General Information

ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. Section 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) affords certain rights to students concerning their educational records. FERPA grants students the right to inspect and review their educational records (with exceptions), to request the records be amended, to have limited control over the disclosure of information contained in their records, and to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures of the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The TTUHSC Institutional Student Handbook shall serve as the annual notification that must be provided to students under FERPA, 34 C.R.F. 99.7, unless individual TTUHSC schools annually notify their students of FERPA rights otherwise.

AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

TTUHSC complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and state and local requirements regarding students with disabilities. Under these laws, no otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall be denied access to or participation in services, programs and activities of TTUHSC solely on the basis of the disability.

Students with grievances related to discrimination on the basis of a disability may contact the Director of Student Disability Services. Any student seeking academic accommodations on the basis of disability must register with Student Disability Services and must provide all required documentation of disability. Documentation should be in the form of an evaluation performed by a qualified professional (such as a licensed physician or audiologist) and should be provided to Student Disability Services. Documentation guidelines, along with a diagnostic referral list, can be found on the Student Disability Services website: https://www.ttuhsc.edu/disability/.

CAREER SERVICES

The School of Nursing Career Services provides programs and services designed to empower students and alumni to actively explore, pursue and implement career and education decisions. Through collaborative partnerships with academic departments and employers, SON Career Services provides the most current and innovative career resources and information.

Examples of Services provided:

• Resume and cover letter development and review services
• Hospital information sessions and career fairs
• Interview preparation, including mock interviews
• Career development sessions, including interview attire

The SON Career Services office is physically located on the Lubbock Campus in room 2C200 and is also available by phone and web cam upon request. Contact the SON Career Services at soncareer@ttuhsc.edu or 1-800-493-3954 with questions or suggestions or visit https://student.ttuhsc.edu/nursing/career/.

CHANGE OF CONTACT INFORMATION

Address(s) / Telephone Number(s) / Name

Students are required to:

• Maintain a current address(s) (i.e. permanent, local, billing, etc.) and telephone number(s) in the TTUHSC WebRaider Portal at https://webraider.ttuhsc.edu.
• Notify appropriate Student Affairs Coordinator via email of changes made to WebRaider Portal.
• Contact the TTUHSC Registrar’s office at (806) 743-2300 for name change form to be completed and submitted with required documentation.

CONFIDENTIALITY/HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996 (HIPAA)

The School of Nursing is dedicated to ensuring each student is current in issues as they relate to nursing practice and research. One such regulation includes the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Annually, each student is required to provide proof of education in HIPAA training. The training requirements vary by the curriculum; the student will receive information regarding HIPAA training and will be asked to sign a Confidentiality Agreement during New Student Orientation (both face to face and virtual). All proof of training will be placed in the student’s advising file located in the Office of Student Affairs. Those who cannot show proof will not be allowed to attend clinical. In addition, release of confidential information (including verbal communications, written communications, or electronic communications with or about patients or involving patient health information to anyone who does not need the information for treatment, payment, or health care operation) is a cause for dismissal from the School.

COUNSELING SERVICES

As in all professional health fields, if stress is not dealt with effectively, it can interfere with optimal academic performance. For a student experiencing excessive stress, the SON highly recommends self-referral for counseling. The following are the counseling options available for all School of Nursing students.

Program of Assistance for Students (PAS) is a professional, confidential, no cost counseling service for students and family members living in their households. Five sessions (per household) per academic year are available from licensed counselors who can provide assistance for a variety of problems related to daily living, including: family and relationship problems, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, anxiety, excessive stress, and other problems. No information is released to anyone in the SON and use of the program does not become part of a student’s record. For additional information visit https://www.ttuhsc.edu/centers-institutes/counseling/pas.aspx.

• Abilene students should contact Life Renovations at (325) 672-7055.
• Amarillo students should contact the Professional Counseling Center at (806) 356-0404.
• Austin students should contact the Samaritan Center for Counseling at (512) 451-7337, then “0”.
• Dallas students should contact the Pastoral Counseling Center at (214) 526-4525.
• Houston students should contact Glenn Boyd at (832) 472-3566.
• Lubbock students have two options for counseling services: the Program of Assistance for Students (PAS)or the Student Counseling Center (SCC). For information for PAS, visit https://www.ttuhsc.edu/centers-institutes/counseling/pas.aspx or contact (806) 743-1327 or 1-800-327-0328. For information on the SCC go to the website http://www.depts.ttu.edu/scc/.
• Permian Basin students should contact the Samaritan Counseling Center of West Texas, (432) 563-4144.
• San Antonio area students should contact the Institute for Couple and Family Enhancement, (210) 496-0100.
• Off-campus distance education students who want to receive counseling services should contact the Lubbock office of the Program of Assistance for Students at 1-800-327-0328 or (806) 743-1327 to inquire about the availability of area counseling services.
• All students regardless of campus have access to TAO Connect (Therapy Assistance Online). https://www.ttuhsc.edu/centers-institutes/counseling/tao.aspx.

A 24-hour crisis/help line is available to all SON students and members of their household through the Program of Assistance for Students at 1-800-327-0328.

• Tobacco Intervention Program for Lubbock students – Services are provided by Substance Abuse Professionals in the Southwest Institute for Addictive Disease (SWIAD) https://www.ttuhsc.edu/workforce-overall-wellness/smoking-cessation.aspx.

DIVERSITY and INCLUSION

The TTUHSC School of Nursing promotes, supports and embraces diversity amoung our students, faculty and staff as a foundational tenant to accomplishing the vision and mission of the School of Nursing. Therefore, the TTUHSC SON affirms and aligns with the TTUHSC Diversity Statement: The core foundational value of including the diverse cultures, lifestyles, personal beliefs and ideas of all those we serve - and serve alongside - provides a positive impact on the health of our regional, national, and global societies. As we pursue excellence in health care education, research, and patient care, we will be ever mindful of the strength that is gained through unity in diversity.

DRUG FREE SCHOOLS and COMMUNITIES ACT

The unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs on any institutional property or at any of its activities is prohibited. Refer to the TTUHSC Institutional Student Handbook. Information on assistance programs may also be obtained from the TTUHSC Student Affairs office or the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (RNs & LVNs).

EMPLOYMENT

The decision to work while enrolled as a student in the School of Nursing rests with the individual student; the school assumes no responsibility for student employment. Students should check with their enrolled program to determine if employment is discouraged.

A student employed in a healthcare agency has the responsibility, personally and professionally, to accept and engage in only activities falling within the position description for which qualified. Students employed as nurse assistants or nurse technicians should not practice outside the scope of such position set forth under the Nursing Practice Act. Students currently licensed as registered nurses assume the responsibility for clinical practice under their own professional license issued by the applicable Board of Nursing.

All students should be thoroughly familiar with the Texas Administrative Code Title 22 Part 11, Texas Board of Nursing – Rules §224 (Delegation of Nursing Tasks by Registered Professional Nurses to Unlicensed Personnel for Clients with Acute Conditions or in Acute Care Environments) and §225 (RN Delegation to Unlicensed Personnel and Tasks Not Requiring Delegation in Independent Living Environments for Clients with Stable and Predictable Conditions). Texas Administrative Code Title 22: This information is accessible on the Texas Board of Nursing website at https://www.bon.texas.gov/index.asp.

FACULTY OFFICE HOURS

Faculty members maintain a schedule of office hours each semester. These hours are posted for students’ convenience. Appointments should be made if posted office hours are inconvenient. Some faculty may choose to have virtual office hours via the Internet or to be available by scheduled appointment.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Contact TTUHSC Financial Aid Office at (806) 743-3025 or https://www.ttuhsc.edu/financial-aid/default.aspx for questions regarding grants, scholarships, and loans.

HEALTH INSURANCE

MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE

TTUHSC and the School of Nursing requires that each student enrolled in an on-campus program or online program that has clinical requirements maintain health insurance to cover major medical, emergency care, specialty care, and pharmacy services. Students should note many of the facilities where students receive clinical training require each student to be covered by health insurance. Hospital or clinic personnel may ask for proof of coverage at any time. Students may be denied access to clinical experience, at the discretion of the facility, if not covered by health insurance. In order to ensure coverage, students must provide proof of coverage each semester. Student who provide sufficient proof of coverage receive a waiver from the University sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan. If the student cannot provide proof of health insurance coverage, the student must enroll in the University sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan (Academic Health Plans - AHP). Student without an approved waiver for the Student Health Insurance Plan are required to enroll and pay premium to AHP directly. For more information and instructions on how to submit a waiver and/or to purchase AHP, please contact the TTUHSC Office of Student Life at (806) 743-2302 or email student.life@ttuhsc.edu. You may also visit https://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-affairs/health.aspx for further information.

HEALTH SERVICES FOR TTUHSC STUDENTS

Students are required by TTUHSC to pay a Medical Service Fee each semester. With this fee, access to healthcare is available at no charge for minimal or limited minor problems. Access to healthcare is through a TTUHSC clinic or a regional contracted provider (when available) for distance students. This fee is only waived for distance students.

Medical services for TTUHSC students are available at the Abilene, Amarillo, Dallas, Lubbock, and Permian Basin campuses. Visit https://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-affairs/health.aspx or refer to the TTUHSC Student Handbook.

INCIDENT/INJURY REPORTING and INVESTIGATION

Students are required to adhere to TTUHSC OP 75.14. Non-Employee Incident/Injury Procedures and Reporting. The purpose of this Health Sciences Center Operating Policy and Procedure (TTUHSC OP) is to establish procedures for responding to and documenting incidents involving and/or injuries incurred by persons on TTUHSC property including, but not limited to, visitors, patients, volunteers, and students in non-clinical areas.

INTERPROFESSIONAL PRACTICE and EDUCATION (IPE) CORE CURRICULUM

In accordance with the TTUHSC Student Handbook, all TTUHSC students, regardless of school affiliation, are required to complete the TTUHSC IPE core curriculum prior to graduation. The TTUHSC IPE core curriculum is composed of two components including successful completion of a non-credit online course (>70% accuracy on the knowledge post-test) and successful participation in at least one registered TTUHSC IPE learning activity. Failure to complete the TTUHSC IPE core curriculum will result in delayed graduation. Students should consult their academic/program advisor and/or school catalog for additional information.

LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The School of Nursing utilizes an electronic Learning Management System (LMS) to provide online course delivery. The LMS platform provides exams, assignments, messages, and various other communication tools. In addition, the LMS is used to provide orientation content, coordinate activities, and announcements. The LMS is a full-featured system that supports technology-enabled teaching, learning, communication, research, and collaboration.

LEGAL SERVICES FOR STUDENTS

The purpose of the TTU Student Legal Services is to provide currently enrolled students with confidential legal advice, counsel, and limited representation about personal legal matters. The office aids students in acquiring the skills to cope with common legal matters. Service is limited to advice and the preparation of simple documents. If courtroom representation is necessary, a referral service to members of the Lubbock County Bar Association is available. http://www.depts.ttu.edu/sls/.

Any student currently enrolled at TTUHSC who has paid the student services fee is eligible to receive these services at no additional charge. Appointments are recommended, but not required. Telephone consultations will be given in appropriate situations at (806) 742-3289. Contact the TTUHSC Student Affairs office at (806) 743-2300 for additional information or an appointment. Legal services for distance education students are not covered by the usual distance education fees.

LIBRARY

The TTUHSC Libraries of the Health Sciences provide facilities and learning/information resources with physical sites in Lubbock, Amarillo, and Odessa. The TTUHSC Library system collections presently contain more than 56,600 bound volumes and over 105,480 electronic books, plus 4,956 open access ebooks. The number of bound volumes will continually decrease however, as the Library makes room for more student study space. The system has 209 print journal subscriptions and approximately 25,616 electronic journals available at all TTUHSC sites. The libraries feature quiet and group study carrels and rooms, wifi display in two group study rooms, anatomy models, eleven 3D printers (one printer in Odessa and ten printers in Lubbock), computer labs, scanners, interlibrary loan and reference services, and Internet access. The online Ask A Librarian service (http://ttuhsc.libanswers.com/ask) allows students to email, text, or chat with a reference librarian for article and searching assistance. Step-by-step online guides to library services and resources are available at http://ttuhsc.libguides.com.

The TTUHSC Libraries provide on and off-campus electronic access to more than 347 databases and 215 that are open access. The databases related to the School of Nursing include, but are not limited to: MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL Complete with FullText, Nursing Reference Center Plus, Primal Pictures, Access Medicine, SportDiscus, EXAM MASTER online (NCLEXRN), Scopus, the LWW Health Library, Cochrane Databases, ClinicalKey, as well as general and academic TexShare databases. Bibliographic tools such as RefWorks and Endnote, full-text electronic journals, and a full array of electronic books are also accessible through the Libraries’ homepage: http://www.ttuhsc.edu/libraries/ via the TTUHSC e-Raider account. To meet the needs of all TTUHSC users including distance education, the TTUHSC Libraries provides online forms for Iterlibrary Loan (ILL) requests, search assistance, 3D prints, and library cards.

• Preston Smith Library of the Health Sciences in Lubbock features 28 group study rooms and 17 computers in the Methodology Lab. An additional 12 public computers are located throughout the second and third floors along with seating for 362 individuals.
  
• Harrington Library of the Health Sciences in Amarillo, has two computer areas with 15 stations, 106 seats and 4 study rooms.
  
• Library of the Health Sciences in Odessa, has 71 study seats, 3 study rooms and 1 computer classroom with 10 desktop stations and 4 laptop stations.

LOCKER INFORMATION (LUBBOCK CAMPUS)

Lockers are located on the first floor of the Academic Classroom Building for student use. If a student is interested in a locker, please contact Classroom Support at (806) 743-2288. (Office located on the second floor of the Academic Classroom Building). Locker assignments are made on a first-come first-served basis. All lockers must be cleaned out at the end of each semester. TTUHSC is not responsible for items left in lockers.

MEDIA AUTHORIZATION and RELEASE

The TTUHSC policy (TTUHSC OP 52.15) applies to all TTUHSC Schools, educational and other activities, and areas owned, operated and/or provided by TTUHSC. It does NOT apply to uses of Images(s) or information for patient treatment or payment purposes (as defined under HIPAA). Definition of Image(s): Likeness or image(s) including, but not limited to photographs, videotaped images, audio recordings, and digital or other images of any kind or nature.

During new student orientation for each academic program, students are asked to sign a media authorization and release form. The signing of this form allows the School to use the student’s name and photographic image in School promotional materials in all forms of media including, but not limited to press, radio, television, internet websites, and printed mediums. The signing of the release is voluntary. A student may indicate on the release that they do not wish the School to use their name and/or photographic image in the School’s promotional materials. The media authorization and release form is kept in the student’s file for each program.

ONLINE ACCESS

PARKING / VEHICLE REGISTRATION

All motor vehicles (including motorcycles, etc.) operated on or parked on the campus at any time must be registered at the Traffic and Parking Office, https://www.fiscal.ttuhsc.edu/parking/. Compliance with the regulations set forth in Campus Traffic and Parking Regulations is required. A pamphlet describing these regulations is available from the Traffic and Parking Office.

PROFESSIONAL and ACADEMIC CONDUCT

TTUHSC has a responsibility to maintain order within the University community and to discipline any person or people violating the standards, rules and/or policies. Enrollment requires students to share the responsibility. Students agree to abide by the standards, rules and/or policies set forth in the TTUHSC Student Handbook, the TTUHSC Operating Policies and Procedures, School of Nursing Catalog, and School of Nursing Student Handbook, as well as any other official University publications.

REFERENCE LETTERS /RECOMMENDATION FORMS

Professional reference letters can be requested from individual faculty members. Such requests should be submitted in writing directly to the faculty member along with a resume/CV for faculty referral; at least two weeks’ notice should be given. Reference letters are not maintained by the School of Nursing. Reference letters requested after graduation should be requested in the same manner. Letter of Recommendation for Students form is located under http://nursing.ttuhsc.edu/forms/.

REGISTRATION OF CONVICTED SEX OFFENDERS

Chapter 62, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, requires that all sex offenders register with local law enforcement authorities. As a result, all sex offenders who intend to be students or attend classes on or at any campus of the Texas Tech University System are required to register (or verify registration) with the campus police department in accordance with article 62.153 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure no later than seven (7) days of beginning school. In addition, all such sex offenders who intend to volunteer, work or carry on a vocation (including full-time or part-time employees and employees of outside contractors) on any campus of Texas Tech University System for a consecutive period exceeding fourteen (14) days or for an aggregate period exceeding thirty (30) days in a calendar year are required to register with the campus police department within seven (7) days of beginning work on any campus of Texas Tech University System.

In addition, all such sex offenders are required to notify campus police no later than seven (7) days of terminating attendance or work on any campus of Texas Tech University System. Failure to register, as required, may subject such individuals to criminal penalties. Questions about the policy should be addressed to the Texas Tech University Police Department, 413 Flint Avenue, Lubbock, TX, 79409, (806) 742-3931 or email Police@ttu.edu.

RELOCATION (Moving) TO A STATE OTHER THAN THE STATE OF TEXAS

In order for TTUHSC School of Nursing to offer online courses and/or to supervise clinical experiences in a state other than Texas, TTUHSC must comply with other state requirements. The requirements differ from state to state and will require state authorization as well as Board of Nursing authorization. Notification prior to relocating to another state is mandatory for all graduate online students, regardless of track, in order to ensure TTUHSC has authority to provide online education and/or clinical experiences in other states.

Students are required to submit the mandatory notification from to the TTUHSC School of Nursing a minimum of 60 days prior to the proposed move. The mandatory notification form can be found at Grad Central https://nursing.ttuhsc.edu/gradcentral and/or http://nursing.ttuhsc.edu/forms/. Upon submission, the form will be submitted to all necessary parties and the student will be contacted, either by phone or email, as to whether the proposed state is an approved state for TTUHSC to deliver online education and/or to supervise clinical experienced.

TTUHSC School of Nursing cannot guarantee the student’s continuation in the program if the student moves to a state where TTUHSC has no authorization to provide educational services. Participating states may not require authorization for courses on military instillations (limited to active and reserve military personnel, dependents, and civilian employees of the military instillation). Board of Nursing approval is attained on a case by case basis contingent upon the proposed clinical placement. Graduate students should contact their Program Director as soon as they are aware of a pending move.

RESEARCH

Research proposals requiring access to the School of Nursing student population must be made to the School of Nursing Faculty Council and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for approval prior to conducting research. Potential investigators must meet TTUHSC IRB mandated training requirements prior to submitting proposals to the IRB.

SAFE HARBOR

Safe Harbor (SHPR) in accordance to Texas Board of Nursing Nurse Practice Act{[NPR§303.005(b) and (e)]; [Texas Administrative Code Rule 217.19(a) (15) and Texas Administrative Code Rule 217.20 (a)(15)]}, may be initiated by a RN prior to accepting an assignment or engaging in requested conduct that the nurse believes would place patients at risk of harm, thus potentially causing the nurse to violate his/her duty to the patient(s). Invoking safe harbor in accordance with rule 217.20 protects the nurse from licensure action by the BON as well as from retaliatory action by the employer. In the event during a clinical placement, a nurse assigned to a student(s) invokes Safe Harbor, that student is to immediately notify the faculty.

SAFETY

Exercise caution when traveling to and from cars, buildings, clinical sites, etc. Follow all safety instructions given by faculty members, listed in course syllabi, and contained in the TTUHSC Safety Handbook as well as those in clinical facility safety materials. Visit https://www.ttuhsc.edu/safety-services/default.aspx for information regarding TTUHSC Safety Services and student safety training including STEPS (Safety Training Education Program for Students) and/or Laboratory Safety Essentials training.

SEMESTER HOURS

The semester hour is the unit of measure for credit purposes. Didactic contact hours are measured on a one-to-one basis; clinical contact hours on a one-to-three basis or as designated in the School of Nursing Catalog for the specific program. Approximately two hours in preparation for each hour of didactic class and an appropriate amount of time for preparation for clinical activities are expected.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual Harassment is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. SEXUAL HARASSMENT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

The School of Nursing considers sexual harassment in all forms to be a serious offense subject to a range of actions up to and including suspension or dismissal. Sexual harassment is a violation of TTUHSC OP 51.02 and OP 51.03. Refer to the TTUHSC Student Handbook and the Title IX website located at http://www.ttuhsc.edu/title-ix/. Sexual harassment education is required for all students and is completed at the time of orientation. Contact the appropriate departmental office for further educational information and opportunities.

SIMULATION

The simulation centers located at the various campuses provide unique learning environments. These realistic environments support experiential learning activities promoting the development and maintenance of intra-professional and interprofessional competencies. Faculty and students from the School of Nursing, School of Medicine, School of Allied Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences are engaged in simulation-based activities supported by these centers.

SOCIAL MEDIA / PERSONAL WEB SITES and WEB LOGS

Guidelines for Students

TTUHSC School of Nursing recognizes social media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, etc., and personal Web sites, Web logs, or blogs, can be effective tools for exchanging information. The School of Nursing does not prohibit students from joining and participating in online communities as individuals. However, any online behavior violating the TTUHSC Institutional Student Handbook brought to the attention of school officials will be treated as any other violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Contact the Associate Dean of Education Support Services and Student Affairs for questions regarding the interpretation of the “Student Code of Conduct.” In addition please reference TTUHSC OP 67.03 Use of Social Media. The policy discusses professional expectations as well as best practices while a student at the School of Nursing.

STANDARD PRECAUTIONS

Students are responsible for adhering to standard precautions as governed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Information on the CDC standard precautions is disseminated to the students during new student orientation. Students have the responsibility to maintain compliance with the recommendations during all clinical settings. Refer to the CDC Standard Precautions at http://www.cdc.gov/.

During orientation to the School of Nursing, time is allowed for the following:

• Presentation and discussion of the CDC’s Recommended Standard Precautions; and
• An in-depth review of the School of Nursing’s policies dealing with communicable diseases.
  • Students will not be allowed into the clinical area until they have signed the Consent for Adherence to the CDC’s Recommended Standard Precautions. This consent form will be placed in the student’s file in the Office of Student Affairs.

Because the potential diseases in a patient’s blood and body fluids cannot be known, blood, body fluid, and substance precautions recommended by the CDC should be adhered to for all patients and for all specimens submitted to the laboratory. These precautions, called “standard precautions”, should be followed regardless of any lack of evidence of the patient’s infection status. Routinely use barrier protection to prevent skin and mucous membrane contamination with:

• Secretions and excretions, except sweat, regardless of whether or not they contain visible blood
• Body fluids of all patients and specimens
• Non intact skin
• Mucous membranes.

Environmental Control

Follow the clinical agency’s procedures for the routine care, cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces, beds, bed rails, bedside equipment, and other frequently touched surfaces.

Gloves

Wear gloves (clean nonsterile gloves are adequate) when touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, and contaminated items. Put on clean gloves just before touching mucous membranes and non-intact skin. Change gloves between tasks and procedures on the same patient after contact with material with a possibility of containing a high concentration of microorganisms. Remove gloves promptly after use, before touching non-contaminated items and environmental surfaces and before going to another patient. Wash hands immediately to avoid transfer of microorganisms to other patients or environments.

Gown

Wear a gown (a clean nonsterile gown is adequate) to protect skin and prevent soiling of clothing during procedures and patient care activities (splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions or cause soiling of clothing) are possible. Select a gown appropriate for the activity and amount of fluid likely to be encountered. Remove a soiled gown as promptly as possible and wash hands to avoid transfer of microorganisms to other patients or environments.

Hand Hygiene

• Wash hands after touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, and contaminated items, whether or not gloves are worn. Wash hands before touching a patient, even if gloves will be worn. Wash hands immediately after gloves are removed, between patient contacts, and when otherwise indicated to avoid transfer of microorganisms to other patients or environments. Washing hands between tasks and procedures on the same patient may be necessary to prevent cross contamination of different body sites.
• Use plain (non-antimicrobial) soap for routine hand washing.
• Use an antimicrobial agent or waterless antiseptic agent for specific circumstances (e.g., control of outbreaks or hyper endemic infections) as defined by the infection control program.

Linen

Handle, transport, and process used linen soiled with blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions in a manner preventing skin and mucous membrane exposures and contamination of clothing and avoid transfer of microorganisms to other patients and environments.

Mask, Eye Protection, and Face Shield

Wear a mask, eye protection, and face shield to protect mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth during procedures and patient care activities (splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions) are possible.

Occupational Health and Blood-borne Pathogens

• Take care to prevent injuries when using needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments or devices; when handling sharp instruments after procedures; when cleaning used instruments; and when disposing of used needles. Never recap used needles or otherwise manipulate the needle with both hands and any other technique that involves directing the point of a needle toward any part of the body; rather, use either a one-handed scoop technique or a mechanical device designed for holding the needle sheath. Do not remove used needles from disposable syringes by hand and do not bend, break, or otherwise manipulate used needles by hand. Place used disposable syringes and needles, scalpel blades, and other sharp items in appropriate puncture-resistant containers located as close as practical to the area where the items were used. Place reusable syringes and needles in a puncture-resistant container for transport to the reprocessing area. Refer to SON OP 60.095.
• Use mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, or other ventilation devices as an alternative to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation methods in areas where the need for resuscitation is predictable.

Patient Care Equipment

Handle used patient care equipment soiled with blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions to prevent skin and mucous membrane exposures, contamination of clothing and transfer of microorganisms to other patients and environments. Ensure reusable equipment is not used for the care of another patient until appropriately cleaned and reprocessed and single use items are properly discarded.

Patient Placement

Place a patient contaminating the environment or who does not (or cannot be expected to) assist in maintaining appropriate hygiene or environmental control in a private room. If a private room is not available, consult with infection control professionals regarding patient placement or other alternatives. Additional information is on reserve in the Preston Smith Library Teach/Learning Center for clinical courses.

STATE PRIVACY POLICY

When TTUHSC “collects information about an individual by means of a form the individual completes and files with the governmental body in either a paper format or an electronic format”, the paper forms or the Internet site used in connection with the electronic form must state:

• With few exceptions, the individual is entitled on request to be informed about the information the state governmental body collects about the individual;
• The individual is entitled to receive and review the information;
• The individual is entitled to have the state governmental body correct information about the individual that is incorrect.

If TTUHSC collects information about a website user on its Internet site, including the identity and computer network location, TTUHSC must post what types of information collected about the website user on the Internet site. Finally, TTUHSC must establish a reasonable procedure to correct information about an individual.

STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCILS FOR BOTH UNDERGRADUATE and GRADUATE DEPARTMENTS

For purposes of promoting the TTUHSC School of Nursing, student advisory councils exist to maintain open communication between students and administration/faculty/staff: the Undergraduate Department Advisory Council, the Non-Traditional Electronic Advisory Forums, the Graduate Department Chairs’ Advisory Council, the BSN to DNP Advisory Council, and the Post-Master's DNP Student Advisory Council. Through the Department Advisory Councils, student representatives advise the administration on ways to improve the educational process while enrolled in the School of Nursing. Student representatives volunteer or are selected by the applicable Associate Dean/Department Chair to serve on the Department Advisory Councils and are expected to represent their fellow students by bringing forth issues of importance to be addressed by the Council.

SON STUDENT AFFAIRS

The mission of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing Student Affairs Office is to assist students, across all service regions, in successfully accomplishing their academic goals. The Student Affairs Office serves as the central “hub” for current and prospective students by providing timely and accurate information, quality customer service, personal guidance and advocacy. A student-centered philosophy confirms our commitment to student learning and development; creates focus and meaning in our work and is the driving force of the Student Affairs Office.

The Student Affairs Office takes an active role in building a supportive and respectful community across all campuses and the online classroom. Programs and services are designed, in collaboration with School of Nursing faculty members, to contribute to student development and support academic achievement. Examples include advising, co-curricular activities promoting education, social and cultural opportunities and community engagement. To ensure highly skilled Student Affairs Coordinators serve our nursing students, continuing education activities like Green Zone and Ally trainings are provided to them. In addition, Coordinators attend presentations focusing on student development and current topics in Student Affairs. These presentations are made available by experts in Higher Education. The Student Affairs Office is dedicated to the growth and development of all students in the School of Nursing. For more information on the School of Nursing Office of Student Affairs, please visit https://www.ttuhsc.edu/nursing/student-affairs/.

STUDENT TRAVEL POLICY

Students are required to adhere to the TTUHSC Student Travel Policy in the TTUHSC Student Handbook, Part IX, Student Travel Policy. TTUHSC OP 77.08 regulates any travel undertaken by one or more students presently enrolled at TTUHSC to an activity or event located more than 25 miles from the campus of TTUHSC or traveling abroad.

TOBACCO FREE ENVIRONMENT

The TTUHSC is committed to the health of our students, patients, faculty, staff, and the public in general. As an institution whose mission is to provide excellence in health care education and service, TTUHSC campuses, both indoors and outdoors are smoke-free. Violations will be treated seriously and violators will be subject to disciplinary action as prescribed by existing operating and Board of Regents policies. Refer to the TTUHSC OP 10.19 in the TTUHSC Student Handbook, Part I, B Tobacco Free Environment.

TRANSCRIPTS

Copies of official transcripts may be obtained from TTUHSC Office of the Registrar. The transcript request form may be found on the Registrar’s webpage at https://www.ttuhsc.edu/registrar/transcripts.aspx. For questions regarding obtaining transcripts, contact the Office of the Registrar at (806) 743-2300 or registrar@ttuhsc.edu.

TRANSFER BETWEEN CAMPUSES

Transfer requests from one campus to another are granted based on space availability. SON OP 30.865, Transfer Between Campuses is only applicable to students in the Traditional BSN Undergraduate Program who are in good standing.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL OF NURSING

Undergraduate Nursing Students

Withdrawal from all courses or non-registration/non-enrollment during any semester constitutes withdrawal from the School of Nursing unless a Leave of Absence form has been filed. (See Leave of Absence section of Handbook). A student MUST file a “Leave of Absence” (LOA) form if the intention of the student is to NOT officially withdraw from the School of Nursing. Lack of enrollment in a course without a LOA form constitutes withdrawal from the School of Nursing. If a LOA form is not filed, students are required to file the “Official TTUHSC Withdrawal” form. Withdrawal from the program does not affect the policy regarding incomplete (“I”) grades. Grades of “I” at the time of withdrawal will automatically convert to an “F” if not resolved in the originally stated time frame. Contact must be made with the applicable Undergraduate Coordinator and the appropriate Associate Dean/Department Chair for completion of required documentation.

Graduate Nursing Students

Withdrawal from all courses or non-registration/non-enrollment during a fall or spring semester constitutes withdrawal from the School of Nursing. A student not planning to register for any courses in the next fall, spring, or summer semester is expected to withdraw from the program or take a leave of absence (See Leave of Absence section of Handbook) Students withdrawing from a graduate program are required to go through the full application process to return to the School of Nursing. Withdrawal for students enrolled in the School of Nursing is processed through the TTUHSC Registrar’s Office.

• After talking with the applicable advisor and making the decision to withdraw, the student accesses the School of Nursing withdrawal form from the School of Nursing website: http://nursing.ttuhsc.edu/forms/.
• Student completes and signs the form and submits the withdrawal form to the applicable School of Nursing Student Affairs Office. Attention: Graduate Program Coordinator at 3601 4th Street, STOP 6264, Lubbock, TX 79430 or fax to (855) 282-5826 for MSN/Post-Master's and (855) 285-4063 for DNP.
• The staff in the applicable program office processes the form by having it signed by the appropriate Associate Dean/Department Chair and/or Program Director and submitting the form to the TTUHSC Registrar’s Office.
• In the event the student withdraws during a current semester of enrollment, the grade of “W” or “WF” are recorded in keeping with the Grading Practices Policy based on the student’s standing on the last day of enrollment in each enrolled course.

Withdrawing from the program does not affect the policy regarding incomplete (“I”) grades. Grades of “I” at the time of withdrawal will automatically convert to an “F” if not resolved in the originally stated time frame, (one year). Contact must be made with the Graduate Coordinator and the appropriate Associate Dean/Department Chair and/or Program Director office for completion of required documentation.