CLARION UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
NURSING PROGRAM
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Department of Nursing
College of Health Sciences and Human Services
132 Ralston Hall
Clarion, PA 16214
814-393-1851
Fax: 814-676-0251
Dear Students:
Welcome new students and welcome back returning students! We are excited that you have decided
on pursuing a career in nursing and thank you for choosing Clarion University. I look forward to meeting all
of our new students and seeing all of our returning students.
As Nurse Administrator of the Department of Nursing, I would like to let you know that I am here
to assist you in whatever way I can. I have an open-door policy, so if my door is open feel free to drop in
and let me know how things are going. I am always delighted to hear that you earned an “A” on your
nursing exam or if you have ideas on how to improve the program. I do ask that if you are having an issue
with a particular course; that you first speak with the professor before you bring your concern to me.
1
, CLARION UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
I have offices on Clarion (129 Ralston Hall), Venango (220 Montgomery Hall) and Somerset
campuses. In the event I am not on Clarion campus, Mrs. Kimberly Crusan can get in touch with me. She
can be reached at or by phone at (814) 393-1851.
It is essential that you become familiar with the contents of this handbook. The faculty regularly
review and update this handbook, so that it contains the most up-to-date policies, procedures, and information
that you will need throughout the program. In a majority of circumstances, Clarion University policies and
procedures are followed. In some circumstances, the policies and procedures of the
Department of Nursing may be more stringent than those general policies of the University. We have tried
to include all of the policies and procedures that differ from the general University policies and procedures
in this handbook, so please make sure to review this handbook carefully.
This handbook is intended to supply accurate information, however, it is NOT to be regarded as an
irrevocable contract between the student and the Department of Nursing. The Department of Nursing
reserves the right to make changes at any time such changes are considered desirable or necessary. Any
changes made throughout the year will be announced to students prior to implementation.
If you have questions or concerns about any of the policies in the handbook, please ask a faculty
member, your academic advisor, a student representative, or me. Best of luck in your academic journey! I
look forward to working with you throughout your time here at Clarion and celebrating with you when you
graduate.
Always remain Courageous, Confident, and Clarion proud!
Sincerely,
Dr. Deb Kelly
Dr. Deborah Kelly
Nurse Administrator
Table of Contents
Clarion University of Pennsylvania’s Equal Opportunity Statement .................................... 6
Accreditation and State Board of Nursing Information........................................................ 6
Sigma Theta Tau ................................................................................................................ 6
MISSION, VISION, PURPOSE, CORE VALUES, PROGRAM OUTCOMES
University and Department of Nursing Mission… .............................................................. 7
BSN Program Description ......................................................................................... 7
BSN Purpose, Vision, Core Values ............................................................................ 7
BSN Threads ............................................................................................................. 8
2
, CLARION UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
BSN Values and Course Competencies ...................................................................... 9
BSN Program Outcomes ............................................................................................ 11 BSN
Curriculum Plan ................................................................................................ 12
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Attendance................................................................................................................13
Academic/Clinical Grading and Satisfactory Progress ................................................14
Retention/Progression Policy .....................................................................................14
Academic Dismissal ..................................................................................................16
Requirements for Graduation .....................................................................................16
Readmission ..............................................................................................................17
Leave of Absence ......................................................................................................18
Student Conduct ........................................................................................................19
Leave of Absence .....................................................................................................19
Computer/Internet and Printing Capabilities ............................................................. 19
Use of Electronic Devices..........................................................................................20
Test Procedure ..........................................................................................................20
Competency-based Testing ........................................................................................20
Social Media Policy...................................................................................................21
Smoking Policy .........................................................................................................21
Acknowledgement of Handbook Policies...................................................................22
Communication for Policy Change ............................................................................22
Student Records ........................................................................................................22
Transcripts ................................................................................................................23
Academic Honesty Policy ..........................................................................................24
Student Responsibility for Academic Requirements ...................................................25
Library Services ........................................................................................................26
Computer Access and Technology .............................................................................26
Class Cancellation Notification..................................................................................27
Advisement ...............................................................................................................27
Class Registration......................................................................................................27
Student Services ........................................................................................................30
Student Involvement in Governance ..........................................................................30
Student Rights ...........................................................................................................30
Grade Appeal Process................................................................................................30
EXPENSES AND FINANCIAL AID
Individual Course Withdrawal Policy ........................................................................31
Withdrawal from the University ................................................................................31
Refunds .....................................................................................................................32
Financial Aid .............................................................................................................32
CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS
3
, CLARION UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Clinical Requirements ...............................................................................................33
Felony Statement .......................................................................................................34
CPR ..........................................................................................................................34
Health Requirements .................................................................................................34
Influenza Vaccination ................................................................................................35
Liability Insurance.....................................................................................................35
Clinical Attire............................................................................................................35
Clinical Rotations ......................................................................................................36
Transportation ...........................................................................................................36
Clinical Evaluation ....................................................................................................36
Administration of Medications ..................................................................................37
Safety Procedures ......................................................................................................38
Disaster and Safety Protocols of Clinical Facilities ....................................................40
STUDENT LIFE
Student Identification Cards ......................................................................................40
Student Employment .................................................................................................40
Student Meals............................................................................................................41
Recreation Facilities and Student Life........................................................................41
Health Insurance .......................................................................................................41
Counseling Services ..................................................................................................41
Writing Center ..........................................................................................................41
Parking Regulations ..................................................................................................41
Grade Appeal Process................................................................................................41
PROGRAM OF LEARNING
Curriculum Plan ........................................................................................................43
Curriculum Requirements ..........................................................................................44
Course Descriptions ..................................................................................................46
APPENDICES
Appendix A ANA Standards of Practice for the Registered Nurse............................52
Appendix B Sim Lab Policies and Procedures .........................................................54
Appendix C Sim Lab Documents.............................................................................62
Appendix D Sigma Theta Tau .................................................................................64
Appendix E Handbook Acknowledgement ..............................................................65
Appendix F Department of Nursing Core Performance ............................................66
4
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
NURSING PROGRAM
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Department of Nursing
College of Health Sciences and Human Services
132 Ralston Hall
Clarion, PA 16214
814-393-1851
Fax: 814-676-0251
Dear Students:
Welcome new students and welcome back returning students! We are excited that you have decided
on pursuing a career in nursing and thank you for choosing Clarion University. I look forward to meeting all
of our new students and seeing all of our returning students.
As Nurse Administrator of the Department of Nursing, I would like to let you know that I am here
to assist you in whatever way I can. I have an open-door policy, so if my door is open feel free to drop in
and let me know how things are going. I am always delighted to hear that you earned an “A” on your
nursing exam or if you have ideas on how to improve the program. I do ask that if you are having an issue
with a particular course; that you first speak with the professor before you bring your concern to me.
1
, CLARION UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
I have offices on Clarion (129 Ralston Hall), Venango (220 Montgomery Hall) and Somerset
campuses. In the event I am not on Clarion campus, Mrs. Kimberly Crusan can get in touch with me. She
can be reached at or by phone at (814) 393-1851.
It is essential that you become familiar with the contents of this handbook. The faculty regularly
review and update this handbook, so that it contains the most up-to-date policies, procedures, and information
that you will need throughout the program. In a majority of circumstances, Clarion University policies and
procedures are followed. In some circumstances, the policies and procedures of the
Department of Nursing may be more stringent than those general policies of the University. We have tried
to include all of the policies and procedures that differ from the general University policies and procedures
in this handbook, so please make sure to review this handbook carefully.
This handbook is intended to supply accurate information, however, it is NOT to be regarded as an
irrevocable contract between the student and the Department of Nursing. The Department of Nursing
reserves the right to make changes at any time such changes are considered desirable or necessary. Any
changes made throughout the year will be announced to students prior to implementation.
If you have questions or concerns about any of the policies in the handbook, please ask a faculty
member, your academic advisor, a student representative, or me. Best of luck in your academic journey! I
look forward to working with you throughout your time here at Clarion and celebrating with you when you
graduate.
Always remain Courageous, Confident, and Clarion proud!
Sincerely,
Dr. Deb Kelly
Dr. Deborah Kelly
Nurse Administrator
Table of Contents
Clarion University of Pennsylvania’s Equal Opportunity Statement .................................... 6
Accreditation and State Board of Nursing Information........................................................ 6
Sigma Theta Tau ................................................................................................................ 6
MISSION, VISION, PURPOSE, CORE VALUES, PROGRAM OUTCOMES
University and Department of Nursing Mission… .............................................................. 7
BSN Program Description ......................................................................................... 7
BSN Purpose, Vision, Core Values ............................................................................ 7
BSN Threads ............................................................................................................. 8
2
, CLARION UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
BSN Values and Course Competencies ...................................................................... 9
BSN Program Outcomes ............................................................................................ 11 BSN
Curriculum Plan ................................................................................................ 12
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Attendance................................................................................................................13
Academic/Clinical Grading and Satisfactory Progress ................................................14
Retention/Progression Policy .....................................................................................14
Academic Dismissal ..................................................................................................16
Requirements for Graduation .....................................................................................16
Readmission ..............................................................................................................17
Leave of Absence ......................................................................................................18
Student Conduct ........................................................................................................19
Leave of Absence .....................................................................................................19
Computer/Internet and Printing Capabilities ............................................................. 19
Use of Electronic Devices..........................................................................................20
Test Procedure ..........................................................................................................20
Competency-based Testing ........................................................................................20
Social Media Policy...................................................................................................21
Smoking Policy .........................................................................................................21
Acknowledgement of Handbook Policies...................................................................22
Communication for Policy Change ............................................................................22
Student Records ........................................................................................................22
Transcripts ................................................................................................................23
Academic Honesty Policy ..........................................................................................24
Student Responsibility for Academic Requirements ...................................................25
Library Services ........................................................................................................26
Computer Access and Technology .............................................................................26
Class Cancellation Notification..................................................................................27
Advisement ...............................................................................................................27
Class Registration......................................................................................................27
Student Services ........................................................................................................30
Student Involvement in Governance ..........................................................................30
Student Rights ...........................................................................................................30
Grade Appeal Process................................................................................................30
EXPENSES AND FINANCIAL AID
Individual Course Withdrawal Policy ........................................................................31
Withdrawal from the University ................................................................................31
Refunds .....................................................................................................................32
Financial Aid .............................................................................................................32
CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS
3
, CLARION UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Clinical Requirements ...............................................................................................33
Felony Statement .......................................................................................................34
CPR ..........................................................................................................................34
Health Requirements .................................................................................................34
Influenza Vaccination ................................................................................................35
Liability Insurance.....................................................................................................35
Clinical Attire............................................................................................................35
Clinical Rotations ......................................................................................................36
Transportation ...........................................................................................................36
Clinical Evaluation ....................................................................................................36
Administration of Medications ..................................................................................37
Safety Procedures ......................................................................................................38
Disaster and Safety Protocols of Clinical Facilities ....................................................40
STUDENT LIFE
Student Identification Cards ......................................................................................40
Student Employment .................................................................................................40
Student Meals............................................................................................................41
Recreation Facilities and Student Life........................................................................41
Health Insurance .......................................................................................................41
Counseling Services ..................................................................................................41
Writing Center ..........................................................................................................41
Parking Regulations ..................................................................................................41
Grade Appeal Process................................................................................................41
PROGRAM OF LEARNING
Curriculum Plan ........................................................................................................43
Curriculum Requirements ..........................................................................................44
Course Descriptions ..................................................................................................46
APPENDICES
Appendix A ANA Standards of Practice for the Registered Nurse............................52
Appendix B Sim Lab Policies and Procedures .........................................................54
Appendix C Sim Lab Documents.............................................................................62
Appendix D Sigma Theta Tau .................................................................................64
Appendix E Handbook Acknowledgement ..............................................................65
Appendix F Department of Nursing Core Performance ............................................66
4
