Academic Handbook for Nursing Programs

Part I. Purpose

The healthcare industries carry expectations of employees that are somewhat different from other employment industries. Graduates from the Southeast Technical College’s nursing programs will be expected to have achieved specific competencies. They will be expected to perform these skills with a level of professionalism that will allow them to be effective team members in a professional environment. The guidelines in this handbook in addition to Southeast Technical College student policies apply to all nursing program students and Southeast Technical College faculty regardless of the location where instruction occurs.

The guidelines in this handbook have been developed to ensure students are prepared to enter the healthcare industry. This handbook may have expectations that are more stringent than the Southeast Technical College catalog; this handbook will take precedence. Students will be expected to be familiar with and comply with all program expectations (RN, LPN, CNA, etc.).

Part II. Code Of Ethics

As nursing students, we commit ourselves to uphold the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior as outlined by the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses. We recognize the importance of integrity, accountability, compassion, and respect in all interactions with patients, families, peers, faculty, and healthcare team members.

We pledge to:

• Maintain patient confidentiality and uphold privacy in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Advocate for the health, safety, and rights of all patients.
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity in academic and clinical settings.
• Treat all individuals with dignity, respect, and without discrimination.
• Accept responsibility for our own learning and professional development.
• Report unethical or unsafe behaviors promptly and responsibly.
• Collaborate respectfully with peers, faculty, and members of the healthcare team.

This ethical foundation guides our conduct as we prepare to enter the nursing profession, ensuring that our actions reflect the values and responsibilities of a trusted healthcare provider.

Southeast Technical College policies authorize suspension or termination of any student for misconduct to include acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, downloading, saving, or printing of tests or course documents without permission, working on assignments without permission, or other forms of dishonesty relating to academic achievement.

Accessing, printing, downloading, saving or distributing any other student’s work, including radiological scans, sonography scans, ECGs or any biographical or demographic data, etc., is strictly prohibited. Any images or data obtained from fellow students or patient volunteers are considered personal and confidential and are to be used only for educational purposes as directed within the designated Southeast Tech educational environment and may not be printed, downloaded, saved or distributed in any manner.

Part III. Social Media

There is no such thing as a private social media site. As a student in the healthcare field, you should understand the effects social media can have on you both personally and professionally. Be aware of your audience and mindful of what you are posting.  Think twice before posting and post in a professional manner. Be cognitive of your digital footprint. Inappropriate posting about any educational environment, experiences, fellow students, and/or Southeast Tech could be violations of HIPAA and FERPA. Failure to follow HIPAA and FERPA confidentiality guidelines may result in suspension or termination from the program.  

A. ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to follow Southeast Technical College’s attendance policy and/or syllabi. Attendance at clinical is required. Students that are not in attendance for the clinical or practicum experience may receive a zero for those absences. Please refer to the course syllabi for more information regarding absence reporting.

B. PARTICIPATION LIABILITY 

Due to the procedures covered in and the physical participation requirements of the courses, students and volunteers are required to sign release forms that provide the student with a description of the required lab experiences, student lab responsibilities, and/or release of liability to the institution.

Part IV. Professional Physical Demands, Latex Allergies, and Immunization Record Requirements

A. PROFESSIONAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Each profession has specific physical demands. These are stated in the technical standards. Students not able to perform the essential job duties of a profession may not be allowed to go to clinical/practicum.

B. LATEX ALLERGIES

Students who have or develop a latex allergy while in a healthcare program may find it difficult to complete the program’s requirements. A latex-free environment cannot be guaranteed at Southeast Technical College or at any of our affiliate sites. Students with concerns should contact the appropriate faculty and their healthcare provider to discuss the ramifications of a latex allergy.

C. IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Students will not be able to attend clinical if immunizations or other requirements are missing. Please see additional details for each immunization requirement on the Physical/Immunization Form. Please refer to Southeast Technical College catalog for more details. All fees associated with obtaining appropriate records or bloodwork necessary to prove immunity are at the student’s expense.

D. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Background Check
• Physical (Must be completed prior to start of program and repeated yearly.)
• Immunizations
• Copy of health insurance card (Students must have health insurance while enrolled and throughout clinical experiences.)
• American Heart Association or American Red Cross Basic Life Support BLS Certified
  • Must be valid throughout clinical
  • Not a requirement for CNA

All CNA students should send documentation of the above requirements to Health.Records@southeasttech.edu

All LPN/RN students should send documentation of the above requirements to Nursing.Records@southeasttech.edu

Part V. Environmental Exposures

Due to the known hazards and risks associated with radiation, chemicals and/or environmental exposure and pregnancy, the clinical/practicum site must be informed by the student of pregnancy status so any necessary precautions from chemicals, radiation areas, etc. may be taken. Maintaining the health of the fetus is the responsibility of the student. Therefore, students who think they may be pregnant and have questions regarding necessary precautions when dealing with environmental exposures should speak with his/her faculty. Students who are pregnant and are involved in clinical/practicum that involve exposure to radiation/chemical exposure must provide written documentation from their healthcare provider that the student is able to safely participate in clinical/practicum activities.

Part VI. Leave/Accommodation Policy

 It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the process for all accommodations. If a medical condition requires the student to be absent, extended medical leave may be available. In the event of an extended medical leave, including pregnancy-related leave, the student may be required to complete additional clinical/practicum hours if the student is unable to demonstrate the required skill/competency level. If the restrictions are imposed due to a medical condition, including pregnancy, written documentation of activity restriction must be provided by the student’s healthcare provider to the program chair.

When the student can return to performing the essential functions required of a healthcare professional with or without accommodation, the student will return to his/her assigned clinical/ practicum site to fulfill the required clinical/practicum hours. In the event the student is unable to complete the clinical/practicum hours, accommodation may be made.

For compliance/Title IX reach out to:

Jim Larson
Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator
605-367-5681 | jim.larson@southeasttech.edu

To reach out for accommodations/accessibility reach out to: access@southeasttech.edu

Part VII. Health and Accident Insurance Information

A. PROCEDURE IN THE EVENT OF STUDENT INJURY ON CAMPUS

Students are responsible for their own insurance and medical expenses in case of an accident or injury that may happen at school. This also includes accidents that may happen in a lab or simulation setting. Examples include, but are not limited to, incidents such as needle sticks, lacerations or solution splashed into the eyes. Proof of health insurance is also a requirement of facilities where students will be doing clinical/practicum rotations.

B. PROCEDURE IN THE EVENT OF STUDENT INJURY AT CLINICAL SITE OFF CAMPUS

As a student, I understand that participation in clinical experiences is an essential component of my education, providing opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world healthcare settings. I acknowledge that these environments may present inherent risks, including but not limited to exposure to infectious diseases, needlestick injuries, and other potential hazards.

I recognize my responsibility to adhere strictly to all safety protocols, infection control procedures, and guidelines established by both the educational institution and the clinical site. This includes the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), immediate reporting of any incidents or exposures, and compliance with post-exposure procedures as outlined by the clinical facility and the appropriate program.

In the event of an injury or exposure, I agree to follow the clinical site’s policies and procedures, including seeking appropriate medical evaluation and completing all necessary documentation. Do NOT use personal insurance information at the emergency room or physician’s office for injuries or exposures that are related to your clinical/practicum experience. Tell the treatment facility that any insurance forms and bills will be handled through worker’s compensation of the Sioux Falls School District. You will receive an email with work comp information from the administrative assistant on how to proceed.  

Part VIII. Student Complaint Process

Refer to the Southeast Tech Catalog for guidelines in the student appeal process.

Part IX. Drug-Free Environment

Refer to the Southeast Tech Catalog for guidelines on the drug free environment policy.

Part X. Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screening

BACKGROUND CHECKS

Criminal Background Checks are required for all Healthcare programs. These must be completed and re-checked each year while enrolled and throughout the clinical process. Background checks must be completed and will only be accepted from Verified Credentials. The results of these checks and screenings may affect a student’s admission into the program, ability to attend a clinical or practicum site, take specific courses, or continue the student’s enrollment in the program. If a student’s status changes due to a conviction (other than a minor traffic violation) or pending court action, after applying for the program but before going to clinical, the student must inform the Program Chair and/or Health Records immediately. If a student fails to notify the Program Chair and/or Health Records of this status change, they will be subject to disciplinary actions, which may lead to termination of the program. Some clinical sites require their own background check prior to admittance to the clinical site. The cost of this additional check may or may not be covered by the clinical site. If the clinical site does not cover the cost, the student is responsible for the additional cost of this background check.

DRUG SCREENS

Drug screenings may be required for health students if a clinical affiliate has that requirement. Students will be notified if a site requires a drug screen. Drug screen results must be directed to the Health Records office at STC. If a positive result occurs due to medication(s), a provider’s note is required. If students do not have a provider note and do not provide a negative drug screen, that student may not be allowed to complete necessary clinical hours. If the student fails to provide a drug screen, they may not be allowed to attend clinicals. Clinical site reassignment will not be based solely on the drug screen requirement.

XI. Satisfactory Academic Progress

• Maintaining a passing grade in all program-specific courses. Refer to syllabus for more information.
• Students should visit with instructors and utilize available tutor services if they are not achieving a passing score in a class.
• Two unsuccessful attempts of one program-specific course (the same course twice) will result in the student not being allowed to reapply for the program.
• Two unsuccessful attempts of program specific courses (different courses even within the same semester) may result in the student not being allowed to reapply for the program.
• An unsuccessful attempt may include a “no-show” or early withdrawal.

Additional requirements:

• Students must meet the expectations of that instructor or preceptor for professional standards. These may be less measurable competencies relating to peer relations and communications, dependability, honesty, and attitude toward the profession of healthcare. If an instructor documents questionable student performance of professional standards, a meeting will be scheduled to determine the status or terms for the student’s continued participation in the program. Depending on the severity of the violation, discipline may result; discipline will follow guidelines as listed in the Southeast Tech Catalog.
• Working in a caring profession brings special responsibilities to the people being served. These responsibilities include reporting of peers who are impaired or who are behaving in an unsafe, unethical or illegal manner in either an on-campus or clinical experience.

Part XII. Program Readmission

• Students must meet all current entrance and academic requirements for the year in which they are reapplying.
• Acceptance and placement in a program may be limited by space available and will be determined based on the student’s academic effort, demonstrated clinical/lab/practicum skills, completion of recommendations for academic record, effort and demonstrated skills success.