CON Student Handbook

East Carolina University, or ECU as it’s best known, offers more than 87 bachelor’s, 68 master’s and 18 doctoral degrees to nearly 29,000 students on its Greenville, North Carolina, campus and through an acclaimed online learning program. ECU also boasts the largest business school enrollment and largest number of new nurses and education professionals produced by a four-year North Carolina university, in addition to the largest studio art program in the state. Located near Atlantic coast harbors where pirates once roamed, ECU adopted the “Pirates” mascot in 1934 for its athletics program and competes in NCAA Division 1. Visit: www.ecu.edu.(updated August 2021)

History and Mission of ECU

East Carolina Teaching College (ECTC) began in 1907 as a teacher training College and was approved as East Carolina University in 1967. Today, ECU is a constituent institution of the UNC system and offers multiple degrees including bachelors, master’s, medical and doctoral. Additional facts about the university can be found at ECU By the Numbers (https://facts.ecu.edu/).

ECU Mission Statement

To be a national model for student success, public service and regional transformation, East Carolina University:

• Uses innovative learning strategies and delivery methods to maximize access;
• Prepares students with the knowledge, skills and values to succeed in a global, multicultural society;
• Develops tomorrow’s leaders to serve and inspire positive change;
• Discovers new knowledge and innovations to support a thriving future for eastern North Carolina and beyond;
• Transforms health care, promotes wellness, and reduces health disparities; and
• Improves quality of life through cultural enrichment, academics, the arts, and athletics. We accomplish our mission through education, research, creative activities, and service while being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.

Approved by the Board of Trustees in July, 2013 / Approved by the Board of Governors in February 2014

History of the CON

Mission, Vision and Values of the CON

The mission, vision, values and College of Nursing Strategic Plan may be found at https://nursing.ecu.edu/about/mission/.

ECU College of Nursing Culture and Engagement Statement

ECU CON is committed to creating a culture that embraces the individuality of all people and encourages mutual respect. As such, we strive to create a working and learning environment that is safe and supportive for all. We acknowledge that we have not adequately achieved this goal, which may have led to the disenfranchisement, marginalization, and exclusion of members of our College community and populations served. Therefore, we commit to providing all members of our College with the necessary tools to critically analyze structural systems and practice cultural humility. We also commit to embracing differences among students, faculty, staff, patients/clients, and community partners.

The CON opposes racism, xenophobia, oppression, discrimination, and intolerance in all forms, and supports education, policies, and practices that advocate for social justice for all people. We desire to recruit, admit, hire, retain, promote, and support all students, staff, and faculty, to provide quality service and care to populations served by ECU. As a College, we accept the responsibility of fostering highly competent and culturally aware healthcare professionals who promote the advancement of human rights and seek to reduce health disparities.

We encourage accountability among all members of our college community to develop structural awareness, competence, and cultural humility now and in the future so all members of our community may feel safe, included, valued, and supported.

The ECU College of Nursing Pin

The Pin of East Carolina University College of Nursing

The pin (as described below) is available for purchase by College of Nursing graduates through the ECU Student Stores during the last semester of study. All College of Nursing graduates are welcome and, in fact, encouraged to wear the college pin.

Description of College Pin

The pin for the College of Nursing of East Carolina University was designed by the students and they described the design as follows:

It is based on a modified shield of trust and is taken from the East Carolina University seal. Nursing is based on trust. Curled around the bottom of the shield is a ribbon bearing the name of the College and the degree awarded. The shield has three points. These stand for three of the characteristics of a good nurse: love, mercy, and understanding. The pin is divided into four sections, three across the top and one at the bottom. In the upper left hand corner is the world. The globe is a never-ending circle which shows the type of service we hope to render. In the upper right hand corner is an open book and a quill and an inkpot. The book is the book of knowledge. The quill and the inkpot are the symbols of a learned person and the arts. In the center section is the caduceus with an ‘N’, which is the symbol for nursing, as well as the founding date of the College of Nursing. The Florence Nightingale lamp which symbolized service and light is at the bottom. In the flame of the lamp is a ruby which represents a vibrant life. Each nurse should be a vibrant person full of energy. Across the center of the pin is the University motto ‘Servire,’ which means to serve. ‘We are a part of our University, and it is appropriate that we use the university motto as our goal in life.’ Through its symbols the pin represents worldwide service through knowledge.

In the years to come we shall look to you for the fulfillment of these symbols.

Student Resources

Concepts Integration Labs

The eight Concepts Integration Laboratories (CIL) house equipment and supplies which enable the student to practice essential clinical nursing skills in settings designed to simulate actual patient care areas. Human simulators, task trainers, and manikins are used to assist the student to develop nursing judgment, skills proficiency, and positive patient safety practices.

In addition to scheduled lab sessions associated with classes and/or intensives, blocks of time are designated most weekdays for open practice lab sessions. Students may also attend the lab either by faculty or self-referral. Faculty may refer a student to the laboratories for extra practice and receive a report on the student’s progress from the lab staff. In addition, faculty may schedule the labs for special sessions. During all times of student use, at least one faculty member or lab staff is present. Students and faculty may send requests or questions to CONskills@ecu.edu

[The approved uniform and professional dress code applies in the CILs.]

Revised: June 2012 / rev. October 2014 / reviewed August 2021
LTG

Learning Resource Center

The purpose of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) is to provide a learning environment and to effectively support ECU students. The LRC houses 35 computers, 2 printers, and 2 scanners.

Hours are posted on the LRC website and outside the LRC. Please note that the hours of operation may vary from semester to semester depending upon student staff.

Learning Resource Center Guidelines

The LRC is one of ECU’s many general use computer labs. All student printing and copying in ECU labs will be managed by a print quota (Print Management System). Students are allotted a quota and have the option to use personal funds to add to the quota. A student’s print quota can be used in any ECU general use lab, ECU print kiosk, or ECU library.

For more information on printing on campus, visit the Print Management System website.

A print kiosk is available for student use in the rear lobby of the CON (outside room 1104). Students will be able to print to this kiosk by submitted documents to Pirate Print and then logging-on to the kiosk and selecting the job to print.
PowerPoint Lecture Notes

• When printing lecture notes, we ask that you print 6 slides per page or use the outline format. The outline format gives you the text that is in the slide and gives you some room on the right to write down notes. Printing fewer slides per page can take a very long time and can cause problems when there are many students waiting to print.
• Please use the black/white format when printing slides with a dark background.
• If you have any questions regarding printing out PowerPoint, please do not hesitate to ask staff for assistance.

Put cell phones on vibrate or off when in LRC.

No food or drinks are allowed in LRC or the adjoining rooms. A bookshelf is available at the LRC entrance to place your food and drinks.

The LRC is not a “library”, nor is it a place to gather socially. Show respect to fellow students, faculty and staff by keeping noise to a minimum. If you need to listen to computer audio, headphones are available from LRC staff.

Revised 12/28/09; rev. 7/26/2019 EJB; rev 8/09/2020 AIP/rev 08/04/2022/ rev06.09.2023

Financial Aid: Scholarships, Loans and Grant Information

Scholarships

College of Nursing Scholarships

The College of Nursing awards several scholarships each academic year that range in value from $500 to $8000. These scholarships are funded through donors and awards are facilitated by the College of Nursing. Applications open in November of each year. The deadline will be announced at the beginning of each application cycle by email. To submit an application, log into Degree Works and complete the general application in section 1 and questions in section 2. Additional information for completing the application can be found on the College of Nursing website at Financial Aid and Scholarships. For more information regarding College of Nursing Scholarships contact Dr. Erin Beaman at beamane18@ecu.edu or 252-744-6477.

Emergency Needs Fund Scholarship

The Student Emergency Needs Fund Scholarship was established to aid eligible nursing students in the event of an extreme financial crisis during the academic year. Each semester, the Dean of the College makes a gift to the fund in honor of each first semester student. alumni are encouraged to contribute to the fund to help future nursing students. It is the Dean’s hope that graduates will continue to make contributions to the Student Emergency Needs Fund so that future classes will have a source of emergency funds.

Depending on the need funds are disbursed in $250 or $500 increments. Students may reapply to reapply for this fund each semester they are enrolled in at least 1 s.h. of coursework. Funds do not take the place of financial aid and gifts are not subject to re-payment. Emergency situations are classified as events that seriously inhibit a student’s financial ability to receive his/her nursing education. Examples of qualifying expenses are assistance with rent, car repairs and medical bills, however there are other needs that may also qualify. For more information or to request an application, contact Student Services at 252-744-6477 or email Ms. Laura Batson at jonesl@ecu.edu. Student inquiries and requests should be directed to the Executive Director of Student Services.

ECU Scholarship Information

Additional scholarship opportunities at the university can be found on the Office of University Scholarships webpage.

Additional Scholarship Information

Scholarships that are awarded outside of the university will be reviewed and if determined to be valid scholarships, Student Services will distribute application information using ECU email accounts.

Loans and Grants

There are several loan and grant options to assist with tuition and attendance costs. Please refer to the College of Nursing webpage at and the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Student Development and Counseling Center (SDCC)

Because of the rigor of nursing school and the number of nursing students, a Student Development and Counseling Center (SDCC) is housed within the College of Nursing. This office is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday year-round. Appointments can be scheduled by emailing concounseling@ecu.edu.

The SDCC in the College of Nursing offers academic and personal development services to nursing and pre-nursing students at no cost to the student. Services offered by the SDCC include individual and small group counseling, and interventions in areas such as time management, study skills, test-taking strategies, and stress and anxiety management.

If a student receives a grade below passing on nursing coursework, the student is expected to contact the SDCC for assistance.

Strict confidentiality is maintained when a student chooses to take advantage of the counseling services available.

Student Emergency Needs Funds

The Student Emergency Needs Fund was established to aid nursing students in the event of an extreme financial crisis during the academic year. Each semester, the Dean of the College makes a gift to the fund in honor of each first semester student; alumni are encouraged to contribute to the fund to help future nursing students. It is the Dean’s hope that graduates will continue to make contributions to the Student Emergency Needs Fund so that future classes will have a source of emergency funds.

Funds do not take the place of financial aid and gifts are not subject to re-payment. Emergency situations are classified as events that seriously inhibit a student’s financial ability to receive his/her nursing education. Student inquiries and requests should be directed to the Executive Director of Student Services.

Student Services/Advisement in Nursing Major

The College of Nursing Advising Center is under the direction of the Office of Student Services. The Advising Center is open from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students may schedule appointments with academic advisors by logging in to PiratePort and selecting Advisor Central.

Academic Advisors Advise students in the nursing major on course selection, campus resources and graduation requirements. Graduate students are advised by faculty in their program of study. Undergraduate students are advised by professional Academic Advisors who hold advising meetings with pre-nursing and pre-licensure students prior to registration.

The ECU Undergraduate Catalog and ECU Graduate Catalog serve as the basis for the nursing advisors to assist nursing students with issues such as course load, drop-add procedures, degree audits and withdrawal from classes. The catalogs can be found online at The University Catalogs. The official University academic calendar may be found at Academic Calendars.

Disability Support Services (University resource)

The ECU Department for Disability Support Services works in collaboration with faculty, staff, and departments throughout the university to fulfill the institution’s commitment to accessibility. Services and accommodations are designed to meet the individual needs of all students and encompass all aspects of university life. Additional program information is available in Slay 138, by telephone at 252-737-1016, and online at The Department for Disability Support Services .

East Carolina University seeks to comply fully with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students requesting accommodations based on a covered disability must go to the Department of Disability Support Services, located in Slay 138, to verify the disability before any accommodations can occur. The telephone number is 252-737-1016. The Office of Disability Support Services provides sign language interpreters, note takers, tutorial assistance, general counseling, and advocacy, as well as technical support for faculty and staff. Students should contact the office at Slay 138 or call voice TDD 252-737-1016.

The Office of Disability Support Services coordinates and implements programs for all disabled students. Faculty members must not provide any disability-related accommodations to any student who claims to have a disability until they have received notification by letter to do so from the Department for Disability Support Services.

Office of Research and Scholarship (ORS)

The College of Nursing Office of Research & Scholarship supports faculty and students who engage in projects related to the Scholarship of Discovery, Teaching, Integration, and Engagement. The Associate Dean for Research & Creative Activity provides administrative oversight for the Office of Research & Creative Activity. The office is staffed by graduate research assistants, a statistician, and an editorial consultant. For additional information, please call 252-744-6453.

University Writing Center

Compliance Policies and Clinical Requirements

Compliance Policies

All students are responsible for maintaining their own health, protecting themselves and the clients/research participants with whom they interact from communicable/infectious disease, and attaining and maintaining competency with identified practice standards.

All students must achieve compliance with all health, safety and legal requirements applicable to the program to which they have been admitted by the specified due date. Continuing students must maintain full compliance with all renewable requirements throughout their enrollment in the College of Nursing. This includes those enrolled in clinical and non-clinical courses. Students should retain all original documentation pertinent to each requirement in a personal file and upload a legible quality copy of each document to the respective requirements in the clinical compliance management tool.

Additional requirements may be contractually mandated by any clinical agency to which students may be assigned. These additional elements are required, non-negotiable and deemed as critically important as College/University requirements. Students are informed of their clinical assignment through student registration. Students must check their status in the clinical compliance management tool as often as necessary to ensure all submission deadlines are met and no item expires, as there is no grace period. It is the sole responsibility of each student to maintain a current knowledge of their compliance standing.

All College of Nursing requirements are due by July 1 for fall semester admissions and December 1 for spring semester admissions. All requirements must be maintained and updated prior to the renewal date and maintained throughout student enrollment in the program.

Joint Commission and Other Agency Requirements

For students to participate in agency clinical (and research) experiences students are expected to complete confidentiality, health information, and criminal background checks to comply with the agency guidelines for healthcare policies and JCAHO standards. To refuse to do so may result in the removal of a student from the setting and/or enrollment in the course. Students are expected to pay for any fees incurred for criminal background checks and drug screens. The Clinical Compliance Office within Student Services will advise students of necessary requirements to be completed prior to clinical practicum experiences.

Eastern AHEC Consortium for Clinical Education Practice (CCEP) Partnership

East Carolina University College of Nursing partners with Eastern AHEC Consortium for Clinical Education and Practice (CCEP). The purpose of the Eastern CCEP is to standardize the process for credentialing students and clinical faculty utilizing the AHEC Core Orientation training and evaluate clinical education processes. Students completing a clinical rotation or practicum are required to meet minimum standards not excluding additional requirements specified in agency contractual agreements. Students are expected to meet all requirements as specified by AHEC CCEP or any agency contractual agreement.

College of Nursing Role

It is the responsibility of the College to maintain an accurate record of all student documentation related to the compliance and admission requirements. Data are maintained electronically in the student’s compliance file.

It is the responsibility of the College to oversee the compliance management tool that maintains and stores accurate records of all student documentation related to the compliance and admission requirements.

Student Role

Students are notified of upcoming renewals and deadlines through their student email account. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain hardcopies of their documentation submitted to the compliance management tool and to monitor their ECU e-mail every 24-48 hours (including weekends, holidays and semester/summer breaks) for compliance updates.

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

Upon program entry, students are notified of all requirements related to compliance. Any student who fails to attain compliance by the specified due date, may not be permitted to begin their program of study. (Exception: students admitted less than two weeks prior to the first day of class must meet compliance requirements by end of the first week of class).

Continuing students are required to maintain compliance throughout their program of study to matriculate. Continuing students found out of compliance , will NOT be permitted to attend off-campus experiential learning experiences, which may result in the inability to meet course objectives and therefore, may require a grade of incomplete or withdrawal from the affected nursing course(s). Failure to attain or maintain compliance continuously may result in student dismissal from the College of Nursing.

Students will receive a grade of “Incomplete (I)” in any nursing courses (clinical and non-clinical) if they fail to remain continuously compliant with all requirements covering the entire semester or summer session in which they are enrolled. A grade of incomplete may prevent progression to the next courses in the student’s plan of study. An incomplete must be satisfactorily replaced with the appropriate required passing grade for ongoing matriculation. Students who are in their final semester of the program are subject to a grade of incomplete in any nursing course (clinical or non-clinical) if they are found out of compliance through the last day of classes. Students may be able to participate in graduation, but will not be eligible to receive their diploma until requirements are satisfied and the grade incomplete has been replaced with a passing grade .

Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen

In order to comply with clinical agency contractual requirements, the College of Nursing will require all students to undergo a criminal background check (CBC) and drug screen upon admission (this is in addition to any University required CBC). Random drug screens may be required. Students are required to complete their criminal background check and drug screen through the College’s approved vendor. Criminal background checks and drug screens through other agencies and/or schools will not be accepted. Drug screens must be completed by the expiration date on the drug screen registration form with no exceptions or extensions.

The CBC and/or drug screen shall be required:

1. prior to admission to the College of Nursing, for all students;
2. upon readmission to the program
3. when transferring from another school
4. when transferring from one program to another within East Carolina University
5. when students notify the school that there has been a change in status including charges and/or convictions before the next scheduled clinical date.

Students are responsible for the costs of any required screenings for criminal background check and drug screens including but not limited to additional screenings required for compliance.

Satisfactory results of a criminal background check and drug screen are required for admission and progression in the nursing program. Refusal to provide consent for investigation will result in termination from the nursing major. Criminal background information released to the College of Nursing will be used for purposes of assisting in making decisions about admission and/or continued matriculation in the College of Nursing. If the background check includes information that the student claims is untrue or inaccurate, these concerns or issues must be addressed by the student. It is the responsibility of the student to resolve these issues. Students are to be advised that pending charges, convictions and/or prayer for judgment rulings may render the student ineligible for clinical placement. Charges during enrollment may result in withdrawal from course(s), receiving an incomplete, failure of course(s) or program dismissal.

The CBC must be performed by a qualified vendor selected by the College of Nursing and will meet the following criteria:

• CBC must be completed by the expiration date issued by the compliance management tool.
• CBC must cover the past 7 years, or the time period since the student’s 18th birthday, whichever is less. International students must include the time since they entered the United States or the past 7 years, whichever is less.
• CBC must cover all states where the student has lived or worked during the last 7 years or since turning 18 years of age.

CBC must address all felony and misdemeanor crimes (except minor traffic related violations).

In addition, students must sign a “Release to Share Criminal Background Check Information and Agreement to Report Future Felony or Misdemeanor Convictions” form which allows the college to share information obtained in the CBC with clinical agencies for the purpose of securing a clinical placement as part of the student’s educational experience. Students must report any felony or misdemeanor charges and convictions (excluding minor traffic related violations), which occur during their enrollment in the College of Nursing to the Executive Director of Student Services. Failure to report charges within 5 (five) business days will be considered a student misconduct violation and may serve as grounds for dismissal from the College of Nursing. All College of Nursing students must report charges within this time frame including summer, semester breaks and holidays. Charges not reported within 5 business days will be referred to the appropriate College of Nursing Student Affairs Committee. Upon receipt of any charges (excluding minor traffic related violations), students must not enter any clinical agency as a CON student until cleared to do so by the Executive Director of Student Services or their designee.

If the CBC indicates a conviction or pending charges and/or if the drug screen is positive, the Executive Director of Student Services will discuss the issue directly and immediately with the student. Convictions, pending charges or positive drug screens may result in revocation of admission and enrollment, or dismissal from the program. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will hear student appeals of administrative actions taken as a result of CBC or drug screen findings.

Criminal background information and drug screens will be maintained in an electronic file in the compliance management tool used by the student with the access limited to appropriate personnel in the College of Nursing.

Students will be required each semester to sign a Professional Responsibility Signature Form indicating any changes in their criminal background standing and that they will inform the Executive Director of Student Services of any charges brought against them within five (5) business days of the occurrence. Upon receipt of any charges (excluding minor traffic related violations), students must not enter any clinical agency as a CON nursing student until cleared to do so by the Executive Director of Student Services or their designee.

Compliance and Admission Requirements

ECU College of Nursing Fitness Attestation Form

ECU College of Nursing requires that all students be immunized against childhood illnesses and have a licensed healthcare provider (i.e. NP, MD, DO, PA, CNM) attest to their emotional and physical ability to carry out nursing related functions. The ECU College of Nursing Fitness Attestation Form documents the necessary information.

MMR

Students will need to make sure that they are immunized against rubella, rubeola, and mumps. The College of Nursing requires documentation of two MMR vaccines or documentation of an MMR titer.

Varicella Titer/Vaccines

Students are required to have 2 varicella vaccines or a titer for chickenpox (varicella). Even if you have had a reported case of chicken pox as a child a titer is still required to show immunity. If your varicella titer is negative, you must have 2 doses of varicella vaccine. Provide lab results of the varicella titer or documentation of the vaccine date(s).

Hepatitis B

All nursing students that have had the Hepatitis B series (3 vaccines) must have a HEP-B antibody titer to show immunity. If the titer is negative, the 2 nd series of 3 Hepatitis B vaccines or 2 Heplisav-B vaccine series must be completed followed by final titer to show immunity. If the second titer is negative after having completed the 2 nd series of vaccines, the student is considered a “non-responder” and no further action is required.

TDAP Vaccine

The Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccine (TDAP) is required for health care workers who have direct patient contact. Even if you have had a recent tetanus, the College of Nursing will require that you have a TDAP vaccine. We suggest you contact your healthcare provider or Student Health Services to receive these required immunizations/titers. Get a one-time dose of Tdap as soon as possible if you have not received Tdap previously (regardless of when previous dose of Td was received). Get Td boosters every 10 years thereafter. Pregnant HCWs need to get a dose of Tdap during each pregnancy.

CPR Requirements

All students are required to submit an American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider certification. This certification is due for renewal every two years. One man, two-man, infant, child and adult CPR must be included in the course. Only American Heart Association BLS (not ACLS and not Red Cross) courses are accepted. Online courses are not acceptable.

Tuberculosis Requirement

The College of Nursing requires for all students to provide evidence of one of the following methods to meet the TB Requirement upon admission, readmission and/or program transfer and 90 days prior to start of classes

• 2 Step TB Skin tests (administered within the same 1 – 3 week period or 21 days)
  IGRA Blood Test – QuantiFERON TB Gold, or T-Spot blood test (lab report required).
  For positive results, students must submit the following:
  • A student must provide a clear chest x-ray (lab report required) from any time after positive testing and proof of past positive results.

  Annual Tuberculosis Risk Assessment and Attestation

  The TB Risk Assessment and Attestation form is required to be completed annually. The form is located in the Compliance Management Tool under the Annual Tuberculosis Risk Assessment and Attestation. If positive, please follow up with licensed healthcare provider (i.e. NP, MD, DO, PA, CNM).

  Influenza Requirement

  All students are required to have the current season’s influenza vaccine. Documentation will need to be uploaded to the clinical compliance management tool. This requirement is due annually by October 1st (this date is subject to change based on agency requirements). Medical Exemptions must be submitted to East Carolina University Office of Student Health Services. Religious Exemptions must be submitted to the Office of Equity and Diversity. All ECU Exemptions must be approved and uploaded to the Influenza (Flu) requirement in the compliance management tool prior to October 1st. Further instructions will be available to the student in the compliance management tool. Students admitted for spring semester will complete this as part of their admission requirements.

  Release to Share CBC Information Form

  For the purpose of securing clinical placements, ECU College of Nursing is required to share information obtained in the CBC with clinical agencies. The Release to Share Criminal Background Check Information and Agreement to Report Future Felony or Misdemeanor Convictions form will allow us to do so.

  Permission for Social Security Number Disclosure Form

  Students are required to complete the Permission for Social Security Number Disclosure Form located in the compliance management tool. Agencies may require this information to assign a unique user identification and badge for access to electronic records and agency access.

  Permission to Release Information Form

  Students are required to complete the Permission to Release Information form giving permission to East Carolina University College of Nursing to release any FERPA-related information including Castle Branch documentation, criminal background check and/or drug screening results, and any other pertinent information required for clearance to any health care/community agency to which a student is assigned for clinical or research experiences.

  Media Consent Form

  Students are required to acknowledge that ECU College of Nursing utilizes multimedia technologies according to the university policies/procedures.

  Professional Responsibility Signature Form

  As student prepare for a professional career in nursing, they are expected to adhere to policies as set forth by the University and College of Nursing. The Professional Responsibility Signature Form acknowledges expected behaviors. The Professional Responsibility Signature Form is to be completed prior to each semester a student is enrolled in the College of Nursing.

  Professional Liability Insurance

  Coverage by student nurses’ liability insurance for $2,000,000 each claim and $4,000,000 in aggregate is required yearly for enrollment in all clinical nursing courses. Information about the insurance procedure is available in the Office of Student Services at the College of Nursing. Students covered by the group policy arranged by the College of Nursing are covered only when engaged in prescribed learning activities. Payment for liability insurance is included in the educational fees on your tuition statement. This does not apply to RN/BSN. Midwifery, or Nurse Anesthesia students. For proof of liability insurance or loss run reports, employers or alumni may contact Jay Surles directly at insurance@ecu.edu or call (252) 328-2010.

  Licensure Verification

  All licensed nursing students must provide evidence of a current non-restricted license to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in North Carolina or in a National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) compact state.

  Clinical Placement and Credentialing

  Clinical placement is assigned by the clinical coordinators and/or department chair. Placement information is submitted to the compliance office to facilitate clearance of students at specified agencies. Students are responsible for completing agency-specific requirements for clearance to their clinical site. All communication with the agencies must be facilitated through the compliance office.

  RN/BSN Students

  submit the following requirements to the RN/BSN Office:

  • Verification of RN License – must remain current and up-to-date throughout enrollment
  • Media Consent Waiver and Release
  • Current influenza vaccine – required to be renewed annually while enrolled in nursing course

  RN/BSN students are subject to drug screening based on the “Reasonable Suspicion” policy under Impairment and Chemical Substance Abuse procedure II-B in the ECU College of Nursing Student Handbook. The student will be responsible for the cost of any drug screening under this policy.

  Isolation and Quarantine for Communicable Disease

  In the event a nursing student comes in contact with a communicable disease and qualifies for isolation or quarantine for a specified period of time, the faculty and administration will adhere to guidelines as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the local health department. Related curricular issues and absences will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to meet student needs and program requirements. The student is responsible for providing documentation regarding isolation/quarantine protocols from the local public health department, University student health services or their healthcare provider.

  COVID Guidelines

  The ECU College of Nursing strongly encourages all students to be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19, in accordance with CDC guidelines, prior to entering any nursing program. The large majority of clinical sites require students and faculty to be fully vaccinated and some do allow for exemptions. Students who elect to not be fully vaccinated and boosted may request a medical and/or religious exemption from the clinical agency if the agency has an exemption process. Requesting exemptions does not guarantee that exemptions will be granted. Medical Exemptions must be submitted to East Carolina University Office of Student Health Services. Religious Exemptions must be submitted to the Office of Equity and Diversity. An exemption received from ECU may not be accepted by the clinical agency. Therefore, the CON cannot guarantee clinical placements for students who are not fully vaccinated. Agencies may have additional requirements and current requirements are subject to change at any time.

  College of Nursing Procedures Related to Clinical Issues

  Performance Standards

  (Performance Standards for Admission and Progression- East Carolina University College of Nursing)

  The East Carolina University College of Nursing has interest and experience in accommodating certain disabilities without compromising the integrity of the curriculum or the academic achievement required of all students. The following performance standards describe the non-academic qualifications that the college considers essential for successful admission and progression in the nursing program. These standards have been developed upon consideration of various factors, including the minimum competencies expected of any nurse, the demands of nursing education and clinical training, and the welfare of patients who will entrust their health and lives to College of Nursing graduates.

  Students accepted by the College of Nursing must have sufficient abilities and skills in the core performance standards and adhere to the appropriate standards of professional conduct and ethical behavior. These standards include but are not limited to the following. The examples with each standard are not inclusive of all expected abilities and should be used only for comparative purposes by applicants and students currently enrolled in this program. Students must be capable of regular, reliable, and punctual attendance in classes, labs and clinical.

  Standard	Standard Examples of Activities
  Critical Thinking – critical thinking abilities sufficient for making critical judgments.	Able to accurately assess clients. Correctly interpret findings and accurately create nursing care plans. Accurately calculate medications. Able to problem solve.
  Communication - abilities sufficient for effective interaction in verbal, written and nonverbal form with healthcare team members and the public.	Able to follow written and verbal instructions. Able to provide effective client teaching. Able to consult with other health care providers in a professional manner. Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  Mobility - Physical abilities include standing, walking, bending, and range of motion in extremities.	Able to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation, move around client rooms, work spaces, treatment areas, and maneuver in small spaces.
  Motor skills – gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.	Able to ambulate patients safely, administer medications intravenously, by injection, and orally. Calibrate and use equipment. Write or enter information on the patient’s record.
  Tactile - sufficient sensation ability for physical assessment and care.	Able to assess a pulse, perceive temperature, and other aspects of assessment. Able to manipulate syringes.
  Visual - sufficient visual ability for observation and assessment necessary in care provision.	Able to read charts, monitors, thermometers. Able to assess skin color, pupil response, wound appearance. Accurately withdraw proper amounts of injectable medications.
  Hearing – sufficient auditory ability to monitor and assess health needs. Able to hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, and a patient’s breath sounds.	Able to hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, and a patient’s breath sounds.
  Personal behavior - emotional health sufficient for full utilization of intellectual abilities, effective functioning during stressful situations, ability to adhere to professional boundaries and ethical conduct in accordance with the Code of Ethics for Nurses.	Demonstrate honesty, integrity and accountability. Adapt to changing patient care situations, respect client rights and avoid criminal behavior. Avoid behaviors such as chemical dependency and abuse.

  4/11/2007 approved by electronic vote of faculty
  4/16/2016 Reviewed and reaffirmed by Undergraduate Faculty Organization

  Technological assistance may compensate for deficiencies or disabilities in some of these areas but must not compromise the fundamental role of the nurse or have the potential to jeopardize patient safety. A nursing college applicant requesting special consideration or accommodation on the basis of a disability may be requested to provide pertinent information for review by the Office of Student Services. All decisions regarding applicant requests for special consideration or accommodation will be made on an individual, applicant-by-applicant basis after careful review and thorough consideration of all relevant factors, in keeping with East Carolina University policies.

  Applicants who identify a disability and request accommodations after acceptance to the College of Nursing will be referred to the ECU Department of Disability Services for evaluation and assistance. Applicants should be aware that the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and the individual state Board of Nursing are the sole authority for granting accommodations for the NCLEX-RN. Certification boards for advanced practice roles dictate the granting of accommodations for their respective exams. The provision of special consideration or accommodations by a nursing college does not ensure that any similar considerations or accommodations will be provided by any licensing body.

  Comfort animals are not allowed in the CON or in clinical sites required by the program. Certain clinical sites have restrictions on service animals and could limit the student’s ability to complete the required clinical courses. See specific policies regarding service and comfort animals at the ECU Department for Disability Support Services website Determination will be made on a case-by-case bases through the DSS.

  Admission to the ECU CON is open to all qualified individuals and complies with the 1973 Vocational Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. §701 et seq.) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.). Prospective or enrolled students with disabilities who wish to receive accommodations should directly contact the East Carolina University Department for Disability Support Services (“DSS”). Students are responsible for requesting accommodations and for providing the appropriate, required documentation of the disability in a timely manner to DSS. A “qualified individual” is an individual with a disability who meets the academic and technical standards required for admission or participation in ECU’s educational programs, with or without accommodations. DSS will review requests for accommodations from accepted or enrolled students on a case-by-case basis and engage in an interactive process with the student and CON to determine whether there are any reasonable accommodations that would permit the student to satisfy the standards. An accommodation is not reasonable if it poses a direct threat to the health or safety of self and/or others, if the accommodation requires a substantial modification in an essential element of the curriculum, if it lowers academic standards or poses an undue administrative or financial burden.

  Impairment and Substance Use Disorder

  Overview

  1. Rationale: Our philosophy regarding student substance use disorder revolves around protecting the public’s health and assisting the student in recovery. To ensure patient safety, comply with clinical facility policies and the North Carolina Board of Nursing policy [21 NCAC 36.0320(d)], and assist students in recovery, the College of Nursing (CON) has adopted a substance use disorder protocol.
  2. The CON will be responsible for appropriately identifying and referring students who are abusing substances to Student Health Services and Center for Counseling and Student Development. The student is accountable for their own recovery process.
  3. Definitions: A nursing student is any full-time or part-time student admitted to the CON which includes all degree programs. Substance use disorder is the use of substances that impair performance when engaging in any learning activity: classes, laboratory and/or delivery of patient care.

  Procedure

  1. Admission Drug Screening Procedure
     1. Drug Screen. Prior to beginning their first clinical, students must complete the drug screen process. Students will be eligible for clinical pending a negative drug screen. Students with a positive drug screen may be denied continued enrollment. The list of drugs included in the drug screen are found in subsection G of this procedure.
     2. Notice for drug screening (Appendix A). Students will be notified to complete a drug screen by the Office of Student Services. Students must use the CON approved vendor and process for reporting drug screen results. Results will be maintained confidentially in the CON Office of Student Services. All expenses associated with drug screening are the responsibility of the student.
     3. Implications of positive results. A drug screen will be presumed positive if any of the drugs listed are found in a blood or urine screen. Presumed positives will be confirmed by a second screen from the original sample. If the screen is determined to be positive, the student will be referred to the ECU Student Health Services, ECU Counseling and Student Development Office, or an approved substance abuse evaluation and treatment agency. Students must present proof of being seen at one of these agencies. Students who hold an RN license will also be reported the Board of Nursing in which they hold a license. The results of all screens will be maintained as confidential in the CON Office of Student Services. Access will be limited to the student and the CON administrators for use in the hearing process or for readmission process.
     1. A student may be subject to screening at any time when, in the judgment of a faculty member or preceptor, there is reasonable cause to suspect the student is impaired due to substance use. Such individualized reasonable suspicion may be based on information from any source deemed reliable by the faculty member, including but not limited to:
        1. Observed possession or use of substances that impair performance.
        2. Observed change in appearance or behavior that is reasonably interpretable as being caused by substance use.
        3. A community member identifying the student by name and observed behavior of concern.
        1. Submit at time of reapplication to an evaluation for substance abuse by CON approved agency and complete the prescribed treatment program.
        2. Submit to a drug screen prior to admission/readmission. A positive drug screen may result in ineligibility for admission/readmission.
        3. Submit to random drug screens as required by CON while enrolled in the program. A positive drug screen will result in permanent dismissal from the CON.
        4. Students seeking readmission must reapply in accordance with the readmission protocol in the CON Student Handbook.

        Alfentanil	Amphetamines
        Butorphanol (Stadol)	Barbiturates
        Fentanyl	Benzodiazepines
        Ketamine	Cannabinoids
        MDMA (ecstasy)	Cocaine
        Nalbuphine (Nubain)	Methadone
        Sufentanil	Opiates
        Tramadol	Phencycidine
        Alcohol	Propoxyphene

        Approved by College of Nursing Faculty Organization on December 6, 2007
        rev 07-25-2019/aip/ rev 07-22-2020 AIP

        Infection Control, Including Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure

        Students and faculty will adhere to the University and clinical agency policies and procedures related to infection control and potential blood borne pathogen exposure. The University Infection Control plan may be found at East Carolina University Exposure Control Plan . Additionally, students should contact ECU Student Health Services at 252-328-6317.

        Event Reporting

        For events or incidents that occur in the clinical or lab setting, the student along with the faculty will complete the College of Nursing Event Report following the instructions on the form. See Appendix B.Should the event/incident involve blood exposure, the ECU Student Health Services policy on “Blood and Other Potentially Infectious Materials Exposure” should also be followed, in addition to any agency specific policies and procedures.

        Student Clinical Attendance When the University is Closed

        Students (pre-licensure and graduate) are not allowed to go to clinical when the University is closed as the student, College of Nursing, and University liability is not in effect when the University is officially closed.

        In instances when the University is not holding classes, but the University is open for business, students may attend precepted clinicals if the faculty of record is available and the clinical agency agrees.

        Health Issues that Interfere with Academic/Clinical Performance

        Standards

        1. Nursing students are expected to maintain levels of physical and mental health consistent with North Carolina licensure requirements and comply fully with the Performance Standard as stated in the appropriate CON Student Handbook The CON will comply fully with all applicable federal, state statutes and regulations, and University policies including but not limited to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) , Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), etc.

        Requirements

        1. Students are required to have a complete physical exam by a licensed health care provider upon admission and submit the completed approved form to the compliance management system.
        2. The CON recognizes the possibility that a student could develop health problems that interfere with learning and safe performance. Should this occur, the student will be referred to the appropriate resources based on the nature of the health problems identified including, but not limited to, the Student Development and Counseling Center (SDC) Counselor in the CON (hereafter “Counselor”), Student Health Services or a private health care provider.

        In the event that a health problem is identified, and after consultation with the appropriate Chair or Director, the student may be asked to provide a note of medical clearance from their provider to return to class, lab and/or clinical, also noting any required restrictions. Return to clinical will be based upon required restrictions and agency policy.

        Just Culture

        The College of Nursing utilizes the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) “Just Culture” approach that promotes a positive learning environment. The link for Just Culture information and documents, including the student practice event evaluation tool (SPEET) may be found on the NCBON website at NC Board of Nursing.