Graduate Student Handbook

The purpose of the Department of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook is to supplement the information found online.

It is the responsibility of the student to read, understand, and adhere to the all student policies and which are online and in the Department of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook, which is found on the Department of Nursing website. The policies and procedures in the department are subject to change without prior notice and may be communicated via email, in writing or verbally.

Department of Nursing Student Handbook

The Department of Nursing is a department in the School of Education, Health and Human Services. The upper division nursing program was initiated in 1968 and graduated its first class of three students in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The National League for Nursing granted initial accreditation to the nursing program in 1977. The baccalaureate degree in nursing at SUNY Brockport is currently accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The graduate program was reopened in the fall of 2018 awarding a Master of Science degree and eligibility for licensure as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The Master of Science degree program is accredited CCNE. In fall of 2023, a Master of Science degree with eligibility for licensure as an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) was added.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP program) was opened in spring of 2021 awarding a clinical doctorate, DNP. The DNP program is in the accreditation process with CCNE.

Mission of the Department of Nursing

Our central mission is the preparation of exemplary professional nurses and nurse practitioners who utilize evidence based practices and provide leadership within health care systems resulting in the best possible outcomes for the diverse populations we serve.

Reviewed 5/14/21

Program Vision Statement

Our exemplary graduates will be nurses and family nurse practitioners poised to lead and to make significant contributions to the present and future health care environment.

Reviewed 5/14/21

Department of Nursing Program Philosophy

Nursing is a profession with the primary purpose of facilitating an optimal level of wellness through purposeful interventions. Patients and communities are viewed holistically throughout the lifespan. Nurses work independently and in collaboration with other health professionals in a world of emerging technology to promote social justice and eliminate health care disparities.

Nursing education utilizes knowledge drawn from nursing, the liberal arts, sciences, and the humanities. Department faculty promote the mission of the College and the Department through teamwork and cohesion.

Students are recognized as bringing a diversity of abilities and perspectives to the educational setting. Students are active, accountable, and responsible participants in the learning process. Accordingly, opportunities are provided which encourage each individual to build on past knowledge and experience.

Our nursing curriculum emphasizes the development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to the development of critical thinking and exemplary nursing practice. The Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing serves as the foundation for leadership roles within the profession, graduate study and continuing professional and personal growth. The Master of Science in Nursing builds on these skills and attributes to further develop the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and decision-making skills required of an advanced practice nurse provider. All programs within the Department of Nursing prepare students to utilize best practices while providing patient centered culturally competent, holistic care.

Reviewed 5/14/21

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Graduate Student Learning Outcomes

The Student Learning Outcomes associated with the graduate program are consistent with the AACN/NONPF standards and competencies and are as follows:

  1. Demonstrates expertise in the evaluation and implementation of clinical practice guidelines and specialized knowledge as it applies to advanced practice nursing.
  2. Analyzes current data, information, and knowledge from humanities and sciences that contribute to the science of advanced practice nursing and address access to, cost of, quality, and safety of care.
  3. Applies research outcomes in the practice arena to improve patient care.
  4. Collaborates with appropriate stakeholders to promote quality, safety, and improved outcomes of individuals and populations within an organization.
  5. Employs the use of information systems to capture data to deliver and enhance coordinated patient care.
  6. Demonstrates understanding of the role of the advanced practice nurse to influence policy at the system level to enhance the health of the public.
  7. Applies and evaluates the impact of ethical principles in complex decision-making processes of caring for patients in the advanced practice role.
  8. Incorporates inclusion of concepts of psychosocial dimensions, cultural diversity, and global health into advanced practice nursing.
  9. Develops the skills of an independent, accountable prescriber and full scope advanced practice provider.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

Department of Nursing Graduate Level Committees

Within the Department of Nursing there are a variety of committees, which are designed to conduct the business of the nursing program. Committees are a constructive way for students to voice their concerns and make suggestions for changes in the program. Student representatives are sought and welcomed on departmental committees. If interested in participating on a committee, please contact any nursing faculty member about joining. Although faculty value individual student feedback, student representatives are expected to share concerns as reflected by feedback obtained from the class and not simply offer their own opinions.

Responsibilities of Student Representatives

  1. Attend scheduled committee meetings (or ask an alternate to attend).
  2. Bring student feedback to the committee and bring feedback from the committee to the student body.
  3. Work with faculty on the committee on various tasks.
  4. Assist in the work of the committee.

The following is a brief description of each graduate committee in which students are invited to participate:

Graduate Program Committee

The entire graduate faculty as well as student representatives attend this meeting, which is held monthly. During this meeting, decisions are made regarding how the affairs of the graduate program will be conducted.

FNP/AGPCNP Curriculum/Evaluation Committee

This committee is responsible for establishing, implementing and revising program evaluation material and for matters pertaining to the continual improvement and refining of the overall curriculum of the FNP and AGPCNP programs. This committee meets monthly.

DNP Curriculum/Evaluation Committee

This committee is responsible for establishing, implementing and revising program evaluation material and for matters pertaining to the continual improvement and refining of the overall curriculum of the DNP program. This committee meets monthly.

Graduate Program Admission Committee

This committee is responsible for establishing, implementing, and revising criteria, policies and procedures relevant to graduate program admissions, progression, and course challenge requests and readmissions.

Strategic Planning Committee

This committee is responsible for long-range planning and goals for the entire department.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 5/23/23

The Excellence in Clinical Education and Learning (ExCEL) Center

The ExCEL Center located in the newly renovated Lathrop Hall provides students with numerous opportunities to practice nursing skills, develop critical thinking, and cultivate professional attitudes. SUNY Brockport provides graduate students a state of the art lab and simulation learning environment, which consists of a computer lab, two health assessment labs, four simulation rooms, a medication room, and a debriefing room.

The computer lab in room #105 has 32 station, a printer, and 5 large wall mounted monitors for students use. This space has the capacity to allow students to work cooperatively in groups, provides a quiet place to study, and can be used as a classroom. It is open Monday thru Friday exclusively for nursing majors. No food or drink can be consumed in the computer lab, however there is a nursing student’s lounge across the hall.

The health assessment labs in rooms #204 and #206 have 20 beds, high-fidelity simulators and anatomic models. It is set up to simulate a healthcare facility. Practice lab time allows students the opportunity to practice advanced practice skills independently in order to provide quality safe patient care when they arrive at their clinical practice settings.

The nursing simulation rooms, medication room and debriefing room are all part the Department of Nursing’s simulation learning environment. These labs contain state of the art medication dispensing equipment, high fidelity simulators, computers and scanners for electronic documentation, and video and audio equipment. Our high fidelity simulators include three adults, a child, and a newborn. Each of these simulators has a pulse, breath sounds, heart sounds and can verbally interact with the student. Graduate students are placed in real life clinical situations in which they need to make nursing decisions based on clinical assessments. This environment allows students a safe environment to develop advanced practice clinical judgment based on clinical decision-making.

Excel Center Mission Statement

In accordance with the mission of SUNY Brockport, Department of Nursing, the mission of the ExCEL Center is the preparation of exemplary professional nurses and nurse practitioners who utilize evidence based practices and provide leadership within health care systems resulting in the best possible outcomes for the diverse populations we serve. The ExCEL Center provides opportunities for students to develop safe, effective, evidence based foundational and advanced practice physical assessment skills. A student centered, experiential philosophy is utilized to promote quality and safety in patient care. Critical thinking, therapeutic communication and confidence is developed utilizing human patient simulation within a supportive, supervised, and non-threatening environment.

Nurse Practice Act NYS (Effective 1995)- Accessed 2/4/23

Current guidelines are available online

  1. The practice of registered professional nursing by a nurse practitioner, certified under section six thousand nine hundred ten of this article, may include the diagnosis of illness and physical conditions and the performance of therapeutic and corrective measures within a specialty area of practice, in collaboration with a licensed physician qualified to collaborate in the specialty involved, provided such services are performed in accordance with a written practice agreement and written practice protocols except as permitted by paragraph (b) of this subdivision. The written practice agreement shall include explicit provisions for the resolution of any disagreement between the collaborating physician and the nurse practitioner regarding a matter of diagnosis or treatment that is within the scope of practice of both. To the extent the practice agreement does not so provide, then the collaborating physician’s diagnosis or treatment shall prevail.
  2. Prescriptions for drugs, devices and immunizing agents may be issued by a nurse practitioner, under this paragraph and section six thousand nine hundred ten of this article, in accordance with the practice agreement and practice protocols except as permitted by paragraph (b) of this subdivision. The nurse practitioner shall obtain a certificate from the department upon successfully completing a program including an appropriate pharmacology component, or its equivalent, as established by the commissioner’s regulations, prior to prescribing under this paragraph. The certificate issued under section six thousand nine hundred ten of this article shall state whether the nurse practitioner has successfully completed such a program or equivalent and is authorized to prescribe under this paragraph.
  3. Each practice agreement shall provide for patient records review by the collaborating physician in a timely fashion but in no event less often than every three months. The names of the nurse practitioner and the collaborating physician shall be clearly posted in the practice setting of the nurse practitioner.
  4. *The practice protocol shall reflect current accepted medical and nursing practice and may be updated periodically. The commissioner shall make regulations establishing the procedure for the review of protocols and the disposition of any issues arising from such review.
    * NB Effective until April 9, 2024
  1. *The practice protocol shall reflect current accepted medical and nursing practice. The protocols shall be filed with the department within ninety days of the commencement of the practice and may be updated periodically. The commissioner shall make regulations establishing the procedure for the review of protocols and the disposition of any issues arising from such review.
    * NB Effective April 9, 2024
  2. No physician shall enter into practice agreements with more than four nurse practitioners who are not located on the same physical premises as the collaborating physician.

*Notwithstanding subparagraph (i) of paragraph (a) of this subdivision, a nurse practitioner, certified under section sixty-nine hundred ten of this article and practicing for more than three thousand six hundred hours shall not be required to comply with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subdivision relating to collaboration with a physician, a written practice agreement and written practice protocols.

* NB Effective until April 9, 2024

Guidelines for Suitability and Capacity for Advanced Practice

The following are expectations of all graduate students and are used as guidelines for assessing suitability and capacity for Advanced Nursing Practice.
Students applying to and continuing in the Graduate Nursing Program at SUNY Brockport are expected to:

  1. Demonstrate honesty, integrity and ethical principles.
  2. Relate to people with warmth and empathy, communicating feelings appropriately.
  3. Have an accepting attitude toward their total selves, including responsibility for meeting physical and emotional needs.
  4. Be open to change in themselves and others.
  5. Be able to listen and receive feedback from faculty and clinical instructors.
  6. Be able to accept suggestions for improvement from faculty without being defensive, argumentative, or aggressive.
  7. Recognize the essential worth and dignity of all human beings.
  8. Appreciate the value of human diversity.
  9. Develop self-confidence and initiative in working with people.
  10. Identify personal strengths, limitations, and motivations, especially as related to a decision to work with people.
  11. Express thoughts with clarity in both written and verbal form.
  12. Relate with respect for all people regardless of unique characteristics—for example, those related to race, religion (or lack of religion), gender, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, and value system.
  13. Refrain from imposing their own personal, religious, sexual, and political preferences on clients.
  14. Be accountable for his/her own actions.

If a faculty member identifies inappropriate behavior on the part of a student in the classroom, ExCEL Center or the clinical area this behavior will be documented in the student’s permanent record in the form of a note, counseling memo and/or a contract.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

American Nurses Association Code of Ethics

Nursing students at SUNY Brockport are expected to act in accordance of the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics. Students who do not act in accordance to the ANA Code of Ethics will be dismissed from the nursing program. The provisions are as follows:

  1. The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness, of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems.
  2. The nurse’s primary commitment, is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, or community.
  3. The nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient.
  4. The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse’s obligation to provide optimum patient care.
  5. The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to preserve the integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth.
  6. The nurse participates in establishing, maintaining, and improving health care environments and conditions of employment conducive to the provision of quality health care and consistent with the values of the profession through individual and collective action.
  7. The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through contributions to practice, education, administration, and knowledge development.
  8. The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public in promoting community, national and international efforts to meet health needs.
  9. The profession of nursing, as represented by the association and its members, is responsible for articulating nursing values, for maintaining the integrity of the profession and its practice, and for shaping social policy.

Code of Ethics for Nurses

ANA Position Statement on “The Nurse’s Role in Addressing Discrimination: Protecting and Promoting Inclusive Strategies in Practice Settings, Policy, and Advocacy”

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 5/14/21

Technical Standards for the Graduate Nursing Program

The Department of Nursing’s graduate curriculum is designed to provide the education necessary for function at the advanced practice level of nursing. Students build on the fundamental principles of nursing, acquire skills of critical judgment based on education and experience, and develop an ability to use principles and skills wisely in decision-making and problem solving pertaining to the delivery of high-quality advanced practice-nursing care.

Students admitted to the graduate program in the Department of Nursing need the intellectual and physical abilities to acquire the knowledge, behaviors and skills taught within the program. In addition to satisfactory academic performance in all coursework, students are expected to fulfill the non-academic essential functions of the curriculum in a reasonably independent manner. These functions are specified by the physical, cognitive, and behavioral standards (referred to collectively as technical standards) necessary for the completion of the graduate nursing program. Technical standards for the graduate program in the Department of Nursing are outlined below.

The Department of Nursing will consider for admission and advancement any individual able to perform pursuant to the standards, which are used as guidelines. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with a disability in accordance with applicable laws and policies, while maintaining the integrity of program standards. Accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis working in conjunction with the Office of Students with Disabilities. Students must be able to:

  • Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences in the basic and applied sciences, including but not limited to information conveyed through lecture, group seminar, small group activities and physical demonstrations.
  • Acquire information from written documents and computer information systems (including literature searches and data retrieval), and identify information presented in images from paper, videos, and power point slides.
  • Independently use and interpret information from diagnostic maneuvers, (e.g. palpation, auscultation, percussion, etc.), diagnostic instruments (e.g. sphygmomanometer, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, etc.), and other diagnostic representations of physiological phenomena during the course of conducting a comprehensive physical assessment of a client.
  • Accurately elicit information, including a health history, and other information required to evaluate a client’s condition adequately and effectively.
  • Accurately observe and assess a client’s condition and be able to problem solve and think critically to judge which theory and/or strategy of assessment and intervention is most appropriate.
  • Synthesize information to develop a plan of care.
  • Utilize intellectual ability, exercise proper judgment, and timely and accurately complete responsibilities attendant to the delivery of care to clients.
  • Develop effective and appropriate relationships with clients, colleagues, coworkers and relevant others.
  • Perform specific procedures and interventions (e.g. Advanced Life Support techniques) sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care according to prescribed therapeutic regimens.
  • Communicate effectively and efficiently with faculty, patients, families and all members of the health care team about a patient’s condition as called for under the circumstances, verbally, in writing, and in an electronic medical record.
  • Practice safely and respond appropriately to emergencies and urgencies.
  • Adapt and function effectively under the various circumstances and rigors, which are inherent in the clinical practice of nursing.
  • Move and transfer patients and medical equipment as care provision requires.
  • Practice universal precautions against contamination and cross-contamination with infectious pathogens (e.g. wearing personal protective equipment; working with sharp objects and hazardous chemicals; treating clients with infectious diseases.)

In addition, students should be aware that some clinical sites require a full background check, and felony convictions may disqualify students from participating at certain sites and/or jeopardize future licensure. Students are expected to comply with clinical site requirements. Questions regarding this process should be directed to the chairperson of the department.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

Disability Statement

Students with documented disabilities may be entitled to specific accommodations. SUNY Brockport’s Office for Students with Disabilities makes this determination. Please contact the Office for Student Disabilities at 395-5409 or osdoffic@brockport.edu to inquire about obtaining an official letter to the course instructor detailing approved accommodations. The student is responsible for providing the course instructor with an official letter. Faculty work as a team with the Office for Students with Disabilities to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Reviewed 5/14/21

Department of Nursing Guidelines for Academic Dishonesty

The Department of Nursing supports the College Policy on Academic Honesty as outlined below.

General:

  1. Because an academic community functions most successfully when there is trust among all members, academic dishonesty is a serious breach of that trust which exists between a student, one’s fellow students and/or the instructor.
  2. Academic dishonesty is a major violation of College policy, which can result in a range of disciplinary actions from a reprimand to suspension or expulsion from the institution. (See /support/policies/adopted/aa_vprovost_academicaffairs_academic_dishonesty.html). Any student suspected of such a violation will be subject to charges in accordance with the Student Council Regulations.
  3. Violations of academic honesty include, but are not limited to, the actions described at /support/policies/adopted/aa_vprovost_academicaffairs_academic_dishonesty.html. Established school, unity, and/or individual policies will address circumstances unique or specific to particular academic areas. When such policies are developed, they shall be forwarded to the President for approval and incorporation in this policy.

Definitions

Academic dishonesty may be seen as including the following:

  1. Presenting as one’s own: words, ideas, or products of another without providing a standard form of documentation such as footnotes, endnotes, or bibliographic documentation.
  2. Use of Artificial Intelligence software to generate all or part of an assignment.
  3. Fabricating facts, statistics, or other forms of evidence in papers, laboratory experiments, or other assignments.
  4. Presenting someone else’s paper or material as one’s own work.
  5. Writing or attempting to write an examination, paper, computer work or material for another student; allowing someone else to take one’s examination.
  6. Buying and/or selling of examinations; possession of examinations or answers to examinations without the permission of the instructor. Taking screenshots of online exams, quizzes and/or case study materials, etc.
  7. Using prohibited resources, looking at another person’s assignment, exam, or video or talking with someone other than the instructor about standardized patient experiences, assignments, exams or videos while completing it or after completing it when not all students complete it at the same time/day.
  8. Failing to follow the rules of conduct for taking an examination as stipulated by the instructor prior to the examination or as stated by him or her in a written course syllabus, including use of any prohibited communication devices.
  9. Presenting work for which credit has already been received in a previous course, without the consent of the instructor.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

Guidelines for Writing Papers in All Programs Within the Department of Nursing:

All papers will be written in APA format, in professional paper format. Refer to the APA Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.) for assistance. Papers that do not comply with APA requirements may be deemed ungradeable, points may be deducted or the paper may be returned to the student for revision. Use of Artificial Intelligence software to generate all or part of assignments is a violation of the academic integrity expectation and will be responded to as such.

Approved 5/14/21 Reviewed 2/4/23

Policy on Use of Alcohol, Drugs and Other Mood Altering Substances

All students are required to read the following policy on the Use of Alcohol, Drugs and other Mood Altering Substances, and to adhere to it.

Chemical use, as well as abuse, can interfere with your clinical performance. Even small amounts of mood altering substances can affect your judgment and perceptions and therefore endanger the lives of your patients. The following departmental policy on alcohol, drugs and mood altering substance use has a two-fold purpose:

  1. To ensure the safety of your patients.
  2. To help you recognize if your actions are problematic and to assist you in seeking help.

The faculty of the Department of Nursing will not tolerate the presence of students on campus and in the clinical settings who are under the influence of alcohol/drugs and other mood altering substances. The Department faculty’s concerns are not limited to illegal drugs. The Department policy absolutely forbids students to participate in the clinical setting with even the smell of alcohol on their breath or if exhibiting any behavioral manifestations indicative of mood altering substance use, even where the substance is a legally prescribed medication. Any student who is taking a prescribed medication or who has a medical problem that may cause them to appear to be under the influence of alcohol/drugs or other mood altering substances must inform the faculty prior to starting any clinical rotation. The use of alcohol several hours before clinical or heavy use the night before can result in the smell of alcohol on your breath, which is unacceptable. Some illegal substances have a long half-life (such as cannabis) and would show up in the screen one month after use.

The procedure that will be followed by faculty in dealing with students with the smell of alcohol/drugs on their breath or who are under the influence of alcohol/other mood altering substances is as follows:

On Campus:

The student will be spoken to by the faculty member. The departmental policy regarding the use of alcohol and other mood altering substances will be reviewed. The student will be asked to leave the educational session. This conversation will be documented in the department’s confidential file and will be shared with the other Nursing faculty.

In the Clinical Setting:

Both the client’s and your personal safety will be taken into consideration.

  • No further patient contact will be allowed.
  • You will be directed to get an immediate blood alcohol level test or use a breathalyzer or, have an immediate drug screen. It will be your responsibility to pay for the costs involved and to provide proof of the time and the date the testing was done.
  • You will be dismissed from the program if your test results indicate the presence of alcohol/drugs or other mood-altering substances or if you refuse to take the required test. You may be dismissed from the program if your test results indicate the presence of a prescribed medication and you have not previously notified your clinical faculty member.

The Department of Nursing is in full compliance with the college policies found online.

Reviewed 2/4/23

In Person Weekend Attendance Policy:

Attendance at all scheduled in person weekends is mandatory. Absences will be excused only at the discretion of the instructor. Allowable reasons for absence from a clinical experience may include unsafe weather conditions, documented illness (documentation of illness from a health care provider) and the death of a close relative. Students will not be excused from in person weekend time for vacations or schedule changes at work. In person clinical time and evaluation will be required for any missed content. This time will be scheduled with the student at the discretion of the instructor, depending on the clinical institution.

An unexcused absence from an in person weekend will result in failure of the clinical course.

Absences deemed excessive by the instructor will result in the assignment of a grade of U for the course. This will result in an unsatisfactory course grade.

Revised: 5/11/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

Social Networking and Electronic Devices Policy

Any statement made or posting of any material, pictures or information within any venue of social networking (Facebook, twitter, etc.) which can cause actual or potential harm or injury to another person or to the Department of Nursing and/or SUNY Brockport itself will be grounds for dismissal from the nursing program.

Using social networking to contact preceptors or faculty is not an acceptable means of professional communication and will not be tolerated. As a reminder, it is a violation of HIPAA policies to ever discuss any aspect of clinical care on social networking. Violation of HIPAA policy is subject to federal prosecution.

Course instructors and staff of College facilities may place restrictions on the use of wireless communication devices and electronic devices in their classroom or facilities. Ringing cellular telephones and laptop computers used for instant messaging, game playing, Internet surfing, and other such activities are considered disruptive. After an initial warning, students who do not comply with the policy of the classroom/facility may be asked to leave for the remainder of the class/day. If students are asked to leave class because of such a disruption, instructors are not obligated to allow makeup of missed work.

Reviewed 2/4/23

Health and Vaccination Policy for the Graduate Program

All students must submit required health forms that include a completed physical examination on the appropriate form as designated by the nursing department by the date indicated. The provider must verify that the student is physically and emotionally capable of participating in a full program of study in clinical nursing. This verification may include documentation of a negative 2-Step PPD, QuantiFERON testing, T-spot results, or negative chest x-ray. Failure to submit this verification of physical and emotional health will prevent participating in the clinical experience.

In light of the demands, actual and potential, of the clinical and lab settings for graduate nursing courses, it is prudent that clinical faculty are aware of health issues that could affect student’s performance and/or patient care. Students are to inform clinical faculty if any such conditions exist or arise during clinical courses. If a student is unable to meet requirements to safely perform in clinical, then a medical clearance letter may be requested before resuming clinical duties.

The ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses supports nurses having appropriate vaccination, including Provision 3, which states, “The nurse promotes, advocates for and protects the rights, health and safety of patients.” Before beginning the clinical component of the nursing program, all students must comply with current SUNY, NYS, and clinical/program-specific vaccination requirements. These requirements may change as health knowledge changes. Students will be made aware of current expectations on the required health forms. As of 2/4/23 there must be documentation of the dates of administration of 2 doses of MMR, the 3-part vaccine against hepatitis B, annual flu vaccination, a minimum of 2 COVID vaccinations, initial series of Tdap (DtaP, DTP, tDAP) and booster of Tdap after age 11, and Varicella vaccination/immunity. Medical exemptions are the only vaccination exemptions recognized in NYS. We do not place any graduate students into clinical settings who are not fully vaccinated. The inability to complete a course because of an incomplete vaccination status may result in course failure and program expulsion. Students are responsible for ensuring their vaccination status is updated throughout the program. Failure to do so may result in an inability to complete the clinical and course requirements in the program and lead to program dismissal.

Students with a documented medical exemption are required to submit the medical exemption form before any clinical courses are taken. This form must be completed by a New York State licensed physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or licensed midwife. Documentation must include verification of the specific medical contraindication. The form will be reviewed by the Clinical Coordinator, and Program Director, and a determination of acceptance or lack of acceptance for the exemption will be made. Students may be required to produce additional documentation if a sound exemption is not established. In the event that the medical exemption is not accepted, the student has the right to appeal the decision to the Chairperson of the Department.

In the event that a clinical site refuses placement of an unvaccinated student, it is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for an appropriate clinical experience and have this site and preceptor approved by the Clinical Coordinator. It can take several months to process the required paperwork and contracts for a clinical site. The student will not be able to begin clinical until those requirements have been satisfied. The student will be responsible for the cost associated with any of these arrangements, including additional faculty supervision time if necessary. The inability of a student to secure an appropriate site that will accept him/her in a timely manner may result in course dismissal/failure. The program will not attempt to secure an additional clinical site for the student under these circumstances.

If the student changes his/her mind and accepts vaccination after a clinical site declines his/her placement due to lack of vaccination, the student will still be responsible for securing an additional appropriate clinical site if that site is no longer available.

Updated 9/20/2020 reviewed 2/4/23

Graduate Program Progression Policy

For students matriculated in the graduate program, the following grade scale will be used:

  • A 94-100
  • A- 90-93
  • B+ 87-89
  • B 84-86
  • E less than 84

Satisfactory progress and continued progression through the graduate program requires students to earn a minimum grade of “B” in all nonclinical graduate nursing courses and an “S” in all clinical courses.

Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisites courses are specified and must be completed with a minimum grade of “B” prior to registering for the following courses.

  • NUR 518: A grade of B or higher in an undergraduate statistics course
  • NUR 520: NUR 518
  • NUR 500: NUR 545, NUR 510, NUR 521
  • NUR 550/650: NUR 500, NUR 699
  • NUR 600: NUR 550/650
  • NUR 699: NUR 510, NUR 521
  • NUR 771: NUR 518, NUR 520

Students are not allowed to register for a course without satisfactorily completing all prerequisites. Students who do so will be dropped from the course and are responsible for any financial liability applied by the college.

Clinical Practicum Progression:

Before enrolling in NUR 500, students must successfully complete NUR 545, NUR 510,NUR 521 and NUR 699. Before enrolling in NUR 550/650, students must successfully complete NUR 500. Before enrolling in NUR 600, students must successfully complete NUR 550/650.

Clinically Based Course Prerequisite(s)

  • NUR 500: NUR 545, NUR 510, NUR 521, NUR 699
  • NUR 550/650: NUR 500
  • NUR 600: NUR 550/650
  • NUR 699: NUR 510, NUR 521

Course Failures:

The graduate program director will not give permission to students who are failing courses to withdraw from said courses after the College’s drop/add period ends.

All three of the core courses, NUR 545, NUR 510, NUR 521, and NUR 699 must be completed satisfactorily before enrolling in clinical rotations. In the event that a student earns less than a “B” in one of these three core classes, he/she will not be allowed to continue in or register for any additional core nursing or clinical courses until the core courses are successfully completed. The student will be required to drop any nursing courses for which he/she is registered and work on developing the skills needed in the core courses before proceeding. Supervising course instructors reserve the right to assign remediation requirements that the student must complete successfully before the student is given permission to repeat the course.

Students who earn less than a “B” in any nonclinical graduate nursing course will have one (1) opportunity to repeat the course and must earn a minimum grade of “B”. Those who repeat a nonclinical nursing course and earn less than a “B” will be dismissed from the program. Students who earn less than a “B” in more than one nursing course will be dismissed from the graduate program.

Failure of one of the three clinical practicum courses will result in immediate dismissal from the program. Clinical courses include: NUR 500, NUR 550/650, and NUR 600.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 5/23/23

Incomplete Grade Contracts in the Graduate Program

A student may request an incomplete grade option from the instructor but it is at the instructor’s discretion to determine if it is appropriate. Incomplete grades will not be provided for students who have simply failed to plan adequate time to complete assignments and are only utilized when extenuating circumstances prevent students from finishing a small portion of the course requirements. Incompletes are not designed to ensure that students do not experience a penalty for dropping courses in which they are not successfully managing their time or assignments. Incomplete grades in the graduate program will only be available for up to six months from the final day of the course. An incomplete contract must be completed and submitted by the student and course instructor.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

Dismissal Policy for the Graduate Program

Nursing faculty members continuously evaluate nursing students in the graduate nursing program at SUNY Brockport. Students can be dismissed from the graduate program at any time for failure to meet the school’s standards, violations of Nursing Practice in New York as defined by NYS State Education Law, Article 139
or based on the following criteria:

  1. Failure of a clinical practicum course will result in immediate dismissal from the program. Clinical practicum courses include: NUR 500, NUR 550/650, NUR 600.
  2. Failure of a non-clinical course within the graduate nursing program will result in the student being placed on academic probation. Failure of two non-clinical courses will result in immediate dismissal from the program. Withdrawal from a course while failing is considered a course failure for this policy and the graduate course progression policy.
  3. Failure to provide safe care to clients during any clinical experience
  4. Academic dishonesty such as cheating on an examination, theft of an examination, or plagiarism of assignments from any printed source or the work of others.
  5. Lack of commitment to the values of the nursing profession as evidenced through behavior and attitudes expressed in the classroom or clinical placement site. Guidelines for Suitability and Capacity to Enter the Profession of Nursing
  6. Abusive Criticism: The faculty and staff are open to receiving and responding to constructive suggestions. Processes are available to allow for appeals of grades and for other grievances. The expression of criticism or problems involving the use of abusive language or disruptive behavior directed toward faculty or staff will not be tolerated. Such behavior is inconsistent with professional standards and inappropriate for students aspiring to a career in nursing.
  7. Inappropriate use of Social Media: The use of social media including but not limited to Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, My Space, Twitter, Allnurses.com, YikYak, SnapChat, TikTok, Reddit blogs, etc. provide the ability for students to communicate with and receive support from their peers. However, students need to be aware that publishing information on these sites may be public for anyone to see and is able to be traced back to them as individuals. Nursing graduate students are preparing for a profession that provides services to the public and expects high standards of behavior. Appropriate netiquette is expected in all communication. HIPPA law and potential sanctions apply to information posted on social media. The student must not disclose confidential information related to individuals or agencies. Students must follow HIPAA guidelines at all times. Students may not post any information concerning clients/clinical rotations in any online forum or webpage. HIPAA violations, related to patients cared for in the course of clinical work while in the graduate program at SUNY Brockport are grounds for immediate suspension while pending full investigation and may lead to dismissal. Students are legally responsible for anything that they post on social media forums.
  8. Inappropriate academic conduct: Nursing faculty expect all students to arrive on time for all clinical rotations, to remain in the clinical setting for the expected timeframe, and to follow the legitimate instructions of the instructor and clinical preceptor. Faculty members may establish additional ground rules for the behavior of students during clinical and online coursework. Faculty members establish the grading rules, work expectations for their courses, and include these in their course syllabi. Students are responsible for fulfilling the expectations as stated in course syllabi within the timeframe established by the course instructor. Students who falsify any clinical time logs or patient care documentation will be immediately dismissed from the program. Students may only use electronic devices (e.g., laptops, PDAs) with the permission of the instructor or clinical preceptor. Students who speak to faculty members or other students during class periods, in ways that are disrespectful and disruptive may be dismissed from the course without reimbursement, and in such cases, the students may incur a failing grade for the course, as well as additional penalties. Students participating in online courses must also exhibit appropriate conduct in all aspects of the course, including respectful communications (written, posted, and verbal), academic honesty, and timeliness of participation and fulfillment of assignments.
  9. Severe maladaptation to the educational process as evidenced by:
    1. student’s lack of ability to participate productively in a class or clinical situation.
    2. a consistent pattern of inadequate class preparation.
    3. a consistent pattern of late completion of assignments, irresponsible behavior in class or clinical placement site or a consistent pattern of absence from class or clinical.

      Students will receive written notification from their nursing instructor or department chair of impending dismissal due to unsafe or unprofessional behavior. Students may be asked to leave a clinical site or classroom immediately in the event of unsafe or unprofessional behavior. Written notification will follow. Students will be given the opportunity to be heard. In the event of dismissal from the Program, the student will be informed of the right to appeal. College Grade Appeals Policy. Once dismissed from the graduate nursing program students are not eligible for readmission.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 5/23/23

Graduate Readmission Policy

Graduate nursing students, in good academic standing, who do not maintain continuous enrollment or have an approved leave of absence in the graduate program will be dismissed from the program. These students may apply for readmission with a future cohort. These applicants are subject to the rules, procedures, curriculum and standards in place at the time of readmission. Readmission is not automatic and may be subject to the additional requirements set forth by the department. Students applying for readmission to the program complete the same application as those who are applying for admission to the program and are evaluated within the context of the application pool at the time of their application. Students who are dismissed from the program for course failures or unprofessional/dangerous behavior are not eligible to apply for readmission.

Reviewed 2/4/23

Criminal Conviction Policy

Any student charged with or convicted of a crime before or after admittance to the Department of Nursing must discuss his/her situation individually and confidentially with the Chairperson of the Department of Nursing to assess his/her chances of eventual licensure as a nurse practitioner and the proper procedure to report his/her situation to the State Education Department.

In addition, some clinical agencies affiliated with the Department of Nursing require background checks on nursing students before allowing them to participate in clinical activities. Agency requirements are subject to change without notice. If a background check prohibits participation at certain clinical sites, the student may be unable to successfully complete clinical course requirements in the Department of Nursing. Inability to successfully complete clinical course requirements will result in failure of the clinical course and dismissal from the nursing program.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

Clinical Placement Process

Choosing a Site

Appropriate clinical sites within the graduate Family Nurse Practitioner program include a primary care focus within a non-acute health care setting, such as family practice offices, clinics, pediatric offices, internal medicine offices, and women’s health practices. Appropriate preceptors must be advanced practice providers or physicians with at least one year of clinical experience. Graduate students are expected to play an active role in identifying and securing appropriate clinical sites/preceptors in conjunction with the clinical coordinator.

Clinical sites all have their own onboarding requirements before clinical rotations can begin. For some sites, these requirements include a full background check which does require some additional time to complete. Students must comply with all onboarding requirements of the site they will be attending. Failure to do so may result in an inability to complete the program successfully.

Site/Preceptor Request Process and Approval Deadlines

Students should complete the clinical placement request form via the electronic link provided by the Clinical Coordinator as soon as a site and preceptor are identified. The FNP or AGPCNP Clinical Coordinator and the Placement Coordinator will review the information, confirm the site and preceptor, review the resume/curriculum vitae and inform the student of the approval or declination of the placement by the involved health system. Clinical placement request forms must be submitted to both coordinators before October 1 for spring placements and before March 1 for fall placements.

Clinical Site Placement Assistance

If a graduate student is not successful in identifying and securing an approved site/preceptor by the submission deadlines noted above, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the clinical coordinator of this issue. The clinical coordinator will assist the student in securing a placement within 75 miles of campus. Students should continue to search for a site and preceptor in conjunction with the FNP or AGPCNP Clinical Coordinator. If the FNP or AGPCNP Clinical Coordinator secures an appropriate site for the student and the student declines the site due to commuting time or hours available, the clinical coordinator will not secure another site for that student for that course.

Students who choose to decline an appropriate clinical site that has been arranged must identify an alternative appropriate site/preceptor for which all necessary documentation can be secured by the end of the semester before the course starts. If this does not occur, students must drop the subsequent clinical course. This may jeopardize the student’s ability to complete the program in a timely manner.

Reviewed 5/23/23

Policy and Procedure for Student Complaints That Do Not Involve Discrimination

  • A faculty member who receives a complaint, that does not involve discrimination, from a student about another faculty member should encourage that student to first speak directly with the person concerned, in an effort to resolve differences and feelings. If requested by the student, arrangements will be made for another faculty member or level coordinator to be present as well for the discussion.
  • If the student’s concerns persist, the student then should speak to the level coordinator or the director of the individual program, in an effort to resolve differences and feelings.
  • If the student’s concerns persist, the student should then speak with the chairperson of the nursing department.
  • The chairperson of the nursing department will discuss the situation with the student and attempt to affect a resolution.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

Policy and Procedure for Student Complaints That Involve Discrimination

The Department of Nursing has zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. If a student has a concern the following procedure should be followed:

  • If the student complaint is regarding discrimination of any kind, the student should be referred directly to the chairperson of the Department of Nursing.
  • The chairperson will inform the student of the discrimination complaint procedures in effect on the campus.
  • If the complaint is against the chairperson, the student should be referred directly to the dean for general complaints and to the Affirmative Action Director for complaints about discrimination.

Reviewed 2/4/23

Gender Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy

Gender discrimination and sexual harassment are prohibited in class. Title IX legislation requires the College to provide gender equity in all areas of campus life. If you or someone you know has experienced gender discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual assault, we encourage you to seek assistance and to report the incident through resources available online. Confidential assistance is available at Hazen Center for Integrated Care. For these and other regulations governing campus life, please see all of our Student Policies.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

Policy on Student Access to Records

Students have the right of access to their own files in the Department of Nursing office and may contact the program director to do so.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

Policy on Electronic Medical Record Access

Students MUST access Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) only with student-generated accounts. Students must never access the EMR when in clinical with an employee generated EMR account. Such access is a HIPPA violation and is grounds for dismissal from the graduate nursing program.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

HIPAA Compliance Policy

  1. Clinical faculty will sign the HIPPA confidentiality agreement at clinical agencies as required.
  2. All students will receive a Notice of Information Practices, Uses and Disclosures of Health Information from the clinical site and should review accordingly.
  3. Students will be responsible for upload their health documents to our secure cloud platform. Only department faculty and the secretary have access to this information.
  4. Student health information will be kept for one year after a student’s graduation and then purged from the system.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

Notice of Information Practices

Uses and Disclosure of Health Information

Student health information is obtained and kept on file in the Department of Nursing. This is done to fulfill the terms of written agreements between the Department of Nursing and clinical agencies with whom the department affiliates for clinical experiences. In general, a written authorization to release information is required from you to share health information with any third party not involved in your medical care. If you choose to sign an authorization to disclose information about you, you can later revoke that authorization to stop any future uses and disclosures.

Identifiable health information about you may be disclosed without your authorization to these affiliating agencies only to document that legal health requirements have been met.

Individual Rights

In most cases and according to New York State Medical Records law, you have the right to review or receive a copy of your health information. You also have the right to receive a list of instances where we have disclosed health information about you for reasons other than related administrative purposes. If you believe that information in your record is incorrect or if important information is missing, you have the right to request a correction of the existing information or add the missing information.

Complaints

If you are concerned that your privacy rights have been violated, or you disagree with a decision made about access to your records, you may contact the Department Chairperson. You may also send a written complaint to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Department Chairperson can provide you with the appropriate address upon request.

Our Legal Duty

The Department of Nursing is required by law to protect the privacy of your health information, provide this notice about our information practices, and follow the information practices that are described in this notice.

If you have questions or complaints, please contact the Chairperson of the Department of Nursing.

ExCEL Center Confidentiality Agreement for Video Recording

As a nursing student at SUNY Brockport, I will participate in clinical laboratory simulations. I understand that the content of these simulations will be kept confidential to maintain the integrity of the learning experience for my fellow students and me. I also understand that in working side by side with my fellow students I may be witnessing their performance. It would be unethical for me to share information regarding student performance with persons outside the laboratory.

I acknowledge that I fully understand that the unauthorized release, inappropriate exchange, or mishandling of confidential information is prohibited, and serious consequences may occur if I violate this agreement. I will exemplify the nursing values of integrity, human dignity, and confidentiality.

Signature _____________________________________________Date___________________

Photo/Video Release

I, (please print your name) _______________________________________________________, give SUNY Brockport permission to video/photograph my performance in clinical laboratories, practice lab sessions, and clinical simulations. These recorded sessions will be used to provide debriefing opportunities with the appropriate faculty, staff, and students. These videos may also be used for skill performance evaluations. I understand that the videos will only be used for educational purposes and that a Confidentiality Agreement will be signed by fellow students to protect my privacy and discourage inappropriate discussion of the video contents or my performance in the simulation or lab scenarios. I give permission for SUNY Brockport Department of Nursing to use the video for future review by appropriate faculty, staff, and students. All student recordings will be stored securely for one year post graduation. Recordings will then be destroyed or downloaded and archived securely within the Department of Nursing for up to seven years.

Signature __________________________________________Date_____________________

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

Graduate Dress Code

All graduate students are required to wear their College identification badge and should meet the dress code of any agency to which he/she is assigned. In addition, all graduate students should have a white lab coat available for all clinical sites and on campus test out days. The faculty supervisor will inform students of particular regulations associated with the clinical site.

Graduate students should bring appropriate items to their clinical site including watch, stethoscope, pen and mobile device with drug guide and current treatment guidelines apps.

All students must maintain a professional appearance, which also requires:

  • Good personal hygiene
  • Short, clean fingernails with no polish
  • Hair that is clean and neat
  • No perfume or cologne
  • Minimal makeup
  • No chewing gum

Long hair must be worn up and secured well with plain band or clip

Beards and mustaches must be short and well groomed

Tobacco is a health risk. Therefore, students may not smoke or chew tobacco in any clinical setting.

Jewelry Policy

The wearing of jewelry should be considered in the context of patient and student safety as well as projecting a student’s professional appearance.

  • There can be no nametags or ID badges that dangle. They need to clip or pin on the uniform.
  • A watch and ring (i.e. band) that do not have edges or prongs are acceptable.

Body Piercing & Tattoo Policy

While SUNY Brockport practices inclusivity, values diversity and recognizes that personal appearance is an important part of a person’s individuality and expression, the expectation is that professionalism and safety must be maintained both in the classroom and clinical site.

Please note, if a clinical site requires a more stringent policy, the student will be expected to follow the policy of the facility they are at for clinical.

Body Piercings:

  • Ear lobe piercings and small stud/post style earrings are acceptable. Hoop earrings greater than 1in. are not permitted in the ear lobes. Upper ear and cartilage piercings are permitted but a student may be required to discreetly cover them with a properly sized bandage as a safety consideration; clear plastic retainer styles may also be worn as an alternative. Solid gauge posts that are of neutral color and matching skin tone are to be worn if a student has gauged earlobes.
  • Facial and oral piercings are not permitted with the exception of a single nose (nostril only) piercing. Nose piercings must be stud style, minimal in size and unobtrusive. Nose hoops are not permitted. Other facial piercings must preferably be removed or discreetly covered with a properly sized bandage; clear plastic retainer styles may also be worn as an alternative.

Tattoos:

  • Tattoos may be visible if the images or words do not convey violence, discrimination, profanity or sexually explicit content, and as agency policy allows. Tattoos containing such messages must be covered with bandages, clothing or cosmetics. Bandages must be kept clean, dry and intact, and must not interfere with students’ ability to perform tasks. SUNY Brockport Department of Nursing Student Affairs Committee faculty reserve the right to make a decision about whether or not a student’s visible tattoo is appropriate. Students may not use hospital materials to cover tattoos.

Artificial enhancements:

  • No artificial nails are permitted particularly since they harbor staph bacteria (per CDC).
  • No nail polish.

According to the research on professional appearance – people acquire a perception of you that translates into perceived care. Noncompliance to the dress code will lead to disciplinary action by the supervising faculty member and depending on the seriousness of the infraction, could result in probation or dismissal from the program.

Reviewed and revised 2/4/23

Policy on Student or Faculty Injury at Clinical or Exposure to Blood or Bodily Fluids

According to the contracts that are issued between the schools of nursing and the health care organizations, should a student or faculty member be injured during clinical, “The hospital/facility agrees to make available medical care at the request and expense of faculty and students who may become ill or may be injured while on duty. Upon written requests from the faculty or student, reports of such illness or accident will be sent to the college/university.” The student or faculty member may be seen in the emergency department, by employee health, or may choose to see his/her own primary care provider, based on the extent and severity of illness or injury.

If a student or faculty member sustains a needle stick injury, blood or body fluid splash, cut from any device used in a patient, etc., the clinical preceptor and assigned faculty member should be contacted urgently. He/she will advise the student and/or faculty member on how to proceed and cleanse the area as noted in the facility’s blood/body fluid exposure policy.

Some exposures may be true medical emergencies depending on the source of the patient’s medical problems or the type of injury that occurred. Therefore, the nursing supervisor/ department manager may then refer the student or faculty member to Employee Health Service or the Emergency Department if indicated.

Again, students and faculty are responsible for their own medical expenses, including the urgent/emergent care received at the hospital site. The student or faculty member may need to obtain ongoing follow-up care with their Primary Care Provider and take post-exposure prophylactic treatment, which can be costly. The expenses incurred by the ongoing follow-up care will also be the responsibility of the student or faculty member. Faculty members who are injured while teaching in a clinical setting should follow appropriate guidelines from human resources and may need to file an accident report.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

Malpractice Insurance

SUNY’S Malpractice insurance coverage is sufficient to cover students and faculty. Malpractice insurance is provided for graduate students who are assessed a $35 fee for each clinical course (NUR 500, NUR 550/650, and NUR 600) each semester regardless of any outside malpractice policies the student may have in place. This is a required charge mandated by SUNY.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

Transportation Policy

Transportation to and from all clinical sites is the student’s responsibility. Clinical sites may be at various locations within the Western New York Region. Public transportation is not readily available to reach sites outside of the Brockport community. We are not able to guarantee clinical sites that are accessible without regular access to a reliable vehicle. The cost of transportation to clinical sites and parking at clinical sites is the responsibility of the student and varies depending on the distance and options available. Not having transportation available to reach a clinical site may result in the failure of a clinical course due to the inability to meet all course objectives without the included clinical experience.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

Communication Policies

All students should have a nursing advisor that they see at least once every semester to plan course schedules. An advisor’s signature and a key number are required in order to register for classes for the succeeding semester.

Students may communicate with faculty by email or by office phone. Course faculty will make every attempt to respond within 24 hours during weekdays. Faculty are not expected to respond to student messages over weekends and holidays. In case of emergencies, students may contact faculty using the phone numbers given at orientation. Nursing faculty have regular office hours when they are available to see students. Individual appointments may also be made.

It is critical to check email or Bright Space frequently. Students are expected to respond to faculty emails within 48 hours during the semester. It is also expected that students will check email during college breaks, as emails may be sent to students at this time also. Failure to respond promptly to faculty phone calls and emails relating to clinical placements may delay or even eliminate the option of starting at a clinical site. This will be reflected in the evaluation of professionalism in clinical evaluations and may impact future employment or educational references.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

Graduate Course Transfer Policy

A maximum of 9 credits of non-clinical coursework will be considered for transfer from another accredited graduate nursing program. It is the student’s responsibility to submit the course syllabus and an official transcript to the graduate program director for consideration of transfer credit. Transfer credit is only considered for outside coursework completed before enrolling in the graduate program. Once admitted to the graduate program students are required to complete all remaining coursework in the program at SUNY Brockport unless special permission is provided by the program director. Admitted students may not enroll at outside institutions and transfer any additional required coursework in place of required coursework in the program. Only non-clinical courses taken within the last ten years will be considered for transfer credit. We also do not accept transfer credit for NUR 510, NUR 521 or NUR 545 in order to facilitate required documentation for licensure and board eligibility.

Approved 8/20/19 Reviewed 2/4/23

Non-Matriculated Status/Courses Policy

Before being admitted to the graduate nursing program (non-matriculated status), eligible students may be able to complete up to 9 credits of non-clinical coursework in the FNP or AGPCNP program on a space available basis. All non-matriculated students must meet with the program director before enrolling in any graduate program courses. Non-matriculated students must maintain continuous enrollment in appropriate courses. Permission codes will be provided by the program director after evaluation is made that the course has seats available and the student is adequately prepared for the academic expectations. Up to 9 credits of approved coursework, taken as a non-matriculated student and completed with a grade of B or higher, will be applied to the graduate degree requirements if the student is admitted to the graduate FNP or AGPCNP program the subsequent year. Courses taken as a non-matriculated student more than a year before applying for admission will be evaluated for credit within the program on a case-by-case basis. Taking courses as a non-matriculated student does not guarantee admission to the graduate FNP or AGPCNP program.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 2/4/23

Part-Time/Full Time Status Policy

Students are admitted as part-time or full-time matriculated students to the FNP or AGPCNP program. Part-time students take up to 6 credits a semester. Full time students take 9 or more credits a semester. Permission from the graduate program director is required to change status from part-time to full-time and vice versa. It is important to see your academic advisor before you request a change in your program plan to ensure you are meeting the necessary requirements for successful completion in a timely manner. Once admitted, all students must maintain continuous registration (fall and spring) for a minimum of three credit hours unless a formal leave of absence is approved. All students must make continuous progress toward the degree or certificate. Any student who does not maintain continuous enrollment without approval of a formal leave of absence is automatically dismissed from the program and ineligible to return without reapplying to the program. Readmission will be evaluated with consideration of the additional applicants in the application cycle.

Approved 5/4/18 Reviewed 5/14/21

Temporary Academic Leave for the Graduate Program

Students in good academic standing may request Temporary Academic Leave (TAL) from the graduate program during their course of study. Students on academic probation are not eligible for a TAL. All students who return from TAL will return on contract detailing expectations for completion of their program. Please review SUNY Brockport’s TAL policy for important details.

TAL may be granted for compelling reasons such as illness, military duty, or parental leave. Requests for a TAL because of work schedule conflicts will not be granted. Leaves are ordinarily granted for no more than 1 semester. Documentation from a health care provider must accompany a request for a medical TAL.

  • If a medical leave is granted, it is expected that students are actively engaged in a course of medical and/or mental health treatment that leads to recovery.
  • Prior to re-enrollment, students will need to demonstrate the condition which precluded enrollment during the leave has resolved sufficiently to allow student to return to clinical and coursework. Students are required to provide a letter from their healthcare provider indicating they can resume all aspects of the program.

The effective withdrawal date of a TAL is the date that all required paperwork is submitted to the Center for Graduate Studies. Students must also drop their courses online or they will continue to have subsequent financial liability. The date courses are dropped and the TAL form is submitted to the Center for Graduate Studies determines the amount of tuition reimbursement (if applicable). Students withdrawing from courses should also review the Withdrawal and Progression Policies.

Curriculum and/or program plans are subject to change while a student is on TAL, such as but not limited to graduation and course requirements, credit load and course term offerings, and enrollment status. Students are responsible to keep in contact with their advisor or program director while on leave to ensure they are aware and understand any new academic changes. Students on leave for may be required to repeat clinical experience prior to their return at the discretion of the program director.

Students returning after TAL from the program that exceeds 1 semester will be required to complete assessment(s) to ensure students are prepared to provide safe, quality advanced practice nursing care. Students must contact the clinical track coordinator to arrange time to meet assessment requirements prior to the start of the semester they return. The assessment(s) will include:

  1. Successful completion of a head-to-toe assessment (NUR 545) with a score of 84 or greater.
  2. Completion of pharmacology assessment (NUR 521).
  3. Successful demonstration of clinical skill components and knowledge included in previous clinical courses (NUR 500, NUR 550/650, and NUR 600).

Based upon each student’s performance on the above assessments, students will be provided one opportunity to remediate and re-demonstrate. If necessary, an individual action plan for improvement will be developed to assist the student to successfully re-integrate into the graduate program; all students are expected to fully comply with any individual action plan. Failure to meet these competencies will prevent progression and may result in dismissal from the graduate nursing program.

Clinical courses will need to be repeated if a leave is approved for greater than 1-year. Required coursework will be at the discretion of the program director and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to contact their program director prior to, as well as upon return of leave. When a leave of absence is granted, the period of leave is not counted against the time to completion requirement for the degree.

Certification & Registration for Nurse Practitioners

You must be certified and registered as a nurse practitioner by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) in order to practice as an nurse practitioner in New York.

NYSED certifies nurse practitioners to practice in the following specialty practice areas:

  • Acute Care
  • Adult Health
  • College Health
  • Community Health
  • Family Health
  • Gerontology
  • Holistic Care
  • Neonatology
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology
  • Oncology
  • Pediatrics
  • Palliative Care
  • Perinatology
  • Psychiatry
  • School Health
  • Women’s Health

To become certified and registered by NYSED as a nurse practitioner, you must:

  • Be currently registered and licensed as a registered professional nurse (RN) in New York State
  • Have graduated from a nurse practitioner education program acceptable to NYSED or be certified as a nurse practitioner by a national certifying organization acceptable to NYSED
  • Complete pharmacology coursework acceptable to NYSED
  • Apply for nurse practitioner certification with NYSED.

The Nurse Practitioner Application Process

  1. Download the nurse practitioner application online.
  2. Applicants who qualify on the basis of programs that are NYSED-approved or equivalent will have their schools submit verification forms. Those who qualify on the basis of national certification will have their certifying agencies submit verification. The Board has supplied forms for both purposes.
  3. A nurse practitioner who qualifies in multiple specialty areas must submit multiple applications.
  4. An applicant who completed pharmacotherapeutics coursework through any other than an NYSED-registered program will have his or her school complete an additional verification form.
  5. An nurse practitioner applicant currently pays $85 for application and initial registration.
  6. While New York’s state-issued nurse practitioner certifications do not expire, registration must be renewed on a three-year basis.

After you have met all requirements for nurse practitioner certification in a specialty area,

+NYSED will issue you a nurse practitioner certificate and a registration certificate.

  • Your nurse practitioner certification is valid for life, unless it is revoked, annulled or suspended by the New York State Board of Regents.
  • Your nurse practitioner registration certificate will authorize you to practice as a nurse practitioner for three years. You must renew your nurse practitioner registration and your RN registration with NYSED in order to continue practicing as a nurse practitioner. You are not legally allowed to provide nurse practitioner services while your nurse practitioner or your RN registration is expired.

Additional Resources: Nurse Practitioner

Credentialing is available from the New York Office of the Professions. The Office of the Professions can be reached at (518) 474-3817. The Nursing Board Office is extension 120.

Graduate Policies from the College:

Please see the college policies and college graduate policies

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