Transcription
DNP & PMHNP CertificateSTUDENT HANDBOOK2020-20211
Table of ContentsContentPage NumberI Welcome3II About Robert Morris University3-4A. Mission Statement4B. Vision Statement4C. Academic Calendar5D. Course Catalog6E. Department of Nursing Faculty6F. DNP Program Contact Information6G. Accreditation and Approval7H. Registration7I. Curriculum6J. Transfer of Credits7K. Academic Progression and Graduation7III Policies and Procedures8A. Nursing8B. Robert Morris University8C. DNP Project Policies8D. Formal Complaints8E. Student Advisory Board8IV Practicum Information for BSN-DNP and Psychiatric Mental Health NursePractitioner Certification Students9-11A. Health Insurance9B. Appropriate Attire for Clinical Experiences9C. Clinical Clearances9D. Health Evaluation10E. CPR Certification10F. Drug Screening10-11G. International Experiences11H. Simulation Lab11I. Professional Liability11J. Academic Integrity11V Student Resources12A. Student Advising12B. Scholarship and Financial Aid Information12C. Student Email12D. RMU Library12VI Graduation Information12Commencement12VII Extracurricular Activities13A. RMU Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI)13B. RMU Committees132
Robert Morris UniversitySchool of Nursing, Education and Human StudiesDepartment of Nursing DNP & PMHNP CertificateStudent HandbookI.WelcomeCongratulations on being accepted into the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) orPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate program at RobertMorris University (RMU). Your success depends on many factors, including acommitment to academics, communication with faculty, as well as an ability toutilize and understand the resources available to you at Robert Morris University.This handbook will serve as a guide to assist you throughout your years in theprogram. Please refer to the many web links provided in this handbook.The School of Nursing, Education and Human Studies (SNEHS)website is rich with information to assist you in achieving success in the program.Please visit the SNEHS website for more information.School of Nursing, Education and Human StudiesII.About Robert Morris UniversityRobert Morris University, a private nonprofit institution, was founded in 1921 asthe Pittsburgh School of Accountancy. In 1935 the School was named The RobertMorris School in honor of a famous Pennsylvanian financier of theAmerican Revolution. In 1962, the Pennsylvania Department of Educationapproved status as Robert Morris Junior College. With authorization to grant theBachelor of Science in business administration degree in 1969, the State approvedstatus as Robert Morris College. The State approved the granting of the MBAdegree in 1988.Over the years, most notably since 1990, the College expanded and diversified itscurriculum beyond the original specialty of business with its addition of graduateprograms in communication, information systems, and education. In recognitionof these changes, the Carnegie Foundation reclassified Robert Morris as aMaster’s (Comprehensive) I institution in 2000. Following a comprehensive selfstudy and site visit, the State granted university status in May 2001. Theinstitution formally changed its name to Robert Morris University in January2002.3
Robert Morris University is organized into four academic units. Degrees areoffered in the School of Business; School of Engineering, Mathematics, andScience; School of Informatics, Humanities and Social Sciences; and the Schoolof Nursing, Education and Human Studies. Deans of the four schools report to theProvost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. RobertMorris University offers baccalaureate and graduate degrees.A.Mission StatementUniversityTo be the gateway to engaged, productive, and successful careers and lives.Department of NursingThe Department of Nursing develops engaged, productive and successfulhealthcare professionals through experiential learning, inspiring faculty, andworldwide opportunities.B.Vision StatementUniversityRMU will be big enough to matter, yet small enough to care. As a student-centeredinstitution, Robert Morris University transforms lives by building knowledge andskills, and by providing the foundations of engagement and well-being.Department of NursingAs a student-centered school of excellence, we aspire to lead, co-create, andtransform healthcare education through innovative programs that buildrelationships, knowledge, and skills.DNP Program Outcomes Apply nursing science and clinical reasoning at the highest level of practiceto plan and implement care. Utilize expert communication and leadership skills with interdisciplinaryteams to create improvements in health care and complex health caredelivery systems. Apply theory, research, clinical inquiry, information technology, andevidence-based practice for clinical decision-making and the provision ofpatient care.4
Lead health care provider teams to systematically evaluate outcomes andimplement quality improvements based on evidence-based practice. Generate a culturally competent practice environment. Influence health policy to improve health care delivery and outcomes for allstakeholders. Partner with other health care providers to form an inter-professional teamto advance high-quality, safe, patient-centered care. Lead initiatives to promote disease prevention and population healthThe educational objectives of the PMHNP Certification program are to preparecertified registered PMHNPs who:C. Utilize expert communication and leadership skills with interdisciplinaryteams to ensure quality of care of patients experiencing mental illness; Employ clinical reasoning to aid in the differential diagnosis of bothmedical and psychiatric disorders across the lifespan; Utilize pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic and complementaryinterventions using an evidence-based practice approach in the provision oftreatment to individuals across the lifespan experiencing acute and chronicpsychiatric disorders; Function as team leaders to facilitate collaborative, interprofessionalteamwork to ensure safe, patient-centered care; Demonstrate culturally competent care in the provision of treatment toindividuals across the lifespan experiencing acute and chronic psychiatricdisorders.Academic CalendarThe academic calendar has important dates, including dates for registration,tuition payment, course withdrawal, and semester start and end. Click on thefollowing link to view the RMU Academic Calendar:Academic Calendar5
D.Course CatalogThe course catalog contains information regarding courses, dates, andtimes which are helpful when scheduling. The following link providesaccess to the RMU course catalog:Course CatalogE.Department of Nursing FacultyThe Department of Nursing faculty is committed to teaching, scholarship andservice. Faculty members are encouraged to maintain active clinical practice intheir area of expertise and direct patient care. As such, they are excellent rolemodels for students transitioning from clinicians to clinical scholars andeducators. Students will form scholarly relationships with faculty and will beassigned an academic advisor during the first semester and a DNP Project Advisorwhen beginning work on the scholarly DNP project. Our faculty are committed toassisting students to achieve success while maintaining academic rigor and highstandards for excellence. Contact information regarding individual facultymembers can be found at:Faculty and StaffF.DNP Program Contact InformationTerri Devereaux, PhD, MPM, FNP-BCAssociate ProfessorDNP Program DirectorPhone: 412-397-5440Email: devereaux@rmu.eduKirstyn Kameg, DNP, PMHNP-BCUniversity ProfessorPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program CoordinatorPhone: 412-397-6810Email: kameg@rmu.eduRhonda McFaddenDNP Program CoordinatorPhone: 412-397-6807Email: mcfadden@rmu.edu6
G.Accreditation and ApprovalThe baccalaureate degree in nursing, master's degree in nursing, postmaster’s/post-doctoral PMHNP certification, and the doctor of nursingpractice at Robert Morris University are accredited by the Commission onCollegiate Nursing Education.Commission on Collegiate Nursing EducationH.RegistrationAll DNP and PMHNP certificate students must have their course selectionsapproved by their academic advisors prior to registration for the fall,spring, and summer terms. Academic advisors will be assigned to youupon admission to the program. Students must schedule an appointmentwith their academic advisor prior to registration.I.CurriculumThe RMU Department of Nursing offers several areas of focus for theDNP program, including BSN-to-DNP, Master’s-to-DNP (currently onhiatus), and certificate options.DNP Program InformationJ.Transfer of CreditsGraduate level courses may be accepted. Transfer students requestingadmission to the Graduate Nursing programs will be evaluated on anindividual basis.K.Academic Progression and GraduationAll students who have concerns about their academic standing shoulddiscuss academic progression with their academic advisor. DNP andPMHNP certificate students should be aware of the policy for academicstanding:Acceptable Academic Status-DNP Program7
III. Policies / ProceduresA.NursingThe Department of Nursing has specific graduate policies that guide ouracademic practices. The following link provides access to the Departmentof Nursing graduate policies and procedures. Students are required toreview and be familiar with all graduate, nursing and DNP policies.SNEHS Graduate Policies and ProceduresB.Robert Morris UniversityThe following link provides access to the graduate academic policies andprocedures of RMU:University Graduate PoliciesC.DNP Project PoliciesStudents should be familiar with and adhere to the guidelines and policiesrelated to the DNP project. Policies for the DNP project for BSN-DNPand Masters to DNP students are available at:DNP Project PolicyD.Formal ComplaintsFormal complaints must be submitted in writing to the department head ofnursing. The DH will attempt to resolve the issue with appropriateuniversity personnel (where applicable). Any formal complaint regardinga faculty member follows the faculty-student dispute policy.Graduate Student-Faculty DisputesE.Student Advisory BoardComments and concerns from students are shared with Dean and Associate Dean.In turn, the info is shared with faculty and admin team during Council meetings. Asuggestion box is located next to the Scaife lobby elevator.8
IV. Practicum Information for BSN-DNP and PsychiatricMental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification StudentsA.Health InsuranceAll students in the DNP and PMHNP certificate program are required to carryhealth insurance while enrolled in the program. If you need health insurance, thiscan be obtained through Robert Morris University. If you have your owncoverage, you must enter your health insurance information on the RMU websiteeach academic year or you will be automatically invoiced for the healthinsurance offered through RMU. The following link has information for studentsregarding student health insurance coverage:Robert Morris University - Student Health InsuranceB.Appropriate Attire for Clinical Practicum ExperiencesIt is expected that DNP and PMHNP certificate students will dressprofessionally and wear RMU issued lab coats during clinical practicumexperiences. However, clinical agency requirements will supersede schoolrequirements for appropriate attire.C.Clinical ClearancesPennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY113), PennsylvaniaCriminal Record Check Clearances (SPA-164) and FBI Criminal HistoryBackground Check are due prior to starting practicum experiences.Beginning in 2013, SNHS contracted with Castle Branch(CB) to facilitate the process of clinical clearances and health information.You will receive detailed information regarding access to CB. Students arestrongly encouraged to read all materials carefully and adhere to all CBrequirements. Failure to adhere to mandated clearances and otherdocumentation may result in delays and/or exclusion from clinical sites.Costs for the use of CB are the responsibility of the student. Studentsneed to have all clearances submitted and APPROVED by therequired due date. Failure to comply may result in an automaticwithdrawal from the course. Please allow up to six weeks for completionof clearances.CastleBranchNOTE: A charge or a conviction of a felonious act may preventstudents from attending clinical experiences. Inability to fulfill clinicalobjectives could result in failure in the course and/ or dismissal fromthe program.All clinical agencies where a student is scheduled to have a clinical9
practicum experience must be informed if a student has a positive criminalbackground check. The agency will decide if they are willing to providethe student with a practicum experience based on the review of thebackground check. If a student is not accepted for a clinical practicumexperience, this may jeopardize the student from progressing in clinicalcourses. The student will be responsible for securing his/her own clinicalsite/preceptor who must be approved by the practicum course faculty.D.Health EvaluationAn initial health evaluation is required prior to the start of the first coursewith clinical agency activities. In order to comply with the NationalCouncil of State Board of Nursing regulations and contractual agreementswith the clinical agencies, the Department of Nursing requires a separatehealth evaluation. The form is available on the CastleBranch website.Students are responsible for downloading the form and having itcompleted by the healthcare provider. Completed forms need to beuploaded to the Castle Branch website by the given due date. Allclearances must be submitted and approved by the required duedate. Please allow up to six weeks for completion of clearances. Alwayskeep a copy of any important documents that are submitted.A health exam is required yearly after the initial health evaluation for aslong as the student is enrolled any clinical courses. The annual healthevaluation form is also available on the CastleBranch website. All costsassociated with the health screening are the responsibility of thestudent.E.CPR CertificationCurrent CPR certification is required prior to the first practicum courseand must be maintained throughout the DNP or PMHNP certificateProgram. The certification required is the American Heart Association“Healthcare Provider” Level. Students are responsible for the cost ofcertification. A copy of the CPR card is to be uploaded to the CastleBranch site. The student keeps the original.F.Drug ScreeningAn initial negative drug screen is required of all students prior tobeginning clinical practicum activities. Information about the drugscreening process is available through CastleBranch. The cost of this10
initial drug screening is the responsibility of the student and must becompleted according to the process described on the CB website. Someagencies and circumstances may require an additional random drugscreening process and details will be provided at the time of the randomdrug screening request.G.International ExperiencesNursing students are given the opportunity to travel internationally. Dr.Carl Ross serves as Director, International Activities. The following linkprovides helpful information regarding this innovative program:Robert Morris University - SON - International ActivitiesH.Simulation LabThe Department of Nursing incorporates the use of high fidelity humanpatient simulators and standardized patients in the educational process.This innovative technology allows students the ability to practice anddemonstrate the advanced practice nursing role in a safe, controlledenvironment. The following link provides information regarding thisinnovative instructional technique.Robert Morris University - SimulationI.Professional LiabilityStudents are covered by a group policy through the Department ofNursing. A copy of this policy is available from the Department ofNursing.J.Academic IntegrityThe Academic Integrity Policy for the SNEHS is consistent withthe University Academic Integrity Policy and can be found at:Academic Integrity Policy.It is expected that all written work is original and all documentation ofclinical hours is accurate. Group work should be collaborative and finalgroup projects should reflect “team effort.” Violation of academicintegrity may result in course failure or dismissal from the program.11
V.Student ResourcesA.Student AdvisingStudents are assigned an academic advisor as they begin the DNP orPMHNP certificate program. DNP students will be assigned a DNP projectadvisor in addition to their academic advisor following the overview oftheir DNP project topics.B.Scholarship and Financial Aid InformationScholarship InformationFinancial Aidwww.pheaa.orgC.Student EmailEmail is used by academic advisors and by faculty to contact studentswith important information. Students should read their RMU studentemail daily. NOTE: Students may have the RMU student emailforwarded to different email address. Please contact the RMU ITHelp Desk for assistance at 412-397-2211 or help@rmu.edu.E.RMU LibraryThe RMU library is staffed by qualified librarians to assist you in yourscholarly projects. There are also many nursing professional journalslocated in the library in print format. In addition, the RMU ElectronicLibrary is a helpful service to search databases while off campus. Anoverview of the library system at RMU can be found at:Robert Morris University - LibraryVI. Graduation InformationA.CommencementRMU hosts a formal graduate commencement ceremony each May thatincludes both the December and May graduates. The dates are included inthe academic calendar. This formal academic ceremony is rich withtradition and includes the academic procession of administrators, faculty,and students, a pertinent message delivered by a guest speaker, and thepresentation of each graduate candidate. Academic regalia are worn.Family and friends are encouraged to attend. Students must apply forgraduation in the first two weeks of the semester in which they willgraduate. Please see the website for details at:https://rmu.edu/academics/commencement12
VII. Extracurricular ActivitiesA.RMU Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI)Sigma Theta Tau International, the Honor Society of Nursing, promotesscholarship in the profession of nursing. There are specific criteria forselection and it is an honor to be selected. Upsilon Phi is our chapter ofSigma Theta Tau. Students who become eligible are invited to join arestrongly encouraged to do so. More information about STTI is availableat: Sigma Nursing.B.RMU CommitteesDNP and PMHNP certificate students are welcomed and encouraged toserve on university or school committees and provide valuableinformation. Please contact the DNP Program Director for moreinformation about participation.13
IV Practicum Information for BSN-DNP and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Students 9-11 A. Health Insurance 9 B. Appropriate Attire for Clinical Experiences 9 C. Clinical Clearances 9 D. Health Evaluation 10 E. CPR Certification 1
