Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook – Updated August 2024
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
COLLEGE OF NURSING & HEALTH
INNOVATION
DEPARTMENT OF UNDERGRADUATE
NURSING
BSN STUDENT HANDBOOK
For students in undergraduate programs
BSN (campus based & accelerated online)
RN-BSN (campus based & accelerated online)
August 2024
DISCLAIMER: The student handbook is updated bi-annually and as needed for programmatic and policy changes.
The electronic version of this handbook supersedes all print copies.
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Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook – Updated August 2024
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 5
Academic Calendar ............................................................................................................. 5
Administrative Offices Phone ................................................................................................ 5
Administration Names ......................................................................................................... 5
College of Nursing & Health Innovation Vision and Mission ........................................................ 5
Vision ............................................................................................................................... 5
Accreditation ..................................................................................................................... 5
College of Nursing History .................................................................................................... 5
Two Paths to a Common Goal – BSN ..................................................................................... 6
BSN Program Outcomes ...................................................................................................... 6
AACN Essential of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice............................... 7
General Information ................................................................................................ 8
Student Contact Information/Official Means of Communication................................................. 8
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ................................................................................... 8
Religious Accommodations in the academic setting (University Policy)....................................... 8
Advisement ....................................................................................................................... 9
Student Success ................................................................................................................ 9
Working Students .............................................................................................................. 9
Professional Writing/APA ..................................................................................................... 9
Honors College ................................................................................................................ 10
Inclement Weather/School Closing ..................................................................................... 10
Gift Policy ....................................................................................................................... 10
University Catalog............................................................................................................ 10
Department of Undergraduate Nursing Policy & Handbook Library .......................................... 10
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS/REQUIREMENTS .............................................................. 10
Maintaining Good Standards .............................................................................................. 10
Academic Integrity and Honesty ......................................................................................... 10
Academic and Professional Standards .................................................................................. 11
Computer Requirements .................................................................................................... 11
Learning Environment Behavior .......................................................................................... 11
Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas ........................................................................ 12
BSN Testing Policy ........................................................................................................... 12
70% Rule ....................................................................................................................... 13
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Comprehensive Assessment and Preparation Program (CAPP) ................................................ 13
Academic Policies ................................................................................................. 14
BSN Program Acceptance .................................................................................................. 14
Timeframe to Complete the BSN Program ............................................................................ 14
Progression in the Nursing Program ..................................................................................... 14
Withdrawal From Nursing Courses ....................................................................................... 15
Dropping Course(s)/Resignation from the University .............................................................. 16
Incomplete as Course Grade .............................................................................................. 16
Grade Exclusion ............................................................................................................... 16
Criteria for Readmission of BSN Students ............................................................................. 16
Communicating Academic and Non-academic Concerns .......................................................... 17
Dispute and Grievance Procedures ...................................................................................... 17
Admission and Progression Appeals ..................................................................................... 17
Graduation ...................................................................................................................... 18
Pinning Ceremony ............................................................................................................ 18
Nightingale Pledge* .......................................................................................................... 18
BSN Program Clinical Handbook .............................................................................. 19
Core Performance Standards (CORE) Overview ..................................................................... 19
Accommodations .............................................................................................................. 20
Unexpected Health Care Changes Occurring During Program ................................................... 21
Licensure/Ineligibility ........................................................................................................ 21
Licensure Ineligibility After Starting the Program ................................................................... 21
Orientation Attendance ..................................................................................................... 21
Clinical/Lab Requirements ................................................................................................. 22
Clinical Management System ............................................................................................. 22
Clinical Eligibility/Clearance ................................................................................................ 22
Immunization Providers..................................................................................................... 23
Criminal Background Checks .............................................................................................. 23
Drug Screening ................................................................................................................ 24
Medical Insurance ............................................................................................................ 24
Annual Clinical Orientation ................................................................................................. 24
Clinical Placement ............................................................................................................ 24
Continuing, Returning, Transfer Students ............................................................................ 25
Clinical Attendance ........................................................................................................... 25
Religious Accommodations in the clinical setting .................................................................... 26
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Authorized Patient Care Clinical Experiences ......................................................................... 26
Dress Code ..................................................................................................................... 27
Student Identification ....................................................................................................... 27
Clinical Performance Requirements & Evidence of Clinical Competence ...................................... 27
Medication Administration Competency Assessment ............................................................... 27
Administering Medications and Patient Safety ....................................................................... 28
Standards of Professional Nursing Practice (BON 213.27, 217.11, 217.12) ................................. 29
Injuries or Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens ...................................................................... 30
Program/Student Recognition.................................................................................. 31
Award for Excellence in Clinical Nursing ............................................................................... 31
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INTRODUCTION
Academic Calendar
http://www.uta.edu/uta/acadcal.php
Administrative Offices Phone
817-272-2776
Administration Names
Elizabeth Merwin, PhD, RN, FAAN
Dean, College of Nursing and Health Innovation
Tanya Sudia, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN
Senior Associate Dean, College of Nursing and Health Innovation
Cynthia Koomey, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE
Associate Chair, Undergraduate Nursing
Director, RN-BSN Program
cynthia.koomey@uta.edu
Ceil Flores, PhD, RN, CNE
Director, Student Support
cflores@uta.edu
College of Nursing & Health Innovation Vision and Mission
Our mission is to advance global health and the human condition through transdisciplinary
collaboration by engaging in high-quality teaching, research, scholarship, practice and service to
prepare a diverse population of health professionals and to reduce health disparities.
Vision
To provide innovative, exceptional education, through research and practice to advance health and
the human condition globally.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing
Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at The University of Texas at
Arlington are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite
750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
The University of Texas at Arlington is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools Commission on Colleges
College of Nursing History
The UT Arlington College of Nursing was established in 1971 as the U.T. System College of Nursing
in Fort Worth and was housed in John Peter Smith Hospital. In 1976, the school became an academic
unit of UT Arlington, moving to the campus in 1977. The history of the UT Arlington College of
Nursing and Health Innovation is available at: CONHI History.
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Two Paths to a Common Goal – BSN
The Department of Undergraduate Nursing (DUN) provides both a BSN and an RN to BSN course of
study. Both options are offered in a Campus-Based (CB) and an Accelerated Online (AO) format.
For Registered Nurses who have completed an accredited Associate Degree or Diploma nursing
program, the RN to BSN course of study allows full-time students to complete required BSN courses
in one academic year. Part-time options are also available. Upon successful completion of the
program, the student is awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
For students seeking to become Registered Nurses, there is a four-year course of study consisting of
nursing courses, university core courses and other prerequisite required courses. Upon successful
completion, the student is awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and is eligible to take
the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for licensure as a Registered Nurse.
BSN Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this undergraduate program, students will be able to:
1. Integrate foundational knowledge to apply the art and science of nursing by providing evidence-based
care in delivering competent, culturally sensitive, and developmentally appropriate holistic care.
2. Demonstrate person-centered care using analytical, systematic, nursing clinical judgment in delivering
competent, culturally sensitive, and developmentally appropriate holistic care.
3. Ethically apply public health knowledge across the age continuum through patient advocacy and
interdisciplinary collaboration by coordinating resources to protect the health and safety of diverse
patient populations.
4. Integrate scholarly research knowledge, evidence-based practice, and theory into nursing policy and
practice to provide innovative care for individuals, families, and communities.
5. Utilize standards of practice to provide safe nursing care in all patient care settings while promoting
quality improvement, minimizing risk, and preventing errors to patients, self, and others, with an
awareness of the nursing role within the interprofessional team.
6. Communicate, collaborate, and delegate respectfully and effectively to promote and maintain diversity,
equity, inclusion, and belonging for optimal health outcomes.
7. Integrate the principles of organizational structure in healthcare systems and coordinate resources to
provide cost-effective, safe, quality, and equitable care to diverse populations.
8. Utilize informatics and advanced technology to integrate concepts of electronic health, mobile health,
and telehealth systems in planning, implementing, and evaluating patient-centered care.
9. Apply the principles of ethical/legal behavior, collaborative practice, accountability, and patient
advocacy while integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into the development of nursing
professional identity.
10. Demonstrate personal, professional, and leadership growth by applying self-reflection of one's practice
that fosters self-care behaviors that promote wellness, lifelong learning, resiliency, knowledge, and
expertise.
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AACN Essential of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice
The Essential of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice are published by the
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The Essentials provide the educational framework for
the preparation of professional nurses and describe the outcomes expected of graduates of
baccalaureate nursing programs (AACN, 20021). The ten Domains are as follows: Domain 1:
Knowledge for nursing practice; Domain 2:Person-Centered Care; Domain 3: Population Health;
Domain 4: Scholarship for Nursing Discipline; Domain 5: Quality and Safety; Domain 6:
Interprofessional Partnerships; Domain 7: System-based Practice; Domain 8: Informatics and
Healthcare Technologies; Domain 9: Professionalism; and Domain 10: Personal, Professional, and
Leadership Development.
Courses
Level
AACN Essential
BSN
NURS 3364
Nursing
preparatory
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
NURS 3366
Nursing
preparatory
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
NURS 3365
JR I
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
NURS 3320
JR I
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
NURS 3632
JR I
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
NURS 3261
JR II
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
NURS 3321
JR II
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
NURS 3381
JR II
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
NURS 3661
JR II
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
NURS 4199
SR I
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
NURS 4331
SR I
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
NURS 4341
SR I
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
NURS 4581
SR I
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
NURS 4323
SR II
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
NURS 4350
SR II
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
NURS 4351
SR II
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
NURS 4462
SR II
I,II,III, IV,V,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
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General Information
Student Contact Information/Official Means of Communication
Students are required to maintain a current mailing address and telephone contact with the
University. A change to this information may be completed online via MyMav. This is essential in
order that schedules, official correspondence, scholarship notification and emergency messages will
not be delayed or lost. Per UTA policy, MavMail is the official communication for all CONHI and
university-wide employees to communicate pertinent information and students will be held
responsible for all communication distributed in this manner. Students may not claim indulgence on
the plea of having moved their lodgings and, therefore of not having received the communication.
It is expected that UT Arlington e-mails and Learning Management System (Canvas) accounts
required by many courses will be accessed by all students at least weekly during the semester.
Students will be held responsible for information distributed in this manner. Students MUST check
their clutter, spam, and junk folders, regularly as many emails end up in these folders.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
UT Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of all federal equal
opportunity legislation, including The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), The Americans with
Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. All instructors at UT
Arlington are required by law to provide “reasonable accommodations” to students with disabilities, so
as not to discriminate on the basis of disability. More information later in the handbook Reasonable
Accommodations
Student Access Resource Center, (SARC) For information regarding diagnostic criteria and
policies for obtaining disability-based academic accommodations, contact the SAR center or call
817-272-3364.
Counseling and Psychological Services, (CAPS) The service is available to students to help
increase their understanding of personal issues, address mental and behavioral health problems,
and make positive changes in their lives. For more information, contact CAPS or call 817-272-3671.
Non-Discrimination Policy: The University of Texas at Arlington does not discriminate on the basis
of race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, genetic
information, and/or veteran status in its educational programs or activities it operates. Full Policy.
Religious Accommodations in the academic setting (University Policy)
Students who wish to observe a religious holy day that interferes with classes, examinations or
completion of assignments must submit the Religious Accommodation Request Form (RARF) to the
course instructor. The request form must specify each class to be missed and/or the planned
absence(s). A request should be submitted as early as possible, but generally thirty (30) days in
advance of the desired accommodation. Failure to provide reasonable advance notice may impact
the University’s ability to accommodate the request. If the student wishes to appeal the outcome of
the request, then they make this request to the Dean of Students.
Click the link for the Full Policy
Click the link for the Religious Accommodations Request Form
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Advisement
Students are required to meet with an undergraduate nursing advisor during their preparation for
admittance to the nursing program. Enrolled campus-based students must meet with an advisor each
semester to be cleared for enrollment. In some cases, group advisement may take place.
AO BSN & AO RN-BSN students are advised virtually but may schedule an in-person
appointment. There are two options available to meet with your advisor:
1. Scheduled appointment.
2. Walk-In Days – Current UT Arlington students (those students with a UT Arlington student
ID number), Nursing and Health, and Nursing students can elect to attend advising on Walk-
In Days without an appointment.
Nursing and Health Advisors: bsnadvising@uta.edu
BSN Advisors: udb[email protected]u
RN-BSN Advisors: [email protected]
Student Success
The Student Success program uses peer mentors, tutoring services and specialized faculty support to
enhance the students’ learning experiences. A course, Learning Professional Nursing and Life Skills
(NURS 2232) is offered to assist students who experience challenges with testing, time management,
clinical practice, and/or professional behavior.
Working Students
• It is recommended that a BSN student's combined employment and semester-hour load not
exceed 16-20 hours per week in either regular or summer semesters.
• Students employed in an agency have a responsibility, personally and professionally, to
engage in only those activities which fall within their job description as non-professional
workers (i.e. nursing technician). They have a responsibility to refuse to participate in
activities which they have not been legally licensed to perform (i.e., giving medication,
assuming total responsibility for a division, etc.)
• Students should be aware that the Department of Undergraduate Nursing assumes no
responsibility for their activities as an employee of an agency. Students are personally
responsible and liable for any activity in which they participate while employed. Individuals who
practice illegally (i.e. outside the scope of their job) may jeopardize their future since persons
who are convicted of a violation of the Nurse Practice Act may not be eligible to write the
NCLEX examination and subsequently receive licensure.
• Professional liability insurance purchased by students through the Department of
Undergraduate Nursing is only valid in their student role, not their employment role.
Information on insurance requirements is available elsewhere in this handbook.
• Students may be employed as nursing technicians, performing functions for which they have
been trained by the institution and for which the institution has a clearly discernible policy
either in writing or precedent, defining the scope of these functions. Any individual not licensed
in the State of Texas to practice professional nursing, and who engages in such practice, is
doing so illegally and may be prosecuted accordingly.
• Supervision by a professional licensed nurse does not provide protection to the student or
make the student's actions legal.
Professional Writing/APA
APA style manual will be used by the UT Arlington Department of Undergraduate Nursing with some
specific requirements for the undergraduate courses. There is an additional document that will be
helpful for BSN students using the 7th Edition prepared by the UT Arlington librarian. There is also a
tutorial available online.
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Honors College
Contact Dr. Adegbola, the Honors Coordinator. AO BSN students are not eligible for Honors College.
Inclement Weather/School Closing
In case of inclement weather, students may call University's Emergency Information Hotline at
1- 866-258-4913 for closing inquiries. Information will also be posted on the UT Arlington website,
the UT Arlington Facebook page, and distributed to your UT Arlington e-mail account.
AO BSN students at distance sites must contact their clinical instructors for closures. (Check your
course syllabus --- specific information may be included in the course syllabus regarding clinical
sites.)
Gift Policy
In accordance with Regents Rules and Regulations and the UTA Standards of Conduct, the College of
Nursing and Health Innovation has a “no gift” policy. A donation to the UTA College of Nursing and
Health Innovation Scholarship Fund would be an appropriate way to recognize a faculty member’s
contribution to your learning. For more information regarding the Scholarship Fund or making a
donation, please visit our website to connect with the Office of University Advancement via interest
form or email.
University Catalog
The University Catalog is available online. It does not contain all regulations that relate to students.
However, it contains helpful information, course descriptions, program information, admission
requirements, etc.
Department of Undergraduate Nursing Policy & Handbook Library
The College of Nursing Policy & Handbook Library can be found online.
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
Maintaining Good Standards
Each student is required to:
• Keep apprised of and adhere to the rules and regulations of the most current BSN Department
of Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook and the UT Arlington College of Nursing &
Health Innovation Catalog.
• Devote adequate time and preparation to the class and clinical activities to meet the stated
objectives.
• Demonstrate academic integrity in each element of their performance.
• Apply ethical behavior appropriate to the standards of a developing professional at all times
and particularly in relation to maintaining the confidentiality of information regarding clients.
• Maintain personal health to accomplish the Core Performance Standards as defined.
• Participate in evaluating the College of Nursing, its faculty, courses and program of study.
Academic Integrity and Honesty
• Students may not collaborate with anyone else on assignments, quizzes, examinations, or any
other academic work except as directed by the assignment/instructor’s directions.
• Students may not resubmit any assignment or part of a previous assignment – written, audio,
or video recorded - for which they previously received a grade. This applies to courses from
which a student withdrew and/or in which a failing course grade was achieved.
• Students may not submit the same assignment (written or recorded) or portion of an
assignment to more than one course unless specifically allowed or directed by the instructor’s
directions. This applies to both graded and non-graded assignments.
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• Students may not resubmit any work which has previously been submitted for course credit at
any educational institution unless prior written approval is received. Written approval for
resubmitted work must be received from both the current course instructor and the instructor of
the course in which the work was previously submitted.
• Students may not copy or share any course materials or documents, past or present
assignments, nor quiz/examination questions on any social platform or publicly available
website.
• Students may not seek, acquire, receive, or provide unauthorized information or assistance
regarding an exam, quiz, or assignment (such as purchasing, using, or distributing any
unauthorized course materials in order to gain academic advantage).
• Students are expected to accurately and completely document and record clinical practice
hours completed and patient/client care activities. Falsifying any documents related to clinical
hours or patient/client care activities (including documenting as fact, information not obtained
through one’s own direct assessment and examination of a patient or falsely recording clinical
practice hours) constitutes dishonesty.
• Students are expected to accurately collect and submit data collected for completion of course
and program requirements. Falsification of data or data collection methods constitutes
academic dishonesty.
Students suspected of committing academic dishonesty will be referred to the Office of Community
Standards. Students found responsible for academic dishonesty by the Office of Community
Standards will receive a grade of zero (0) for the assignment grade in question. As noted in the
University catalog, sanctions may include probation, suspension, and expulsion from the university.
Procedures and additional information related to academic dishonesty and violations of the University
Honor Code may be found on the Office of Community Standards’ website. This information comes
from the UTA Student Conduct and Discipline Policy
Academic and Professional Standards
All students entering the Department of Undergraduate Nursing must subscribe to the standards and
codes of the profession. Patients and society as a whole expect Department of Undergraduate
Nursing students, as nursing professionals to adhere to the:
• Texas Board of Nursing Unprofessional Conduct Rules
• American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses
• UT Arlington Department of Undergraduate Nursing Student Code of Ethics
• University of Texas at Arlington Honor Code
• Department of Undergraduate Nursing Honor Code
Computer Requirements
All students enrolled in the Department of Undergraduate Nursing must have internet access and a
laptop computer meeting minimum computing recommendations: A list of computer specifications is
outlined on the Department of Undergraduate Nursing website. Students may be asked to purchase
and download software to meet course and/or program requirements.
Learning Environment Behavior
• Faculty have a commitment to the nursing profession and the next generation of nurses and
expect professional demeanor and accountability in student development. Thus, we believe
that classroom behavior is as important as clinical behavior, and we have expectations that
students will demonstrate professional behavior in interactions with faculty, staff, peers and
agencies.
• Students are representatives of the College of Nursing and Health Innovation Department of
Undergraduate Nursing and the nursing profession. Classroom dress is expected to project an
image of professionalism.
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• Students are responsible for all content presented in lecture, lab and required readings
whether in attendance or not. It is expected that students will utilize textbooks and other
reference materials to fulfill course objectives.
• Taping is not allowed unless permission has been obtained from the instructor.
• Students who need taping as an accommodation for a disability must go through the UT
Arlington Student Access and Resource Center and have the permission of the course faculty.
• Programmable devices (e.g., calculators and smart watches) are not allowed during testing,
except when approved by the instructor.
Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas
• The LMS is considered an extension of the classroom, thus respect of peers and faculty is
expected.
• No use of profanity is allowed on the LMS and may result in loss of online course
communication.
• No political messages of any kind may be posted on the LMS.
• Depending on the course, the LMS should be checked a minimum of once daily. Refer to
individual syllabi for further information.
• Messages of a sexually suggestive or harassing nature may not be posted on the LMS or any
e-mail in the University system.
BSN Testing Policy
The purpose of the policy is to provide standardized exam development procedures and exam
administration conditions to ensure all students in the College of Nursing and Health Innovation
Undergraduate BSN program are provided a fair and consistent opportunity to demonstrate
knowledge.
Accommodations UT Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of all
federal equal opportunity legislation, including The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), The
Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. All
instructors at UT Arlington are required by law to provide “reasonable accommodations” to students
with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of disability. Only those students who have
officially documented a need for an accommodation will have their request honored. Students
experiencing a range of conditions (Physical, Learning, Chronic Health, Mental Health, and Sensory)
that may cause diminished academic performance or other barriers to learning, may seek services
and/or accommodations by contacting The Student Access and Resource Center (SARC).
Information regarding diagnostic criteria and policies for obtaining disability-based academic
accommodations can be found on their website. Students are responsible for providing the instructor
with official notification in the form of a letter certified by The Student Access and Resource Center
within the first week of the semester or immediately after receipt whether they intend to use their
accommodations or not. Accommodations will not be considered without this documentation.
Exam Scheduling with Accommodations Students with testing accommodations from The
Student Access and Resource Center, students in the Accelerated Online program and students
enrolled in Nursing preparatory courses may test in locations other than the 2
nd
floor of Pickard
Hall.
Scheduling Exams in the Alternative Testing Center Students with accommodations may be
eligible to schedule exams in the Alternative Testing Center. Students must schedule their
exams in the ATC no later than 5 business days prior to the scheduled exam date and time and
forward their individual ATC Test Request Forms to course faculty. More information about
scheduling exams in the Alternative Testing Center can be found at on their website. Students
who do not schedule exams and submit Test Request Forms to course faculty within 5 business
days prior to the scheduled exam date and time will not receive accommodations.
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Students are expected to review and be familiar with the Testing Policy before taking their first exam. The
full policy is in the policy library.
70% Rule
Exams/Individual written assignments for progression and rounding policy
In order to successfully complete an undergraduate nursing course, the following criteria must be met:
• 70% weighted average on proctored exams
• 70% weighted average on major written assignments
• 70% on final clinical evaluation tool
• 70% overall course grade
In determining the final course grade, the weighted average on major proctored exams and/or major
written assignments will be checked first. If a student achieves a 70.00% with no rounding of the
average on these course components, the additional graded items will count toward the final course
grade.
If the student does not achieve a 70.00% with no rounding of the average on the major proctored
exams and/or major written assignments, the grade stands as a D or F as determined by the
numerical value from the weighted average on the major proctored exams and/or major written
assignments.
On all tests, the grades are rounded to two decimal places (i.e., 85.679=85.68)
• For the final course grade there will be no rounding (i.e., 89.67=B, 69.99=D)
• A final course grade of C or better is required in all nursing courses to pass/progress.
Comprehensive Assessment and Preparation Program (CAPP)
All students enrolled in this course must participate in the Course Content Mastery Assessment,
which is a component of the program’s Comprehensive Assessment and Preparation Program. The
Course Content Mastery Assessment is worth 10% of the total course grade and consists of practice
assessments, proctored assessments, focused reviews, and active learning exercises. Students
must complete all components of Phase 1 and Phase 2 to pass the course. After each
proctored assessment, students are categorized into one of four proficiency levels:
LEVEL <1: Scores in the <1 category do not meet minimum expectations for performance in
this content area.
LEVEL 1: Scores meeting the Proficiency Level 1 standard can be considered to meet the
absolute minimum expectations for performance in this content area.
LEVEL 2: Scores meeting the Proficiency Level 2 standard can be considered to exceed
minimum expectations for performance in this content area.
LEVEL 3: Scores meeting the Proficiency Level 3 standard can be considered to exceed most
expectations for performance in this content area.
Phase 1 of the Course Content Mastery Assessment is worth 4% of the course grade. All students
complete a Practice Assessment and complete an active learning template for the five (5) lowest
topics. Active learning templates must be handwritten, legible, and accessible to receive credit.
Students must complete all components of Phase 1 in accordance with the grading rubric by the due
date to receive credit for Phase 1. Late assignment submissions will not be accepted.
Phase 2 of the Course Content Mastery Assessment is worth 6% of the course grade and is based on
the score received for the proficiency level achieved. All eligible students must complete the Proctored
Assessment. All students are required to complete individual remediation as outlined in the
Comprehensive Assessment and Preparation Program Policy. Students scoring <1 will receive an
Incomplete for the course and will complete the Focused Review and hand-written Active Learning
Templates for all Topics to Review listed on the Individual Performance Profile. Active Learning
Templates must be handwritten, legible and accessible to receive credit. A learning contract from
course faculty will include a due date for completion of the Focused Review and Active Learning
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Templates during the Incomplete period. Students who complete Focused Review and Active Learning
Templates by the assigned deadline in the Incomplete period will receive full credit for Phase 2 based
on the score received for the Level achieved and progress in the program. Students scoring <1 who
do not satisfactorily complete Focused Review and Active Learning Templates by the assigned
deadline will not receive a passing grade in the course regardless of course grade and will not progress
to their next clinical course Click the link for the Full Policy.
Academic Policies
BSN Program Acceptance
Applicants who accept their position in the BSN program on two occasions and do not start the
program will be ineligible for program consideration for two application periods (one year). The
applicant may reapply to the BSN Program after the one-year suspension.
Applicants who accept their position and do not start the BSN program or are not enrolled on
or after the census date will be required to reapply to the BSN program for the next available
ranking cycle.
Timeframe to Complete the BSN Program
The BSN program is designed for full time enrollment, with students completing the BSN program in four
semesters. Students who need to take a semester or more off due to personal or family health concerns,
military obligation, financial issues, or other issues must meet with a UD BSN academic advisor.
Students enrolling part-time will experience delayed progression and graduation. The part-time option
must be discussed with an academic advisor and the student’s degree plan will be updated.
Students must complete the BSN program within four years of starting the BSN nursing courses.
Students unable to meet this time requirement will be dismissed from the program. They may reapply to
the program, adhering to all required admission criteria listed on the Admission Brochure, and if
accepted, restart the entire program.
Progression in the Nursing Program
BSN
Academic Probation: Students will earn a failing grade for the course and will be placed on academic
probation if they:
• score less than 70% on weighted exam or assignment average
• do not meet requirements of the Comprehensive Assessment and Preparation Program
• do not achieve minimum score requirements on Medication Administration Competency
Assessment
• score less than 70% on the Final Clinical Evaluation Tool
Progression Requirements: Students who fail a nursing course, including the nursing preparatory course
Pathophysiologic Processes: Implications for Nursing, will be placed on academic probation. Students on
academic probation, due to earning less than 70% weighed test score OR an overall numerical course
grade of less than 70%, OR clinical failure, are required to take NURS 2232: Professional Nursing and
Life Skills course.
As a result of the nursing preparatory course or nursing course failure, students will remain on academic
probation throughout the remainder of nursing school. Failure of a second course will result in program
dismissal.
Requirements of the course:
• Students must take the course during their next semester of coursework.
• Students who are required to take the course, but do not earn a passing grade, will be required to
complete the course again and earn a passing grade. Course failure does not count as the second
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course failure, leading to program dismissal. Full Policy
Program Dismissal: Students in the BSN program will not be permitted to continue in the nursing program
nor to enroll for additional nursing courses if they:
• receive a grade of D or F in more than one required nursing or nursing preparatory course, or
• receive any combination of grades of D or F on two attempts of the same course
RN-BSN
Students in the RN-BSN program will not be permitted to continue in the nursing program nor to enroll
for additional nursing courses if they:
• receive a grade of D or F in more than two nursing courses, the student will be dismissed from
the program for a period of three years.
Students are responsible for confirming whether they are eligible to continue in the College of
Nursing. An ineligible student who nevertheless registers in the College shall be dropped, and the
student shall not receive special considerations on a plea of lack of knowledge of scholastic status.
BSN Students Who Withdraw from or Fail a Course
Students who withdraw or fail a course can repeat the course the next available time the course is
offered, based on space availability. Students should be aware of the Progression in Nursing
Program policy.
Students:
• Students who seek readmission after failing or withdrawing for any reason must meet with the
UD BSN Academic Advisors to discuss clinical and course options.
• Clinical placement will depend upon the space available within the next cohort. Students may
be placed at a site different than their original site, based on availability.
• Students must be clinically compliant by the prescribed deadline in order to be considered for
re-entry.
• If no sites are available, the student will be delayed until a seat is available at a future
admission date.
• Students should be aware of the Criteria for Readmission of BSN Program
Students policy.
*If there are more students than seats available, the students will be placed in the order in which they
request the move (first come, first placed).
Withdrawal From Nursing Courses
Students within the BSN program, enrolled in nursing courses are permitted to drop the course one
time. Enrolling (on or after the census date) in a course for a second time is considered an attempt.
The grade earned on the second attempt is retained. All drops including academic and non-
academic drops are also considered an attempt. Compassionate withdrawals and withdrawal
exceptions will be reviewed on an individual basis by Undergraduate Nursing Appeals Committee.
Students may drop no more than three BSN NURS courses during their undergraduate career. Students
may drop no more than three BSN NURS courses during their undergraduate career. All drops for
academic and non- academic reasons are considered. Drops due to corequisite and prerequisite
violations are also counted in this policy.
Students are required to meet with their academic advisor before dropping/withdrawing. All drops are
finalized by the BSN Academic Advisors. Exceptions to this policy may be entertained because of
extraordinary non-academic circumstances by Undergraduate Nursing leadership.
Elective and nursing preparatory courses are exempt from this policy.
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Dropping Course(s)/Resignation from the University
See University Catalog and information in this handbook.
Incomplete as Course Grade
Students cannot move to the next course if an “incomplete” is the recorded course grade on a pre-
requisite course. Students must complete the clinical components of the course to be eligible for an
incomplete course grade. https://www.uta.edu/records/faculty-staff/grading.php#incompleteGrades
Grade Exclusion
The University grade replacement/exclusion/forgiveness policy does not apply to nursing courses.
The Department of Undergraduate Nursing policy takes precedence over the UT Arlington
policy.
Criteria for Readmission of BSN Students
Students who withdraw from the BSN program for more than one semester who wish to return to
complete the program must submit a written request for readmission to the Office of Enrollment
and Student Services (OESS) by the following deadlines:
March 1
st
: AO and Accelerated CB return summer
June 1
st
: AO and CB return fall
September 1
st
: AO and CB return spring
• Readmission is dependent upon space availability.
o Please note that readmission is based on the Priority Course/Clinical Placement with Limited
Available Space policy
• Normally a student is eligible for readmission to the program only once.
• If a clinical course is to be repeated, the student must repeat both the theory and clinical
components of the course.
• Students must complete urine drug screen and Criminal Background Check.
Criteria for Readmission:
A. One semester:
• All requirements listed above plus:
B. The student must contact the Lead Teacher to register to schedule the assessment no later than 3
weeks prior to the start of the semester in which the student is planning to return. The assessment
must be scheduled prior to the start of clinical and will focus on the requirements associated with the
last clinical course completed. Should clinical deficiencies be identified, faculty will remediate clinical
areas that are questionable or inadequate and the student may be placed on a plan to improve
performance prior to the mid-term evaluation.
• Note: Students in the AO BSN program may be required to come to the UT Arlington
campus to complete the special skills assessment.
C. Two Long Semesters CB or two semesters AO or Accelerated CB (based on course
availability:
• All of requirements listed above plus:
• Repeat GroupOne criminal background check.
D. More than two long semesters (CB) or more than two semesters (AO or Accelerated CB):
• Not eligible for readmission. Students must apply for admission as a beginning
student. NOTE: The two-semester rule (see C above) also applies to students requesting to
transfer to UT Arlington from another school of nursing.
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Communicating Academic and Non-academic Concerns
Students are encouraged to actively engage in their educational experience at UTA and within the
College of Nursing & Health Innovation. If a student has academic ideas or concerns (coursework,
assignment, grades), she/he should communicate with their first-line instructor using the appropriate
chain-of-command:
• For AO students, the Academic Coach grades and gives feedback on assignments and
didactic coursework. Clinical-based assignments are graded by the clinical faculty.
• For campus-based students, the Lead Teacher grades and gives feedback on lecture
assignments and didactic coursework. Clinical-based assignments are graded by the clinical
faculty.
If a student has a non-academic idea or concern (dress code, supply list, student activities,
equipment needs, etc.) they should communicate with or ask questions through the Health Innovation
Constituency Council (HICC). Students can complete the HICC Anonymous Question Form and the
idea/concern will be reviewed and brought to the Student Affairs Committee by the HICC
representative.
Once the subject is discussed by the Student Affairs Committee, it could (1) be addressed by the
committee or (2) promoted to and discussed within the Undergraduate Education Program Council.
Once an answer to the idea/concern has been obtained, the Student Affairs Committee Chair will
report the findings back to the committee and the HICC representative, who will then share the
information with the student.
Dispute and Grievance Procedures
Introduction
To resolve a complaint, the student must first make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the
individual with whom the grievance originated.
Faculty of the course has the primary responsibility for assigning grades. Appeals of the official grade
assigned to a student for a course will not, therefore, be considered at levels above the faculty unless
a student offers evidence of:
• Differential treatment – examples might be providing benefits such as extra time for
assignments to some but not all students in the class; excluding some students from
attendance or other course requirements, OR
• Procedural irregularities – examples might be adding a new requirement that was not listed
in the class syllabus; using criteria for grades not made available to the student ahead of time.
Full Policy
Admission and Progression Appeals
Students who wish to appeal a non-grade related admission or progression decision can submit an
academic appeal online. This appeal process includes decisions not related to a student’s course grade
such as: admission deadlines, clinical clearance requirements, and program policies related to drops,
withdrawals, returns, and readmissions. The Department Chair will appoint a review committee within 7
days of receipt of the appeal. All course grade-related grievances will be addressed in accordance with
our CONHI Grade Grievance Policy
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Graduation
All requirements for graduation eligibility must be met in order to walk the stage for graduation. All
students must apply for graduation, whether they intend to attend commencement. More
information on the website for the Office of the Registrar.
Students, who have been unsuccessful in completing all UT Arlington Department of Undergraduate
Nursing courses and/or other graduation requirements, will not be permitted to walk at the graduation
ceremony. This includes courses in which an incomplete has been assigned.
Students who complete Capstone prior to graduation but are concurrently enrolled in a general
course that does not complete or post final grades prior to graduation, may participate in
commencement and pinning if they provide documentation on Department of Undergraduate Nursing
letterhead from the professor in the course stating that they have passed the course.
Eligibility for graduating with Latin Honors is outlined in the UT Arlington catalog and detailed on the
UT Arlington graduation website.
Information about the commencement ceremony and links to other information about graduation are
available on the nursing website as available.
Pinning Ceremony
Students who have successfully completed all UT Arlington Department of Undergraduate Nursing
and/or other graduation requirements will be permitted to participate in the pinning ceremony.
Pinning is scheduled the week of graduation each fall and spring – AO BSN, Campus-Based BSN
and RN to BSN students have separate events. See additional information above regarding
participation in Graduation and Pinning.
Nightingale Pledge*
Recited at all pinning ceremonies:
With full knowledge of the responsibilities I am undertaking, I pledge to care for my patients
with all of the knowledge, skills, and understanding that I possess, without regard to race,
color, creed, politics, or social status.
I will spare no effort to conserve meaningful life, to alleviate suffering, and to promote health.
I will refrain from any action, which might be harmful to the quality of life or health of those I
care for.
I will respect, at all times, the dignity and religious beliefs of the patients under my care and
hold in professional confidence all personal information entrusted to me.
I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skills at the highest level and give my
support and cooperation to all members of the health team.
With full awareness of my qualifications and limitations, I will do my utmost to maximize the
potential of the nursing profession and to uphold and advance its standards.
*Adopted by UT Arlington Department of Undergraduate Nursing Students
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BSN Program Clinical Handbook
Core Performance Standards (CORE) Overview
All applicants to and students of the University of Texas at Arlington Department of Undergraduate
Nursing Program (UTA DUN) must be able to adhere to and perform the essential skills included in
this document either with or without ADA accommodations. Please see full policy for more detailed
information.
Element
Description
Examples (not all inclusive)
Communication
Communication abilities sufficient for interaction
with others in verbal and written form.
Communication is understandable to others.
Explain treatment procedures, initiate health
teaching, document and interpret nursing actions
and patient/client responses.
Interpersonal
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with
individuals, families, and groups from a variety of
social, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
Establish rapport and maintain professional
demeanor with patient/client, family, and
colleagues.
Critical Thinking
Cognitive Ability
Critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and problem
solve simultaneously.
Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical
situations; utilize the nursing process in
developing nursing care plans; and perform
dosage calculations in a time frame to deliver
safe care.
Visual
Visual ability sufficient for observation and
assessment necessary in nursing care.
Assess and observe patient/client responses; able
to identify and distinguish colors and shades of
the same color.
Tactile
Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment.
Finger dexterity to perform palpation and
percussion functions of
physical examination and/or those related to
therapeutic intervention,
e.g., insertion of a catheter. Perceives attributes
of object such as size, shape, temperature, or
texture.
Hearing
Auditory ability sufficient to provide safe and
effective nursing care.
Hears, with and without background noises,
monitor alarms, emergency signals, auscultatory
sounds, and cries for help.
Smell
Ability to detect variety of smells, including
noxious odors.
Identify distinct body odors or body fluids, such
as C. diff and alcohol breath. Detect gas smells.
Mobility
Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to
room and maneuver in small spaces.
Moves around in patient's rooms, workspaces,
and treatment areas and can administer
cardiopulmonary procedures. Able to coordinate
eyes and hands or fingers rapidly an accurately in
making precise movements with speed when
providing patient care.
Motor Skills
Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide
safe and effective nursing care.
Motor skills of lifting, carrying, pushing, and
pulling are required. Physical ability to lift and
transfer 50 pounds and carrying of objects up to
25 pounds. Physical ability of bending or stooping
one inch from the floor and of reaching overhead
to retrieve or place items on patient/unit
shelves; to intermittently push objects over 100
pounds; stand/walk for 8 -12 hours.
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Academic Integrity
Cite resources using APA format; Avoid collusion;
Any act of academic dishonesty, including
cheating in the classroom or clinical setting
violates standard.
Ethical Practice
Abide by Code of Ethics for Nursing Students.
Comply with all legal requirements regarding the
privacy of patient records
Protect client privacy and comply with all legal
requirements r/t patient records.
Avoid fabrication of reports or records of
interactions with clients, social networking
violations.
Professional
Character
Truthfulness, caring, equality, respect.
professional attire
Accountable for behavior; self-disclose errors.
Show respect and compassion for all clients
without regard to gender, age, race, ethnicity,
sexual orientation, religious background, and
social status. Adhere to dress code; Arriving on-
time to class and the clinical setting.
Emotional stability
Emotional stability is the capacity to maintain
emotional balance and a stable mood
when faced with psychological stressors.
Adapt to and make sound clinical judgments in
stressful situations. Remain calm, think clearly
and stay focused in a pressured and distracting
environment. Cope with environmental changes.
Ability to regulate and suppress negative
emotions. Perceive and appraise challenges with
resilience. Display effective coping mechanisms.
Effectively deal with strong personal emotions.
Professional
boundaries
Professional Boundaries are the lines within which a
client's best interests are consistently served.
Recognize the need for vigilance in maintaining
professionalism and boundaries in diverse practice
settings. Behaviors are consistent with the duty to
always act in the best Interest of clients. Set limits
to the nurse-client relationship that ensures a
safe, therapeutic relationship.
Empathy
Empathy is the use of emotional resonance to
understand a client’s experience of distress.
Use of cognitive skills to evaluate a client’s
experience. Attentive to client’s emotional cues,
identify their emotional state and reflect
understanding of that experience. Demonstrate
an understanding of what a client is
communicating, feeling and needing.
Compassion
Compassion is an awareness of another’s suffering
accompanied by the desire to alleviate it.
Provide a safe and comforting environment.
Respect clients’ rights, dignity and their
involvement in decision making. Focus on client’s
needs and focus the emotion generated by their
circumstance into an active response.
Accommodations
The CON is committed to ensuring that qualified students with disabilities are given equal access to
its programs through reasonable accommodations. The CON is not required to provide requested
accommodations that would fundamentally alter the program, including patient and/or student safety
in the clinical setting. Students who desire more information or wish to request reasonable
accommodations may contact the UTA Student Access Resource Center.
Upon BSN program acceptance, students must attest to their ability to meet these standards with or
without an accommodation. If at that time a student requests an accommodation, the OSD and the
CON must determine if the accommodation is reasonable PRIOR to the student beginning BSN
coursework.
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If a student requires an accommodation to meet these standards, then within five (5) business days of
being accepted into the BSN Program, and in order to prevent a delay in the start of their programs,
the student must contact OSD to initiate the review process. Students are responsible for obtaining
the necessary testing to document the existence of the disability and to what extent the disability
substantially limits a major life activity. The OSD will require the student to provide sufficient
documentation in this regard, including requiring additional evaluations if necessary.
Once received, students should immediately provide their accommodation letter to the CON course
lead teacher.
Unexpected Health Care Changes Occurring During Program
Conditions that result in the inability to complete a clinical rotation include acute illness, physical
injury, mental health issue, pregnancy, or complications due to pregnancy, surgery, or chronic
illness. Changes in a student’s physical or mental condition that require activity limitations or the
inability to participate in clinical or lab will require documentation from the student’s healthcare
provider. Documentation must be on facility letterhead and signed by the healthcare provider or
designate.
Students must receive a full release with no limitations to return to clinical. Limitations or restrictions
may result in the need to withdraw from or take an incomplete in a clinical course.
Licensure/Ineligibility
An individual planning to enroll in a nursing program must be eligible for licensure as a Registered
Nurse following graduation. A previous history of the following may make you ineligible for licensure:
• Criminal conviction (includes DWI/DUI)
• Mental illness
• Chemical dependence
If you have reason to believe you may be ineligible to take the licensure exam and need to petition
the Texas BON for a Declaratory Order (DO), the process must be complete prior to enrolling in any
BSN nursing course at UT Arlington Department of Undergraduate Nursing.
Students with a positive background check will not be admitted to the nursing program without a DO
documenting that they can take the NCLEX exam upon completion of the nursing program. If
students need to submit a DO while in the program, they are ineligible to participate in clinical until the
DO is received. More detailed information on other ineligibility issues is available on the Board of
Nursing website.
Licensure Ineligibility After Starting the Program
A declaratory order may be required if a student has a change in their criminal background or
answers yes to an eligibility question. Instructions are available on the BON website.
Resubmitting the GroupOne criminal background check may be required.
Students who answer yes to any of the four eligibility questions on the Texas BON license
application are encouraged to submit their application through the Texas Nurse Portal 120 days
prior to graduation.
Orientation Attendance
Completion of orientation for students accepted to the BSN programs is mandatory. There are
two components to the orientation – online through the Learning Management System (Canvas)
and JR I program orientation (held virtual or on-campus) both components must be completed to
start the program. Acceptance offer will be rescinded if students do not meet the orientation
deadlines or are not clinically compliant.
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Coursework demands classroom/online attendance and active participation by students for program
success. Attendance policies are outlined in the course syllabus. Attendance may be taken during
class.
See University Undergraduate Catalog title: Class Attendance, Tardiness & Make-Up Work
Clinical/Lab Requirements
Students must meet all clinical eligibility requirements to participate in clinical. Failure to meet the
deadlines may result in revocation of acceptance or program delay.
Clinical Management System
Students will be required to purchase access to a clinical management system (CMS) upon acceptance
to the BSN program. The CMS will be used throughout the program for:
• storage and tracking of immunizations and other requirements for clinical clearance.
• assignment of students to clinical sites.
• clinical evaluation.
Clinical Eligibility/Clearance
Junior 1/transfer students are required to have completed all vaccines and/or titers and upload the
vaccine and/or titer documentation to the Clinical Management System at application. Students are
encouraged to complete the BON Background Check as early as possible, but no later than one
month from the application deadline. Junior 1/transfer students must submit this documentation within
5 working days after acceptance letters/emails are sent, or 2 days of acceptance if initially waitlisted
as follows:
• Fall admissions: acceptance letters/emails will be sent Friday the first full week of March;
deadline for students to respond and upload immunization requirements is Friday the second
full week of March; LMS Orientation will open by the last Friday of March
• Spring admissions: acceptance letters/emails will be sent Friday the first full week of
September; deadline for students to respond and upload immunization requirements is Friday
the second full week of September; LMS Orientation will open by the last Friday of
September.
• Summer admissions: acceptance letters/emails will be sent on Friday the last full week of
February; deadline for students to respond and upload immunization requirements is Friday
the first full week of March; LMS Orientation will open by the last Friday of March.
Continuing BSN Students are required to obtain clinical clearance prior to direct patient care contact and
scheduled clinical hours. Clinical clearance requires written documentation provided by the student to the
Clinical Management System for the campus based or AO programs by
• AO BSN Continuing Students - 45 days before start of semester
• Campus based continuing students
o Friday of Fall Finals week for spring semester
o 45 days before start of term for summer semester
o July 1 for fall semester
Coordinators will send a due date for each semester. It is suggested that students wait to get annual
requirements such as TB testing and N95 Mask Fitting in May or December. Getting your testing done at
these times keeps the student clear for the most amount of time.
Clinical clearance must span the ENTIRE semester for students to be cleared for registration. Students
will be ineligible to participate in clinical if they have not met this requirement. Therefore, students who
are not cleared by the due date may be required to sit out for a semester.
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Important Note for Working Students: Students must adhere to the academic calendar for UT
Arlington Department of Undergraduate Nursing clinical clearance for the entire semester, rather than
employment calendar for renewals. Students will be ineligible to participate in clinical if they have not
met this requirement.
Clinical clearance includes:
• Immunizations
• Criminal Background Checks
o BON
o GroupOne
• Negative Drug Screen
• CPR: American Heart Association BLS Provider valid for the entire semester
• Proof of current health insurance coverage
• Copy of Driver’s License
• DFW Hospital Council Standard Student Clinical Orientation and Post-test (annually)
Immunization Providers
Students may obtain the required immunizations and/or immunity titers from:
• UT Arlington Student Health Center,
• County health departments, or
• Private health care providers and/or employers
Students are expected to provide a signed release of clinical requirement documentation to
requesting clinical facilities.
Exemptions/waivers of vaccines are not widely accepted at clinical facilities. If a clinical agency does
not accept exemptions/waivers you may not be able to complete that clinical course. If you have
objections or allergies to vaccines, you should speak to your doctor before starting the program. For
concerns regarding a medical exemption contact the Undergraduate Immunization Team.
Failure to obtain the complete series of an immunization, according to the CDC established
timeframe, may result in students not meeting clinical requirements.
Failure to meet clinical requirements may result in clinical ineligibility and course failure.
(Refer to Texas Education Code, Sections 2.09 and 2.09A)
Criminal Background Checks
Accepted students complete two criminal background checks (CBC): Texas Board of Nursing (BON)
and GroupOne.
Students should complete the Texas BON CBC prior to program application. Students who have
completed NURS 2300, Introduction to Professional Nursing, or are currently enrolled in NURS 2300,
should submit their BON CBC (complete fingerprints) during that course. Students who have not
taken NURS 2300 by the application deadline, should immediately email CONHIadmi[email protected] to
provide the necessary information and give permission to send the information to the BON. Students
must schedule the fingerprinting appointment within one month of the application deadline.
A second background check, GroupOne, is completed after acceptance to the BSN Program.
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Drug Screening
All students accepted to the BSN AO or CB programs will complete a drug screen. The urine drug
screen must be completed 30 days prior to clinical.
At any time if there is confirmation of a positive drug screening, the student will be removed from
clinical courses for a period of one calendar year. Upon returning to the program, random drug
screenings will be conducted throughout the program. A second positive test will result in immediate
dismissal from the nursing program.
Random and / or for cause drug screens are at the student's expense and must be completed as
required. Failure/refusal to undergo a drug screen on the designated day will result in immediate
dismissal from the nursing program. Full policy
Medical Insurance
All UT Arlington Department of Undergraduate Nursing students are required to provide Verification of
Medical Insurance coverage that includes Emergency Department coverage and follow-up treatment
for needle sticks and bloodborne diseases starting with Junior I admission. This mandatory
requirement has been approved by the UT System Board of Regents and must be updated if policy
changes.
Annual Clinical Orientation
Dallas Fort Worth Hospital Council (DFWHC) Standard Student Clinical Orientation requirements are
valid for 12 months. All students are required to complete Clinical Orientation ANNUALLY while
enrolled in JR I – SR II clinical courses.
Contact the Program Coordinator for your program or the Undergraduate Clinical Coordinator for
questions/clarification. Documentation of completion must be submitted by the Clinical Requirement
due date.
Students are responsible to meet clinical agency specific student clinical requirements in addition to
obtaining Clinical Clearance from the UT Arlington College of Nursing. Examples: Signed
Confidentiality Agreement, Evidence of Medical Insurance Coverage, Facility Provided Health History,
etc.
Students scheduled for clinical are required to attend the facility specific site orientation.
Clinical Placement
BSN Students will complete clinical preference upon entering the BSN program. Campus- Based (CB)
students are randomly assigned to their clinical site. Accelerated Online (AO) students are placed based
on partnership (if applicable), ranking score, and submitted preference. While student location will be
taken into consideration, this might not be able to be accommodated.
Clinical experiences for both the CB and AO programs are scheduled seven days a week and students
will not have the option of weekend or weekday-only clinicals. Once assigned students may not change
their assigned clinical site or day. When assigning clinical placement, student work schedules, childcare
arrangements, and transportation will not be considered. Students will need to plan for these situations
accordingly. Once a clinical placement is assigned, students may not change their clinical site or day.
Other factors may be considered during clinical placement if the required information is submitted by the
preferencing deadline:
• CB BSN students who are active members of the Honors College will be placed first
• Student organization leaders will not be assigned on their organization’s meeting day
• Military students/Student athletes who have communicated scheduling needs
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• Students with approved religious accommodations who submit a Religious Accommodation
Request Form (required each semester)
AO and CB BSN students will complete clinical preference upon entering the BSN program. CB BSN
students will also submit clinical preferences with each clinical course. Clinical site availability may
prevent accommodation of these requests.
For full information regarding AO and CB clinical placement see full policy.
For information regarding clinical sites, see the BSN website.
Continuing, Returning, Transfer Students
Priority Course/Clinical Placement with Limited Available Space: order of preference for clinical
placement:
1. A full-time, continuing student who is eligible to progress to the requested course.
2. A part-time, continuing student who is eligible to progress to the requested course.
3. A full-time student who seeks readmission after withdrawing for any reason. *
4. A part-time student who seeks readmission after withdrawing for any reason. *
5. A full-time, continuing student who has failed the requested course but is eligible to repeat
the course based on the UT Arlington Department of Undergraduate Nursing progression
policy (i.e., a student who has failed the course the previous semester).
6. A part-time, continuing student who is eligible to repeat the course based on the UT
Arlington Department of Undergraduate Nursing progression policy (i.e., a student who has
failed the course the previous semester).
7. A student transferring from between programs.
8. An eligible student transferring from another University.
*Priority based on date of request for readmission.
Clinical Attendance
It is expected that students will attend all assigned clinical activities. In the case of illness, remember
to take appropriate health precautions. Students should not attend clinical experiences if they are
febrile or have any potential communicable disease. Students are expected to notify clinical
faculty immediately if they if they will be late or absent to the clinical site. No call No show is defined
as not calling or being present in clinical as scheduled. No call No show may result in a clinical failure
unless there was a documented emergency. Notification will not necessarily prevent a performance
improvement plan from being generated and placed in the student file. Acceptable methods of
notification to clinical faculty will be either phone or text. E-mail is not acceptable. Acceptable
methods of notification to clinical agency will be phone unless the student is with a preceptor, then
they may reach them by phone or text.
Tardiness: defined as greater than 0 minutes of the assigned clinical time.
• The first tardy will result in a verbal warning (verbal warnings are written at the top of the
Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) form.
• Students with two (2) tardies will be placed on a PIP with Penalty (i.e. Review two articles and
discuss implications for patient safety, collegial relations, etc. or Reflect on impact of this
behavior for, patients, peers and as a professional responsibility, or penalty is up to the lead
teacher, etc.) which will be kept in the student’s permanent file. Students who are placed on a
PIP are ineligible for a clinical award and faculty may not write a letter of recommendation.
• Students with three (3) tardies may receive a clinical failure.
• Time will count towards the total or direct patient care clinical time missed and students will be
required to make up the time missed.
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Clinical Absence: Clinical is defined as any direct patient care within a healthcare setting and
laboratory or simulation as outlined in the clinical supplement. All clinical experiences as defined
above will be considered when determining absences.
• Students will be placed on a Performance Improvement Plan after their first unexcused absence
and will receive written notification of our attendance policy after their first excused absence. *
Excused absence is defined on above.
• Students MUST make up clinical. Where feasible the clinical will be made up with an
equivalent experience (simulation with simulation, direct patient care with direct patient care,
etc.)
• When a comparable experience is not feasible simulation, case studies or other appropriate
make-up experiences may be assigned. The experience will be equivalent to actual clinical
hours missed; however, it may take longer for some students to complete the assignment.
• In order to adequately evaluate a student, (regardless of the reason for missing clinical) a
student with total clinical absences of equal to or greater than 15% of the total clinical time will
not be allowed to progress. Students may choose to drop if the clinical absences occur before
the drop date. If a student is not eligible to drop the course (i.e. after the drop date), the
absences will result in a clinical failure. In extraordinary non-academic circumstances with
appropriate documentation, a late drop may ONLY be considered.
Absence of any part of a clinical day will require make-up in the simulation lab or another alternative
at the clinical faculty’s discretion. Medical illnesses/emergencies or other dire circumstance may be
an acceptable reason to miss an assigned clinical and receive an excused absence. If a clinical
experience is missed due to illness, a medical release will be required prior to returning to the
classroom/clinical setting. In the case of other dire circumstance, you will be required to show
verifiable documentation of the extenuating circumstances that kept you from clinical. Elective
medical procedures, work, childcare or travel issues are not an excused absence from clinical and
will be considered an unexcused absence. Unexcused absences may result in clinical failure. The
first tardy will result in a verbal warning. Students with two (2) tardies will be placed on a
Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) which will be kept in the student’s permanent file. Students
who are placed on a PIP are ineligible for a clinical award and faculty may not write a letter of
recommendation. After 3 (three) tardies, the student may receive a clinical failure.
Students may attend a professional conference and will need to follow the university guidelines.
Religious Accommodations in the clinical setting
In alignment with the UTA policy (El-PR-13Religious Accommodations) and its “commitment to
providing an academic and work environment that is respectful of the religious beliefs and practices”,
students enrolled in a DUN clinical course may request a religious accommodation in the clinical
setting. Students must submit the El-PR-04 Religious Accommodation Request to Clinical
Management System. The request will be reviewed by the Director of Student Support. If the student
wishes to appeal the outcome of the request, then they make this request to the Dean of Students
The attendance/participation in wedding ceremonies (both civil and religious) does not meet the
definition of the observance of a religious holy day.
Full Policy and Religious Accommodations Request Form
Authorized Patient Care Clinical Experiences
Students are to provide nursing care to patients at clinical facilities ONLY when authorized by their
UT Arlington Department of Undergraduate Nursing instructor and when their clinical instructor and/or
preceptor are present on site.
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Dress Code
The Department of Undergraduate Nursing expects students to reflect professionalism and maintain
high standards of appearance and grooming in the clinical/lab setting. Students must adhere to the
dress code policy. Click here for Dress Code Policy.
Undergraduate, BSN student nurses should wear their UT Arlington Department of Undergraduate
Nursing uniform and UT Arlington College of Nursing insignia patch ONLY when in simulation, clinical,
lab, or other learning experiences authorized by UT Arlington Department of Undergraduate Nursing
faculty. When in uniform students should adhere to all dress code standards.
Student Identification
The Mav ID is to be worn above the waist and in clear view when in uniform. It must be worn in all
clinical and lab settings. NURSING must be printed on the Mav ID.
Only facility ID, if required, indicating student status are allowed to be worn with the Mav ID.
The Mav ID must not be worn in settings other than clinical or lab.
Clinical Performance Requirements & Evidence of Clinical Competence
Clinical courses are classified as PASS/FAIL courses. In order to progress in the College of Nursing,
students must receive a passing grade in the lecture component as well as satisfactorily meet the
clinical course requirements. Students must receive a satisfactory grade (S) on all areas of the
clinical course evaluation.
Medication Administration Competency Assessment
Safe and effective medication administration is crucial for optimal patient outcomes. Best practices for
student achievement of safety in medication dosage calculation and administration include ongoing
assessment of these skills. A standardized electronic medication administration competency
assessment is required of students at the beginning of each clinical course in which students administer
medications. It is designed to assess competency in calculating drug dosages and safe medication
administration. These assessments are part of the clinical PASS/FAIL requirements and are not
factored in the course didactic grade.
All students must meet the Medication Administration Competency Assessment requirements in
sequential order to pass the clinical component of the course and administer medications in the clinical
setting. The requirements include:
1. 100% on Medication Administration Competency Assessment
a. Students will be allowed unlimited attempts to meet the 100% benchmark requirement
on the Medication Administration Competency Assessments in each course.
2. Submission of handwritten math work completed during assessment attempts via CANVAS
a. If a student is not successful in completing these requirements by the assigned due
date. The student will be placed on a performance improvement plan (PIP) and will not
be permitted to pass medications in the clinical setting until the requirement is met.
b. If a student fails to complete the requirements as outlined in the PIP by the assigned
due date the student will have failed to meet the requirements of the PIP resulting in a
clinical and course failure.
3. Validation of safe medication administration/competency in clinical and/or laboratory setting
assessed by UTA clinical faculty using the DUN Medication Administration Competency
Assessment Form prior to administering medications with an assigned nurse in the clinical
setting
a. All J1, J2 and S1 clinical courses will use the DUN Medication Administration Safety
Contract. Failure to follow the Medication Administration Contract may result in a
clinical course failure.
i. All J1, J2, and S1 clinical courses will use the DUN Medication Administration
Documentation Form and students must fill out the form prior to administering
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medications to assigned patients. Faculty must evaluate the form to ensure
complete and accurate information.
ii. In courses where faculty provide the medication sheet students must have the
medication sheet available to review prior to administering medications in
clinical.
iii. Students can reference previously completed medication sheets but must
ensure the dosing and reason for administration is patient-specific and in
alignment with clinical facility formularies and/or medication requirements.
iv. If students are permitted to administer medications with a nurse, validation of
safe medication administration must occur with the clinical faculty prior to
students administering any medication with the nurse.
b. In Capstone N4350 Transition to Practice the primary goal is successful transition to
clinical practice.
i. Students will be provided with a list of medications that may be used during the
Clinical Skills Assessment check off in the Smart Hospital. Students will bring
the completed DUN Medication Administration Documentation Form with them
to the Clinical Skills Assessment to be checked by the clinical faculty.
ii. Students will obtain a list of the top 5 medications administered in their assigned
Capstone clinical setting and complete the DUN Medication Administration
Documentation Form before being allowed to give medications. Students will
look up each medication in the clinical setting prior to administration. The clinical
faculty will discuss medications given during the clinical shift with each student.
c. Remediation: If a student is unsuccessful in demonstrating safe medication
administration in the clinical setting on the first attempt, the student will be assigned
remediation activities to complete, before being granted a second medication
administration attempt in the clinical/laboratory setting. The activities include:
i. Completion of https://itsapps.odu.edu/medadmin/
ii. Completion of a medication worksheet on a designated medication for a
simulation patient
iii. ATI – Video Case Study RN 3.0 Safety: Preventing Medication Errors
iv. Proof of completion of these activities must be uploaded to CANVAS by the due
date assigned by the faculty. The student will then be granted a second attempt
to validate safe medication administration in the clinical/laboratory setting by UTA
clinical faculty.
If a student is not successful demonstrating safe medication administration/competency in the
clinical or laboratory setting, they will not have met the required clinical outcome resulting in an
Unsatisfactory, resulting in a clinical and course failure.
Administering Medications and Patient Safety
Students may not give medications until they have been checked off by their faculty, have achieved the
minimum score requirements on Medication Administration Competency Assessment and have read,
signed and uploaded the DUN Medication Administration Safety Contract to Canvas. After checkoff,
students may only give medications if supervised by their clinical instructor, GTA (Graduate Teaching
Assistant), preceptor, or unit registered nurse. Additionally, Junior I through Senior I level students must
complete a patient specific DUN Medication Administration Documentation Form prior to administration of
the medication in the clinical setting. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in clinical failure.
Students are expected to know and utilize the facility designated two (2) positive patient identifiers prior to
medication administration, procedures, and/or specimen collection.
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Clinical Failing Behaviors
Clinical courses are classified as PASS/FAIL courses. In order to progress in the College of Nursing,
students must receive a passing grade in the lecture component as well as earn 70% or greater on the Final
Clinical Evaluation Tool.
Students who earn less than 70% on their Final Clinical Evaluation tool have not met the course objectives
and have failed the course.
Students are expected to follow the professional nursing standards set forth by the Texas Nurse Practice
Act. Violation of the Standards of Professional Nursing Practice may result in clinical failure regardless of
the drop or withdrawal date. The Standards of Professional Nursing Practice are outlined below.
Standards of Professional Nursing Practice (BON 213.27, 217.11)
1) Know the rationale for and the effects of medications and treatments and shall correctly
administer the same. 217.11 (1) (C)
2) Accurately and completely report and document: the client's status including signs and
symptoms; nursing care rendered; physician, dentist or podiatrist orders; administration of
medications and treatments; client response(s); and contacts with other health care team
members concerning significant events regarding client's status. 217.11 (1) (D) (i-vi)
3) Implement measures to promote a safe environment for clients and others. 217.11 (1) (B)
4) Respect the client's right to privacy by protecting confidential information unless required or
allowed by law to disclose the information. 217.11 (1) (E)
5) Accept only those nursing assignments that take into consideration client safety and that are
commensurate with the nurse's educational preparation, experience, knowledge, and physical
and emotional ability. 217.11 (1) (T)
6) Make a reasonable effort to obtain orientation/training for competency when encountering new
equipment and technology or unfamiliar care situations. 217.11 (1) (H)
7) Notify the appropriate supervisor when leaving an assignment 217.11 (1) (I).
8) Know, recognize, and maintain professional boundaries of the nurse-client relationship. 217.11
(1) (J)
9) Clarify any order or treatment regimen that the nurse has reason to believe is inaccurate, non-
efficacious or contraindicated by consulting with the appropriate licensed practitioner and
notifying the ordering practitioner when the nurse makes the decision not to administer the
medication or treatment. 217.11 (1) (N)
10) Every individual who seeks to practice nursing in Texas must have good professional character
related to the practice of nursing. 213.27 (a)
11) The Board defines good professional character as the integrated pattern of personal, academic,
and occupational behaviors that indicate an individual is able to consistently conform his/her
conduct to the requirements of the Nursing Practice Act, the Board's rules, and generally
accepted standards of nursing practice. An individual who provides satisfactory evidence that
he/she has not committed a violation of the Nursing Practice Act or a rule adopted by the Board
is considered to have good professional character related to the practice of nursing. 213.27 (b)
12) A determination that an individual does not have good professional character related to the
practice of nursing must be based on a showing by the Board of a clear and rational connection
between a violation of the Nursing Practice Act or a rule adopted by the Board and the
individual's ability to effectively practice nursing. When evaluating the rationale connection
between the relevant conduct and the ability to effectively practice nursing, the Board will
consider the following factors: (213.27) (c)
i) whether the individual will be able to practice nursing in an autonomous role with
patients/clients, their families, significant others, healthcare professionals, and
members of the public who are or who may become physically, emotionally, or
financially vulnerable; (213.27) (c) (1)
ii) whether the individual will be able to recognize and honor the interpersonal
boundaries appropriate to any therapeutic relationship or health care setting;
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(213.27) (c) (2)
iii) whether the individual will be able to make appropriate judgments and decisions
that could affect patients/clients and/or the public; (213.27) (c) (3)
iv) whether the individual has exhibited an inability to conform his/her behavior to the
requirements of the Nursing Practice Act, Board rules and regulations, including
§217.11 (relating to Standards of Nursing Practice) and §217.12 (relating to
Unprofessional Conduct) of this title, and generally accepted standards of nursing
practice; (213.27) (c) (4)
v) whether the individual will be able to promptly and fully self-disclose facts,
circumstances, events, errors, and omissions, when such disclosure could
enhance the health status of patients/clients or the public and/or could protect
patients/clients or the public from an unnecessary risk of harm. (213.27) (c) (5)
Refer to the Board of Nursing at www.BON.state.tx.us for any additional information regarding the Texas
Nursing Practice Act.
In addition to adhering to the Standards of Professional Nursing Practice, students must adhere to program
requirements. Noncompliance with program requirements may result in clinical failure without regard to drop
or withdrawal time frames, including but not limited to the following:
• Non-compliance with Clinical Clearance Requirements
• Non-compliance with Drug and Alcohol Screening policy
• Unlawful behavior prohibiting sufficient background check required for clinical participation
• Failure to adhere to the course-specific Patient Care Scope and Responsibilities Agreement
Before the final decision of a clinical failure, the student will meet with the Director of Student Support.
Technical Skill Performance
Only technical skills learned and validated by clinical faculty in the lab setting and prior to clinical
experience (or as approved by the clinical faculty) may be performed in the clinical setting. Students
should verify with their faculty their readiness to perform a skill.
Invasive procedures are defined as “purposeful/deliberate access to the body” through needle
puncture or placing a device in a natural orifice (Cousins, Blencowe, & Blazeby, 2019). For BSN
students, invasive procedures include but are not limited to, venipunctures, IM, IV, subq injections,
and insertions of urinary catheters or nasogastric tubes
• Students are not authorized to practice ANY invasive procedure(s) on living beings outside
the clinical setting.
Injuries or Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
• In the event of injury, needle stick, and/or exposure of the nursing student to blood or body
fluids, the nursing student should immediately notify the nursing clinical faculty. The faculty
will follow the Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Procedure in place at the facility. Any
expense or treatment required is the responsibility of the student.
• The CONHI nursing students will follow the facility’s rules regarding the clinical student’s
health/requirements and patient safety. If the hospital requires that a student be examined if
they have an injury or emergency situation, we must follow the hospital’s policy when on their
property and working with their patients.
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Program/Student Recognition
Award for Excellence in Clinical Nursing
Each semester, students in clinical courses are eligible for consideration. Nominations are made by
the clinical faculty in each course with a clinical component. Students are honored at an end-of-the-
semester awards ceremony.
Guidelines:
• The award is a faculty selection; it is not a student or group selection.
• The course team (Lead Teacher and all Clinical Faculty) will consider nominations from clinical
faculty with a maximum of 5% of students in the course or one (1) group award(s) per course,
per semester. Each member of a nominated group must meet the criteria.
Criteria for Selection:
• Consistently exceeds clinical performance standards in the application of theoretical concepts,
evidence-based practice, and communication (written and verbal).
• Demonstrates exemplary performance in the use of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrates exemplary performance in the application of leadership principles and
professionalism.