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Academic Policies and Program Requirements

Effective Matriculation Date – September, 2022 (Revised May 2022)

The academic policies and program requirements contained in this document apply to all students enrolled in the BSN program.  Knowledge of and compliance with these policies and requirements is the responsibility of the student.  These policies are also available on-line at the Nursing web site under STUDENTS-UNDERGRADUATE (https://nursing.tcnj.edu/nursing-undergraduate-student-resource-guide/academic-policies-and-program-requirements/)

Given the nature of the nursing curriculum, course sequence is very important.  In order to avoid delays in entering nursing courses and delays in graduation, students are advised to follow the established curriculum plan.  Students need to work closely with faculty advisors before scheduling courses.

The established minimum grade requirements stipulated below must be met in foundation courses, critical content courses, and other required courses for the BSN (see below item I. A, B, C and tables that follow).  Students who have any questions are strongly advised to review their Academic Requirements report in PAWS and the 4-Year BSN Curriculum Plan provided upon entrance, and see their advisor for clarification.  Students are reminded of the TCNJ academic policy that requires the “Attainment of a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 overall and within the major.”

Students are expected to demonstrate patterns of behavior consistent with safe and ethical professional nursing practice.  Students who do not demonstrate such behavior and standards may be removed from clinical courses and are subject to failure in the course and dismissal from the program.  Guidelines for student behavior in clinical settings are outlined on the TCNJ Department of Nursing web page under “Policies” and are contained on pages four and five of this document; they are reviewed and discussed in clinical and in some non-clinical courses.  These guidelines are congruent with the American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (2015) and Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (2010).

Professional status is reflected in appropriate attire.  Students are required to purchase the TCNJ Department of Nursing uniform and to adhere to the dress code.  Refer to the TCNJ Department of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook.

  1. PROGRAM ENTRY, RETENTION, AND EXIT/GRADUATION STANDARDS

To delineate these standards, course work for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing is divided into three categories.

  1. Foundation Courses – set the standards for students currently at TCNJ who wish to transfer into the program.

These courses are foundations for study in the major and predictive of success in the program.

Please note:  Students who are admitted directly into the nursing major are required to achieve the same standards.

Criteria for transfer into the Nursing Major:

  1. Overall GPA of 3.0 at time of request for transfer into Nursing.
  2. Science GPA of 3.0 (must have taken at least one science course at TCNJ)
  3. Must complete one of the foundation courses and achieve a minimum grade of B

Internal transfer students are admitted into the Nursing major once a year following the end of the spring semester for entry the following fall semester.  Internal transfer students will follow the Academic Policies and Program Requirements of the Department of Nursing effective for the fall of their entry into the major. B. Critical Content Courses – set the standard for students’ retention in the program.  These courses represent the essential nature of the discipline or are ones upon which advanced courses are based.

  1. Other BSN Specific Courses – include remaining supportive and nursing courses required for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
 

Program

Foundation Courses

 Required grade in parentheses

Critical Content Courses

     Required grade in parentheses

Other Degree Specific Courses

Required grade in parentheses

 

BSN-1

 

PSY 101 – Psychology I (B)

 

 

NUR 110 – Development of  Unitary Man and Environment Across the Life Span (C)

 

 

 

 

 

 

NUR 200 – Pharmacological

Interventions (C)

 

NUR 210 – Professional Role

Development I (C)

NUR 230 (C)

NUR 240 – Holistic Health

Interventions Across the Life Span (C)

NUR 202, 220, 310, 320, 324

328, 330, 334, 340, 344

420, 424, 440, 444, 460

 

 

BIO 141, BIO 142

(C+ required for the above)

 

(C- is required minimum grade in the following courses)

BIO 144

CHE 111

STA 115

 

 

  1. SUPPORT COURSES
  2. The non-nursing courses identified in the previous table (i.e., BIO 141, 142, 144, CHE 111, PSY 101, STA 115) are considered supportive to the nursing major.
  3. Once students are matriculated into the nursing major, three of the four support science courses (BIO 141, 142, CHE 111) must be taken at TCNJ. Only Microbiology (BIO 144) may be taken at another institution with prior approval from the Department of Nursing and completion of the Course Approval Form. Microbiology courses that are taught entirely on-line are not considered equivalent and will not be accepted for transfer credit by the Department of Nursing.  Courses that combine on-line coursework with supervised on-site lab instruction are permissible with prior approval. **Students who fail to earn the minimum grade in BIO 144 AND/OR who take it elsewhere may risk not earning enough credits for graduation**
  4. If a student wishes to take permitted support courses at an institution other than THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY, written permission must be obtained from the Chairperson of the Department of Nursing. It is the student’s responsibility to have an official transcript of the completed course grade sent to the Office of Records and Registration in order to receive transfer credit. Transfer credit must be received prior to the start of the semester in which the nursing course, for which it is a pre-requisite, is to be taken.
  5. Support courses are pre-requisite or co-requisite to specific nursing courses. Students may not enroll in a specific nursing course for which there is a prerequisite unless they have achieved the required minimum grade in the prerequisite course. Students will be required to withdraw from the nursing sequence if the required grade is not achieved.  (See item V of this document for Procedure to follow.)
  6. Students enrolled in a co-requisite support course along with identified nursing courses may NOT drop the co-requisite course without specific permission to do so from the Chairperson, Department of Nursing. This permission will be documented on the student’s advisement sheet. Students who drop a co-requisite support course without permission will be required to withdraw from the nursing course or will incur an unsatisfactory grade in the nursing course.
  7. Upon the first instance of a grade less than the established minimum in any of the physical sciences (CHE 111, BIO 141, 142, 144), the student will be placed on Department of Nursing probation. Probationary status will not be removed until all remaining science courses are satisfactorily completed.

 

  1. Upon the second instance of a grade below the established minimum in any of the physical sciences (CHE 111, BIO 141, 142, 144), the student will be dismissed from the Nursing Major. Matriculation status will be changed to “Open Option –Undesignated Transitional” and the student will be assigned an interim advisor in the Center for Student Success.

Students seeking readmission to the Nursing major MUST follow exactly the steps outlined in section IX. READMISSION POLICY AND PROCEDURE on page 11 of this document.  Note that readmission to the Nursing major is not automatic and cannot be guaranteed.

  1. The identified support courses are pre-requisite or co-requisite to specific nursing courses as indicated below:

Prerequisite Support Courses                                 Nursing Courses

CHE 111, BIO 141, BIO 142 NUR 200  Pharmacological Interventions    and

NUR 230  Holistic Health Assessment Across the Life Span

CHE 111, BIO 141, BIO 142,  BIO 144

PSY 101 (pre- or co-requisite)

NUR 240  Holistic Interventions Across the Life Span
STA 115 (pre- or co-requisite) NUR 328  Research for Health Related & Social Sciences

 

III.   NURSING COURSES (NUR)

  1. The following nursing courses identified on the left are pre- or co-requisites for the nursing courses listed on the right.

Pre-requisite Nursing Course                                              Nursing Course

NUR 110 NUR 210, 220 and 230
NUR 200  (pre- or co-requisite)

NUR 202 (pre- or co-requisite)

NUR 210, 220 and 230 shall be taken only in  the fall semester immediately preceding anticipated entry into NUR 240

NUR 240
All 100 and 200 level nursing courses NUR 310, 320 and 324, 330 and 334, 340, 344
NUR 310, 320 and 324 NUR 330 and 334
NUR 310, 320, 324, 330, 334, 340, 344 NUR 420 and 424
NUR 328, 420 and 424 NUR 440, 444, and 460

 

  1. Students must earn an average grade of a “76” on all examinations in all NUR courses.
  2. If a student does not earn an average exam grade of 76 within a NUR course, the student will be required to repeat the course prior to progressing in the program. The student must repeat the course even if the overall average in the course meets the minimum required grade of a ‘C’. An exam average of less than a 76 constitutes failure to earn a minimum required grade and the student will be placed on probation until the course is repeated. If it is the second failure to earn an adequate grade in a nursing or required science course, the student will be dismissed from the program

 

  1. When the nursing course includes a college laboratory and/or a clinical practice experience, the classroom and the college laboratory and/or clinical practice experiences must be passed.

 

  1. If a “nursing practice” course or the nursing practice component of a “mixed” course, is not passed with the required minimum grade or better, the student may not take any further nursing courses that are part of a DYAD or have a practice component until the failed practice or mixed course is repeated with the required minimum grade or better.

 

  1. Once a student is matriculated, all nursing courses (NUR) must be taken at TCNJ.
  2. With the first instance of a grade of less than the minimum required in a nursing course or withdrawal from a nursing course as per nursing academic policy, the student is placed on Department of Nursing probation. Only one nursing (NUR) course may be repeated. 
  3. If a student fails to achieve minimum required academic performance in either the practice (clinical component) or the science (classroom theory) in a DYAD course, the student is immediately prohibited from further attendance in both courses in the DYAD. If the failure occurs before the college’s deadline for course withdrawal, the student must immediately withdraw from both courses and will receive a “W” grade in both courses.  If the failure occurs after the college’s course withdrawal deadline, the student will receive a grade according to his/her academic performance in the failed course, but will be permitted to retroactively withdraw from the other course with assistance from the Assistant Dean. Regardless, the student must repeat both courses in the DYAD together in the same semester and achieve the required minimum grade in both in order to progress in the major. 
  4. If a student receives an unsatisfactory grade in any nursing (NUR) course and is carrying a previous failure in any one support science course (BIO 141,142, 144, or CHE111) the student will be dismissed from nursing. This document serves as notice for this requirement. The student may apply for readmission but it is not automatic and is not guaranteed.  If the student receives an unsatisfactory grade in any nursing (NUR) course and has been readmitted after receiving an unsatisfactory grade in two previous support science courses (listed above), the student is dismissed with no option of applying for readmission.
  5. If a student receives unsatisfactory grades in two or more nursing courses at any time, the student will be dismissed from the nursing major. This document serves as notice for this requirement.   Matriculation status will be changed to “Open Option – Undesignated Transitional” and the student will be assigned an interim advisor in the Center for Student Success.  Students seeking readmission to the Nursing major MUST follow exactly the steps outlined in section IX. READMISSION POLICY AND PROCEDURE on pages 11 of this document.  Note that readmission to the Nursing major is not automatic and cannot be guaranteed.

 

  1. GUIDELINES CONCERNING BEHAVIOR IN PRACTICE SETTINGS

Definitions of Safe, Satisfactory or Acceptable Performance:

The student will demonstrate patterns of professional behavior which follow the legal and ethical codes of nursing; promote the actual or potential well-being of clients, healthcare workers, and self; demonstrate accountability in preparation, documentation, and continuity of care; and show respect for the human rights of individuals.

Indicators To Be Used As Guidelines For Evaluating Practice Are:

  1. Regulatory:

The student practices within the boundaries of The College of New Jersey Department of Nursing, the guidelines and objectives of the Department of Nursing, and follows the rules and regulations of the healthcare agency.

 

Examples of unsafe, unsatisfactory or unacceptable performance include but are not limited to the following:

  1. Failure to promptly notify the agency, clinical instructor, and course leader of a clinical absence, as outlined in course syllabi;
  2. Presenting for clinical practicum under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol;
  3. Attendance is mandatory for all clinical dates. One excused clinical absence (as determined by the course leader/clinical faculty) will require a makeup at the end of the semester. More than one clinical absence may result in a clinical failure.
  4. Habitual unexcused tardiness to clinical assignments;
  5. Failure to report abuse or neglect.

 

  1. Ethical:

 

The student practices according to the American Nurses’ Association Code of ethics, Standards of practice and

The Nurse Practice Act governs practice in the state where the clinical learning experience

occurs.

 

Examples of unsafe, unsatisfactory or unacceptable performance include but are not limited to

The following:

  1. Refuses assignment based on client’s race, culture, life style, or religious preference,

diagnosis or condition of client;

  1. Inappropriate behavior in any assigned activity related to clinical practice such as:
  2. a) Not reporting known errors in practice,
  3. b) Falsifying documents, signatures, or assignments;
  4. Ignoring unethical behavior(s) of other healthcare persons which affects clients’ welfare.

 

  1. Promote well-being of clients, other healthcare workers and self:

The student’s practice strives to meet the needs of the client considering the biological,

psychological, sociological, and cultural perspectives.

 

Examples of unsafe, unsatisfactory or unacceptable performance include but are not limited to the following:

  1. failure to recognize and seek treatment for mental, physical, or emotional behavior(s)

which may affect the well-being of others;

  1. failure to follow through on suggested referrals or interventions to correct deficit areas

which may result in harm to others;

  1. Omission of appropriate care, such as, but not limited to, medication errors;
  2. Abuse of clients, such as, but not limited to: physical, mental or emotional abuse; failing to

recognize, or correct or contributing to hazardous conditions or circumstances;

  1. Interpersonal relationships with agency staff, co-workers, peers, faculty resulting in

miscommunications disruptions of client care and/or functioning.

 

  1. Accountability:

 

The student’s practice demonstrates the expected level of responsibility in the preparation,

implementation, documentation and promotion of continuity in the care of clients.

 

Examples of unsafe, unsatisfactory or unacceptable performance include but are not limited to the following:

  1. Failure to provide concise, inclusive, written and verbal communication;
  2. Failure to accurately record comprehensive client behaviors;
  3. Failure to report to instructor questionable nursing practice(s) which affect client welfare;
  4. Dishonesty.

 

 

 

 

  1. Human Rights:

 

The student’s conduct shows respect for the individual client, health team member, faculty and

self.

 

Examples of unsafe, unsatisfactory or unacceptable performance include but are not limited to the following:

  1. Failure to maintain confidentiality of interactions;
  2. Failure to maintain confidentiality of records;
  3. Dishonesty in relationships;
  4. Utilization of stereotypical judgments which are detrimental to patient care;
  5. Failure to recognize and promote every patient’s rights.

 

Violations of these guidelines, as determined by faculty teaching courses or by the Faculty Development and Student Affairs (FDSA) Committee, will result in the student’s permanent dismissal from the program.

 

  1. PROCEDURE AFTER UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE IN A REQUIRED COURSE

 

If a student has not achieved the required grade in any supportive course, or if a student has

not achieved the required minimum grade or above in a nursing course, the following process

must be initiated by the student.

 

  1. Withdraw from the nursing course if the student has failed to meet prerequisites for that course.
  2. Meet with advisor to discuss plan to remedy the course failure.

Re-take the required course. (Please remember that only one physical science course and/or one nursing (NUR) course may be repeated before the student will be dismissed from the major).  Note: in accordance with TCNJ policy, courses may be repeated only once.

When the required grade is achieved, the student must make an appointment to discuss his or her progress in the major with his or her advisor and/or the Chairperson of the Department of Nursing.

Students will be required to demonstrate competence on a skills proficiency test before they are permitted to enter or repeat a nursing course that has a clinical component.

When a course is retaken, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the Office of Records and Registration to request that the original grade be removed from the calculation of the student’s Grade Point Average and the more recent grade included.   Note:  This must be initiated by the student; it is not done automatically.

 

  1. WRITING ASSIGNMENT CITATION REQUIREMENTS

The Publications Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th edition) is the required format for papers written for nursing courses. This manual is available in the library and in the college bookstore.

VII.   GRADING POLICIES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF NURSING

The numerical range for each letter grade in NUR courses was approved by nursing faculty:

 

Letter Grade    Percent                        GPA        Letter Grade  Percent                        GPA

A                     100-95             4.00

A-                    94-90               3.67

B+                   89-87               3.33

B                     86-83               3.00                 C-             75              1.67

B-                    82-80               2.67                 D+           74-70     1.33

C+                   79-78               2.33                 D            69-65     1.00

C                     77-76               2.00                 F            64 and below  0.00

 

 

 

VIII.         NURSING STUDENT CLINICAL COMPLIANCE

As healthcare workers, nursing students must meet requirements, beyond those mandated by the College, prior to enrollment in nursing courses with a clinical practicum component (NUR 240, 320/324, 330/334, 340, 344, 420/424, 440/444, 460).  These requirements protect students, promote patient safety, decrease institutional liability, and comply with affiliation agreements. Clinical compliance requirements conform to current American Association of Colleges of Nursing standards, New Jersey Board of Nursing regulations, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations relevant to healthcare workers. As such, these requirements are not open to exemptions or negotiations. These requirements are also subject to change without prior notice as new regulations emerge based on existing scientific evidence. Current requirements are detailed below.

The Nursing Student Clinical E-Portfolio (NCSEP) is used to collect documents from each nursing student to verify that they have met the initial and annual Department of Nursing clinical compliance requirements. Completed E-Portfolios will be maintained by the Nursing office in a confidential database.  According to HIPAA regulations, health information cannot be shared between Student Health and the Department of Nursing. Therefore, students must submit certain health records to both departments to be in compliance.

Rising sophomore students will be enrolled in the Clinical Placement Center course on Canvas in the spring of their freshman year.  This course provides specific instructions for completing and submitting requirements for clinical placements. It is the responsibility of each student to submit documents on or before established deadlines. The majority of annual requirements are submitted over the summer months. Submitted documents must be valid for the entire upcoming academic year, whenever possible. It is also the responsibility of each student to update required information in their E-Portfolio as necessary. Students who cannot meet the listed vaccination and TB screening requirements for health-related reasons must provide documentation with rationale from a healthcare provider. Documentation will be reviewed by the Clinical Site Coordinator and Department Chair, in advance of any clinical placement.

Students who fail to submit or update documents by established deadlines OR who submit false or altered documents OR for whom required screenings reveal prohibited behavior can be subject to:

  • Not being permitted to participate in clinical practice experiences, including simulation and skills labs,
  • De-registration from clinical courses,
  • Grading penalties in related courses and clinical assessments,
  • Being reported to the Academic Integrity Officer,
  • Failure to progress in the nursing program, and/or
  • Dismissal from the nursing program
  • Other appropriate disciplinary action

 

Physical examinations, vaccinations, and TB Testing can be obtained from a healthcare provider of the student’s choice or at Student Health Services. The costs associated with clinical compliance requirements are the responsibility of the student. Refer to the Student Health Services webpage for information on appointments and associated fees.

  1. Physical Exam – ANNUAL

A history and physical examination is required within 12 months prior to entering the first clinical course (NUR 240: Holistic Health Interventions) and annually thereafter.  The examination must be performed by a physician (MD/DO), advanced practice nurse (APN), or physician assistant (PA). Students must submit documentation verifying that they are able to participate in nursing clinical rotations.  This clearance is documented on the TCNJ Nursing Student Physical Examination Form.

  1. Tuberculosis (TB) Screening – ANNUAL

Within 12 months prior to entering the first clinical course, students must have a 2-step Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), (also called a Mantoux test or PPD).  The 2-step TST requires one test with results read in 48-72 hours and then a second test performed in 7-21 days with results read in 48-72 hours (a total of 4 visits to the healthcare provider). Students must submit documentation of a negative 2-step TST.

If students receive a negative result after the initial 2-step TST, students must submit documentation of a negative  single TST or IGRA blood test (QuantiFERON®-TB Gold or T-SPOT®) annually thereafter.

If students receive an equivocal or positive result after the initial 2-step TST, then ALL of the following are required to be completed and submitted:

  1. An evaluation by an MD/DO, APN, or PA that rules out active contagious TB infection and is documented on the TB Questionnaire/Physician’s Evaluation for Tuberculosis,
  2. An IGRA blood test,
  3. A baseline chest x-ray that is “Negative” for active/contagious TB, and
  4. Documentation of any treatment for the positive tuberculosis testing.

For students who are known to have false-positive reactions to TB testing:

Within 12 months prior to entering the first clinical course, ALL of the following are required to be completed and submitted:

  1. An evaluation by an MD/DO, APN, or PA that rules out active contagious TB infection and is documented on TB questionnaire/Physician’s Evaluation for Tuberculosis,
  2. An IGRA blood test,
  3. A baseline chest x-ray that is “Negative” for active/contagious TB,
  4. Documentation of any treatment for the positive tuberculosis testing.

After completing the first clinical course, students with past false-positive results must submit an evaluation by an MD/DO, APN, or PA annually thereafter that rules out active contagious TB infection. This is documented on the TB Questionnaire/Physician’s Evaluation for Tuberculosis.

  1. Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella Titers – ONCE

Students must submit documentation of positive IgG titers for Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella (German Measles), and Varicella (Chicken Pox) prior to entering the first clinical course. If titers are negative, students must submit documentation that they have received age-appropriate vaccines. However, students may be required by individual clinical partners to receive a booster.

  1. Hepatitis B Immunization Records and Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Titer – ONCE

Students must submit vaccination records demonstrating completion of the initial Hepatitis B vaccine series (2, 3, or 4 doses depending on manufacturer) AND positive post-vaccine series Hepatitis B surface antibody titer prior to entering the first clinical course.

If a student has completed the primary vaccine series but has a negative Hepatitis B surface antibody titer, the student must follow these steps:

  1. Discuss results with the primary healthcare provider and determine treatment/testing options.
  2. Submit documentation of the treatment plan on official letterhead or prescription from the healthcare provider.
  3. Submit documentation of any vaccines received as part of the treatment plan.

 

  1. Tdap Vaccination – INITIAL & WHEN EXPIRES

Students must submit a vaccination record for Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) received within the 10 years prior to entering the first clinical course and when the vaccine expires. DTAP and Td are NOT acceptable substitutions.

  1. Influenza Vaccination – ANNUAL

Students must submit a vaccination record for seasonal Influenza (flu) that is valid between September 1st and April 30th prior to entering the first clinical course and annually thereafter. The only acceptable exemptions are for students with severe allergies or medical contraindications documented by a healthcare provider. No personal or religious exemptions will be accepted.

 

  1. COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster – ANNUAL & AS REQUIRED

Students must submit documentation of being up to date for COVID-19 vaccine. A student is considered up to date when they have received their primary series COVID-19 vaccine and any booster for which they are eligible.  The only acceptable exemptions are for students with severe allergies or medical contraindications documented by a healthcare provider. No personal or religious exemptions will be accepted.

Only the following documents will be accepted as proof of vaccination:

  • CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card
  • Docket™ immunization record screenshot – must include your name on the record
  • An official record of COVID-19 vaccination from the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS) or other State immunization registry.
  • A record of COVID-19 vaccination on office letterhead signed by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, registered nurse, or pharmacist.
  • A military immunization or health record from the United States Armed Forces documenting COVID-19 vaccination.
  1. 5 Panel non-DOT Urine Drug Screen – ANNUAL

A negative 5-Panel (non-DOT) urine drug screen is required within 12 months prior to entering the first clinical course and annually thereafter. Students can obtain urine drug screens through a healthcare provider/laboratory of their choice or through Capital Health Occupational Health Center. In either case, results must be sent directly from the lab to the Department of Nursing. The Department of Nursing is aware that in many states, including New Jersey, medical marijuana is now legal. The Department also understands that marijuana is classified as Schedule 1 drug under federal law. We cannot accept a positive drug screening even if a medical marijuana card is presented.

  1. Fit Testing – ANNUAL

Students must participate in annual fit testing when it is offered by the College. Students attending clinical at Carrier Clinic and Hunterdon Medical Center may be required to complete additional fit testing.

  1. American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR Certification – INITIAL & EVERY 2 YEARS

Students must submit a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) card prior to entering the first clinical course and on or before expiration of the certification thereafter.  It is the student’s responsibility to obtain and maintain BLS certification while enrolled in the nursing program. The Department of Nursing only accepts certification through the American Heart Association.

  1. Individual Student Liability Insurance – ANNUAL

In keeping with the New Jersey Board of Nursing regulation N.J.A.C. 13:37-1.11, all nursing students must obtain their own student liability (malpractice) insurance prior to entering the first clinical course and renew their coverage annually thereafter.  Student liability insurance is available through Nurses Service Organization (https://www.nso.com) or Healthcare Providers Service Organization (https://www.hpso.com).  Students must submit the Certificate of Insurance page to document that insurance coverage is current.

  1. Personal Health Insurance – ANNUAL

Students must submit documentation of personal health insurance coverage prior to entering the first clinical course and annually thereafter.

  1. New Jersey Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Record Check – ANNUAL

Students are required to obtain a New Jersey fingerprint-based criminal record check prior to the annual deadline the first clinical course and annually thereafter. Students must follow all procedures, submit all forms, and pay fees to ensure that valid documentation of a clear criminal history records check is received by established deadlines. Results must come directly to the Department of Nursing.

[OLD PARAGRAPH] A positive background check will be referred to the FDSA Committee for disposition. This disposition could result in prohibition of the student’s participation in clinical courses and/or dismissal from the Nursing major.

[SUGGESTED NEW PARAGRAPH] Every student has the responsibility to self-report past violations and any subsequent violations while enrolled in the nursing program. Students must report any legal issues that may or will affect their background check within 72 business hours AND prior to any clinical encounter. These violations must be reported to the Assistant Dean and Department Chair for review.  Students with prohibited behavior or self-reported disclosures on their background checks will be evaluated individually by the Assistant Dean and Department Chair, in consultation with the Dean, and legal counsel, when necessary, to determine whether they will be allowed continued progression in the nursing major. Background check results showing criminal hits may also be required to be shared with clinical agencies.

  1. Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance – ONCE

Students must submit documentation of a negative Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance prior to starting NUR 344: Caring in Child Health. This clearance is free the first time it is obtained and can be obtained online. Annual documentation may be required depending on student clinical placement. Students will be responsible for the cost. Positive results will be handled as outlined under New Jersey Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Record Check.

  1. National Sex Offender Registry – ANNUAL

Students will be checked against the National Sex Offender Registry prior to starting the first clinical course and annually thereafter. Positive results will be handled as outlined under New Jersey Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Record Check.

  1. Site Onboarding – ANNUAL

Clinical agencies have additional site-specific training and onboarding requirements. Students must complete the required training and submit required forms on or before established deadlines or they will not be able to participate in clinical experiences.

 

 

 

  1. ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC POLICIES                                                

Please Note:  Completion of all program requirements and attainment of the BSN qualifies graduates to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as registered nurses.  Application for licensure, in accord with regulations of the New Jersey Board of Nursing, also requires the submission of an affidavit that the applicant “has never been convicted or has not pleaded nolo contendere, non vule contendere or non vult to an indictment, information, or complaint alleging a violation of any federal or state law involving moral turpitude or relating adversely to the nursing profession.”  Boards of nursing in other states have similar requirements.  In addition, New Jersey Board of Nursing rules, N.J.A.C. 13:37-1.8(h) stipulate the following: “Before an individual is admitted to a nursing education program, the program shall inform the individual that a criminal history background check is a prerequisite for licensure as a registered professional nurse or a licensed practical nurse.”

  1. Standardized Assessment:

Throughout the program, students are required to take the standardized assessments offered by Assessment Technologies Institute LLC (ATI).  Each student must achieve the criterion score (60th percentile and/or Competency Level II) established on the ATI Content Mastery Assessments.  The secured assessments are designed to identify strengths in specific areas of content as well as knowledge deficits for the individual student and for the entire class.  Students who do not meet the criterion score on the secured assessment are required to do remedial work on a non-secured assessment until a minimum score of 90 per cent is achieved.  Deadlines for completion of remedial work will be established by course faculty, however, in all cases, remedial work must be completed prior to the start of the next semester.  There are fees associated with these standardized assessments and examinations.

  1.    Uniforms:

Each nursing student is required to wear TCNJ Department of Nursing uniform for specified clinical experiences.

Students are to purchase the required uniform prior to entry into NUR 240 (Holistic Interventions Across the

Life Span).  Details about the purchase of uniforms and the Department of Nursing Dress Code can be found on the Department of Nursing web site.

 

  1. Electronic devices:

Unless expressly permitted by the faculty member, the use of cell phones and other electronic devices is forbidden in the classroom and in the clinical setting.  Several clinical agencies also have policies prohibiting employees and students from using personal phones, and smart watches, including texting and cameras, in all areas where patients and visitors have access. Students are required to wear an analog watch during lab for NUR 230 and all clinical courses in the curriculum.

  1. Travel to Off-campus Clinical Sites:

Clinical learning experiences require students to travel to off-campus clinical agencies. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to clinical sites.

  1. Curriculum Plan:

Matriculated BSN-1 students are expected to follow the recommended curriculum plan in a timely manner and in consultation with faculty advisors in order to progress toward their expected graduation date.

 

 

  1. Policy and Program Requirement Changes:

The Department of Nursing reserves the right to change policy and/or program requirements without prior notice in order to reflect changes in the professional field.

  1. READMISSION POLICY AND PROCEDURE

              Dismissed students seeking readmission to the Nursing major MUST follow exactly the requirements outlined in this section.  Note that readmission to the Nursing major is not automatic and cannot be guaranteed. Dismissed students interested in readmission are STRONGLY advised to formally apply after at least one academic term of successful academic achievement to increase chances for readmission. 

Eligibility Standards to Apply for Readmission:

 

A student is NOT eligible to apply for readmission if any of the following circumstances apply:

**The student has been previously dismissed from the Nursing major.

 

**The student has failed to achieve the minimum grade in two or more required NUR courses at the 200, 300, or 400 levels. For example, a student is dismissed for failing to achieve the minimum grade in NUR 240 following a previous failure to earn the minimum grade in NUR 220.

**The student has failed to achieve the minimum grade in three or more required courses, including any physical science or NUR courses, regardless of level. For example, a student is dismissed for failing to achieve the minimum grade in NUR 110, BIO 141, and CHE 111.

**The student has failed the same required NUR course twice, regardless of level.

 

NOTE – Voluntarily withdrawing from any NUR course with a W grade is considered a failure to achieve the minimum grade and therefore is applicable to probation, dismissal, and readmission policies.

 

  1. Notification of Intent to Chair of the Nursing Department
  2. Students Seeking Fall Semester Readmission:

Students must notify the Chair of the Nursing Department of their intent to request readmission via email within 10 calendar days of receiving formal email notification of dismissal from the Nursing department. 

  1. Students Seeking Spring Semester Readmission:

Students must notify the Chair of the Nursing Department of their intent to request readmission no later than Sept. 30 of the fall semester immediately preceding the spring semester in which they are seeking readmission. 

  1. Meeting with Chair of the Nursing Department

Students must contact the Chair of the Nursing Department via email to schedule a meeting for advisement and to discuss readmission procedures and requirements.  This meeting should occur within 14 calendar days of the student’s notification of intent to request readmission.

  1. Formal Request for Readmission to Faculty Development & Student Affairs Committee (FDSA)

Students must send a formal letter requesting readmission via email to the Chair of the FDSA committee. No later than November 15 for spring semester readmission or no later than August 1 for fall semester readmission.

 

  1. REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

In addition to the requirements for the nursing major, all students in the college follow the “pattern of degree

Requirements” set out in the TCNJ Undergraduate Bulletin.  The minimum requirement for graduation is 32 course units. Satisfactory performance on comprehensive achievement assessments or examinations is required for progression and for graduation.  Based on scores achieved, students may be required to complete designated review activities and retesting.

There are student fees associated with the assessments and examinations.

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R:\Nursing\Academics\1 Programs – UG\BSN\Academic Policies

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TCNJ's Department of Nursing is not accepting transfers into our four year traditional bachelor’s of science in nursing program at this time. We are accepting applications for the ABSN program for May 2025.Learn More
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