To report any occurrences, call the Security Office at 412-578-1800.  The Security Office is open 24 hours a day and is located on the Ground Floor of the Hospital, Room 405.

Access to Campus Facilities
All students upon admission to the School of Nursing receive a West Penn Hospital photo identification badge to gain access to the School of Nursing.  Access to the School of Nursing can be gained via the Main Entrance on Friendship Avenue or the Rear Entrance on Mend Way.  The identification badge must be worn at all times while on Hospital premises.  If the badge is lost, the student should obtain a new badge by notifying Human Resources.  The identification badge must be returned upon graduation or withdrawal from the program.

Residence Security
For student safety, the Security Department is staffed 24 hours a day and the campus is under exterior surveillance via closed circuit television cameras, located at various external points, which are monitored 24 hours per day by Security personnel.  A receptionist is positioned at the main entrance 24 hours each day.

Communication to Students
An orientation program on security, crime prevention, and safety is presented yearly at the beginning of each school year for all new students registered in the School of Nursing program.  The objective is to acquaint all students with the Security Department and the services provided, including guidelines for maintaining a secure environment and personal safety.

Policies and procedures involving security issues, including law enforcement, School of Nursing Residence restrictions, and parking are located in the Student Handbook and Residence Handbook.

Annual Security Report
A security report containing crime statistics for the West Penn Hospital campus is available upon request from the admissions office.