School of Nursing
Nursing Student Handbook
General Policies
Accommodations
Employment
The faculty understands that students may be employed and makes an attempt to accommodate schedule request when possible. However, due to the demanding nature of this course of study, students are expected to fulfill clinical and class attendance requirements. Students must realize that it may not be possible to accommodate a rigid work schedule.
- The faculty strongly advises that students do not attempt to work full time and attempt full time nursing study.
- Unlicensed students shall be employed only as unlicensed nursing personnel. They shall not represent themselves, or practice, as nursing students except as part of a learning activity in a practice setting which is integral to the curriculum. (Georgia Board of Nursing Rule 410-3-.07 (4).
- Students who receive Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students funds will be required to limit outside employment to 20 hours or less per week.
Impaired Students
The School of Nursing adheres to policies and procedures established by the Georgia Board of Nursing related to the student in recovery, with a history of alcohol, drug abuse or other impairing illness. Failure to comply with those established policies and procedures could result in (a) lack of access to the clinical setting resulting in inability to enroll in clinical courses and (b) render the student/graduate ineligible to write the NCLEX examination required for professional Nursing Licensure or in case of Registered Nurses, may represent a violation of a consent agreement with the Georgia Board of Nursing.
- Students who have been treated for alcohol or substance abuse should consult with the Associate Dean at the time of initial acceptance into the nursing program. Specific guidelines to assure compliance with established policies and procedures will be reviewed at that time.
- The Georgia Board of Nursing makes the final decision regarding licensure as a registered nurse (RN). Students who have been arrested or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony will be required to disclose and present a copy of their dispensation prior to examination and licensure.
Letters of Recommendation
Students may request letters of reference and/or recommendation for employment, scholarships, graduate school, etc. from the School of Nursing. All requests must be submitted in writing and contain appropriate name and address of where reference should be mailed.
- Allow at least seven working days for the forwarding of the recommendation.
- It is the student's responsibility to see that a signed "Information Release Form" is on file with the School of Nursing. Requests for verbal or telephone references cannot be honored. This policy is in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.
Special Medications
Students who must take medication for health reasons which may adversely affect their level of clinical performance should inform the clinical instructor prior to the clinical lab assignment. Depending on the severity of the problem, the student may be asked not to come to clinical and to complete makeup work at a later time. Students may be asked to submit documents from their health care provider describing any medical conditions or circumstances which will necessitate activity limitations or modifications.