The following are the current Rapha School's Policies and Handbooks. Other policies may be adopted by The Rapha School from time to time and are effective at the time of adoption.
Community Code of Conduct Policy
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A. Introduction
B. Definitions C. Authority D. Jurisdiction E. Student Accommodations F. Community Code of Conduct
J. Sanctions K. Notification of Outcomes L. Failure to Complete Sanctions M. Appeal Review Procedures
O. Interpretation and Revision P. Disability Services |
A. Introduction
The Student Support Liaison within The Rapha School is charged with administering a community conduct process that is based upon the mission, philosophy, and values of The Rapha School. Student members of the community are expected to uphold and abide by certain community code of conduct. Each member of The Rapha School community bears responsibility for their own behavior. The community code of conduct process is not intended to punish students. Sanctions and restorative measures are intended to help students bring their behavior into accord with our community expectations. All allegations of Sexual Misconduct are adjudicated under the Sexual Misconduct Policy. Likewise, other distinct policies that address specific issues are adjudicated as it is stated in that policy. Such policies include but are not limited to the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy. Other policies may be adopted by The Rapha School from time to time and are effective at the time of adoption. Please consult The Rapha School website at https://www.theraphaschool.com/policies-and-handbooks.html for a full list of applicable policies. Students should be aware that the community code of conduct process is different from criminal and civil court proceedings. Procedures and rights in the community code of conduct process do not include the same protections of due process afforded by the courts. B. Definitions
C. Authority
The Director has authority over student discipline. The Director appoints the Student Support Liaison to oversee and manage the community code of conduct process. The Director may appoint administrative hearing officers and members of boards as deemed necessary to efficiently and effectively facilitate the community code of conduct process. The Student Support Liaison (or designee) will assume responsibility for the investigation of an allegation of misconduct to determine if the complaint has merit. Students at The Rapha School are provided a link to The Rapha School Community Code of Conduct Policy on The Rapha School website at the time of enrollment. Hard copies are available upon request from the Student Support Liaison. Students are responsible for having read and abiding by the provisions of the Community Code of Conduct Policy. D. Jurisdiction
The Community Code of Conduct Policy and the community code of conduct process apply to the behavior of individual students. The Rapha School retains jurisdiction under the Community Code of Conduct Policy over students who choose to take a leave of absence, withdraw, or have graduated for any misconduct that occurred prior to the leave, withdrawal, or graduation. If sanctioned, a hold may be placed on the student’s ability to reenroll or to obtain official transcripts and/or graduate. All sanctions must be satisfied prior to re-enrollment eligibility or reinstatement of the degree. In the event of a charge of serious misconduct allegedly committed while still enrolled but reported after the accused student has graduated, The Rapha School may invoke these procedures and, should the former student be found responsible, The Rapha School may revoke that student’s degree and block the release of transcripts. The Community Code of Conduct Policy applies to behaviors that take place on the campus, at clinical sites, and may also apply off-campus when the Director or designee determines that the off-campus conduct affects a substantial Rapha School interest. A substantial Rapha School interest is defined to include:
The Rapha School fully recognizes the right of all students to seek knowledge, debate, and freely express their ideas. Discourse and disagreement are fundamental components of any academic endeavor and students will not be subject to disciplinary action for their lawful expression of ideas. A student retains the rights, protection, guarantees, and responsibilities which are held by all citizens. The Rapha School community code of conduct system does not eclipse, in intention or application, the constitutional rights and guarantees of students. The Community Code of Conduct Policy may be applied to conduct that occurs online, via email, or any other electronic medium. Students should also be aware that online postings such as blogs, web postings, chats, social networking sites, as well as media yet to be developed, are in the public sphere and are not private. These postings can subject a student to allegations of standards violations if evidence of policy violations is posted online. The Rapha School does not seek out this information but may act if and when such information is brought to the attention of The Rapha School officials. There is no time limit on reporting violations of the Community Code of Conduct Policy; however, the longer someone waits to report an offense, the harder it becomes for The Rapha School officials to obtain information and witness statements and to make determinations regarding alleged violations. The Rapha School email is The Rapha School’s primary means of communication with students. Students are responsible for all communication delivered to their Rapha School email address and to respond as required or requested. E. Student Accommodations
Any student with a disability involved in the community code of conduct process has the right to request a reasonable accommodation to ensure their full and equal participation. The Student Support Liaison will coordinate appropriate services and accommodations as determined on an individual basis based upon appropriate documentation and consultation with the student. F. Community Code of Conduct
The Rapha School considers the conduct described in the following subsections as inappropriate for The Rapha School community and in opposition to the core values set forth by The Rapha School. The Rapha School encourages community members to report to Rapha School officials all incidents that involve the conduct described below. Alcohol
Drugs /Controlled Substances
Harmful Conduct and Harassment
Community Safety
Property
Noncompliance
Complicity
Other
G. Overview of the community code of conduct Process
This overview gives a general idea of how The Rapha School community code of conduct proceedings work, but it should be noted that not all situations are of the same severity or complexity. The procedures are flexible and are not the same in every situation, though consistency in similar situations is a priority. The student disciplinary process and all applicable timelines commence with written notice from the Student Support Liaison of a potential violation of The Rapha School rules and regulations. Notice: Once an allegation is received from any source, The Rapha School may proceed with a preliminary investigation and/or may schedule an initial educational meeting/conference with the responding student to explain the community code of conduct process and gather information. Evidence: Different types of information may be presented during an investigation or during a hearing. This information may include direct evidence, which is based on personal observation or experience. Evidence may be circumstantial, which is information that does not include an eyewitness to the actual event but does include enough information to lead a reasonable person to the conclusion that the individual did what he/she is alleged to have done. Evidence may include documents, which includes supportive writings or statements, reports, etc., that support or deny a fact at issue. Evidence may also be secondhand or "hearsay" evidence. While it is acceptable for the adjudicator to consider and hear relevant second-hand information, hearsay evidence may not be the only evidence used to establish responsibility in a case. The Rapha School is not bound by formal rules of evidence; however, evidence shall be inherently reliable. Evidence or information that may not be admissible in a court of law may be admissible in a hearing or as part of an investigation. It is up to the adjudicator to decide what information is admissible as part of a hearing. It is up to the adjudicator to decide the credibility and relevance of information and the weight that they will assign to that information. Standard of Proof: The standard of proof describes the level of proof that must be met to find a respondent responsible for a violation. The Rapha School uses the preponderance of the evidence (also known as “more likely than not”) as a standard for proof of whether a violation occurred. This standard is lower than the standard required in a criminal proceeding. The Rapha School resolution proceedings are conducted to consider the totality of all evidence available and from all relevant sources. There may be strong, definitive evidence presented to persuade the adjudicator that the respondent did or did not violate a section of this or other Rapha School policy. There may also be ambiguities and contradictions which require the adjudicator to decide whom they determine more credible. An individual is not considered to be “responsible” for any allegations until the completion of the process determines that it is more likely than not that the alleged violation of this policy occurred. Burden of Proof: The burden of proof refers to who has the responsibility of showing a violation has occurred. It is always the responsibility of The Rapha School to satisfy the burden of proof. The respondent does not have the burden to prove that a violation did not occur. A respondent may decide not to share their side of the story or may decide not to participate in the hearing or an investigation. None of these decisions shifts the burden of proof away from The Rapha School and does not indicate responsibility nor will it result in increased sanctions if the respondent is found responsible for the accusations. 1. Incident Review Meeting The Rapha School conducts a preliminary inquiry into the nature of the incident, complaint, or notice, the evidence available, and the parties and witnesses involved. When an Incident Review Meeting is held, the possible outcomes include:
If the finding is that the respondent is in violation, and the respondent accepts this finding, the administrator conducting the incident review meeting will then determine the sanction(s) for the misconduct, which the respondent may accept or reject. If accepted, the process ends. If the respondent accepts the findings but rejects the sanction, the Student Support Liaison will conduct a sanction-only hearing, conducted by a hearing officer, which determines a sanction. The sanction is then subject to appeal (see Appeal Review Procedures on page 19 below). Once the appeal is decided, the process ends. If the administrator conducting the incident review meeting determines that it is more likely than not that the respondent is in violation, and the respondent student rejects that finding in whole or in part, then it is considered a contested allegation and the process moves to a formal hearing. 2. Formal Hearing In a contested allegation, a hearing may be held when there is reasonable cause to believe that a Rapha School Community Code of Conduct Policy provision has been violated. No complaint will be forwarded for a hearing unless there is reasonable cause to believe a Community Code of Conduct Policy provision may have been violated. Reasonable cause is defined as some credible information to support each element of the offense of the alleged Community Code of Conduct Policy provision, even if that information is merely a credible witness or a complainant’s statement. A complaint wholly unsupported by any credible information will not be forwarded for a hearing. A formal notice of the complaint will be issued, and a hearing will be held before a hearing officer, which is charged with adjudicating the matter. If the finding is that the respondent is not responsible, the process ends. Applicable appeal options are described in section M of this policy. 3. Review and Finalize Sanctions If the student is found in violation of The Rapha School Community Code of Conduct Policy, sanctions will be determined by the hearing officer. The findings and sanctions will be communicated to the respondent. Applicable appeal options are described in section M of this policy. 4. Conflict Resolution Options The Student Support Liaison has the discretion to refer a complaint for mediation or other forms of appropriate conflict resolution. All parties must agree to conflict resolution and to be bound by the decision with no review or appeal. Any unsuccessful conflict resolution may be forwarded for formal processing and hearing. The Student Support Liaison may also suggest that complaints that do not involve a violation of the Community Code of Conduct Policy be referred for mediation or other appropriate conflict resolution. The outcome of a mediation or other appropriate conflict resolution is binding and documented as a part of the student’s community code of conduct record. 5. Administrative Hearing Officers Administrative Hearing Officers are chosen from administrators, staff members, and graduate students selected by the Student Support Liaison together with the Director. H. Formal community code of conduct Process
The Rapha School is the convener of every action under this code and the formal process is described herein. 1. Amnesty Individuals reporting violence being done against them, individuals offering assistance, and individuals reporting heinous behavior may be protected by Pennsylvania’s Medical Amnesty Policy, and/or the guidelines outlined under Alcohol and Drug Use Amnesty for Students in the Sexual Misconduct Policy. 2. Notice of Alleged Violation Any member of The Rapha School community, visitor, or guest may allege a policy violation by any student for misconduct under this Code by submitting a report via email, phone, or in person at the contact information below: Student Support 17 Griffith Drive, Home, PA 15747 Phone: 724-397-2364 studentsupport@theraphaschool.edu Reports of conduct allegedly in violation of this policy may be received through other additional means as appropriate. Notice may also be given to any member of The Rapha School. Additionally, administrators may act on notice of a potential violation regardless of whether a formal allegation is made or not. All allegations of misconduct should be submitted as soon as possible after the alleged offending event occurs. The Rapha School has the right to pursue an allegation or notice of misconduct on its own behalf and to serve as convener of the subsequent process. 3. Notice of Hearing Once a determination is made that reasonable cause exists to refer a complaint for a hearing, a formal notice will be given to the respondent. Notice will be in writing and delivered via The Rapha School-issued email address. Other means of delivery may include delivery in person by the Student Support Liaison (or designee), delivery by mail to the local or permanent address of the student as indicated in official Rapha School records, or delivery by email to a non-Rapha School email address confirmed by the student as their personal email account. Once mailed, emailed, and/or received in-person, such notice will be presumptively delivered. The letter of notice will include the alleged violation and notification of where to locate The Rapha School Community Code of Conduct Policy and The Rapha School procedures for resolution of the complaint and direct the responding student to contact the Student Support Liaison to respond to the complaint. The letter of notice will also include a short summary of the allegations which supports the issuance of charges under the Community Code of Conduct Policy. A meeting with the Student Support Liaison may be arranged to explain the nature of the complaint and the community code of conduct process. At this meeting, the respondent may indicate, either verbally or in writing, whether they admit to or deny the allegations of the complaint. 4. Hearing Procedures a. Community Code of Conduct Hearing: A hearing will be scheduled for any allegation with reasonable cause unable to be resolved through any informal process. In the event a hearing is scheduled, a respondent will be given a minimum of three calendar-days’ notice prior to appearing before the assigned adjudicator unless the student waives this notice. The respondent may waive in writing their right to a hearing and accept one or more sanctions as determined by the adjudicator. The sanctions will reflect the severity of the current charges against the student as well as any previous disciplinary record. b. General Guidelines for Community Code of Conduct Hearings Guidelines used by hearing officers include:
c. Procedures for cases adjudicated by Hearing Officers
I. Interim Action
In a situation where it is determined that a continuation of the present circumstances presents a potential danger to the health, safety, or welfare to self, other students, or The Rapha School community, the Director or their designee may implement an interim action. The interim action will remain in effect pending final disposition of the case. Interim actions may include, but are not limited to, temporary removal from The Rapha School community. After the interim action is implemented, the following process will commence:
J. Sanctions
Sanctions are assigned to meet specific learning and developmental outcomes to assist students to understand the impact of their actions and to hold them accountable for their conduct. Sanctions are also assigned with the intent of improving upon a student’s success at The Rapha School by acquiring new skills and promoting growth in various dimensions of moral and ethical development. Any sanctions will be proportionate to the severity of the violation of the Community Code of Conduct Policy and to the cumulative behavioral history of the student. Any assigned sanction may be stayed from implementation for a specified period as determined by the hearing officer. Any subsequent proven violation of Rapha School policy, rule, regulation, or law may cause the stay to be lifted and the assigned sanction implemented with immediate effect. The sanction will not be lifted until the date indicated by the hearing officer or the date upon which the student successfully completes all assigned sanctions, whichever comes last. A hearing officer may impose one or more sanctions from the sanctions listed below.
K. Notification of Outcomes
The outcome of a campus hearing is part of the educational record of the respondent and is protected from release under the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), except under certain conditions. Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, the Student Support Liaison may send written notice to the parents and/or legal guardians of a student under twenty-one years of age who is found to be responsible for violating any state or local laws pertaining to possession, consumption, or inappropriate sale of any alcoholic beverages or controlled substances. Parents and/or legal guardians may be notified in cases where The Rapha School determines through the community code of conduct process that a student violated a policy that would constitute a “crime of violence” or non-forcible sex offense. FERPA defines “crimes of violence” to include arson, assault offenses (including stalking), burglary, criminal homicide, manslaughter by negligence, murder, non-negligent manslaughter, destruction/damage/vandalism of property, kidnapping/abduction, robbery, forcible sex offenses, and non-forcible sex offenses. L. Failure to Complete Sanctions
All students, as members of The Rapha School community, are expected to comply with sanctions within the time frame specified by the Hearing Officer. Failure to follow through on sanctions by the date specified, whether by refusal, neglect, or any other reason, may result in additional charges. M. Appeal Review Procedures
1. Grounds for Appeal: Upon receiving notification of the outcome of a hearing, a respondent and complainant may appeal in writing for any of the following reasons:
2. Appeal Procedures: The individual submitting the appeal must present a written request that specifically articulates one or more reasons for appeal from the grounds listed above to the Student Support Liaison within five (5) calendar days of notification of the hearing decision. The five (5) day requirement may be waived where extenuating circumstances prevail and only if the grounds for appeal are met. The individual submitting the appeal must include in the written appeal the reason for the appeal and all the supporting facts. Appeals cannot be submitted by a third party on behalf of the respondent or the complainant. An appeal is not a rehearing of the matter and will not have merit simply because the person submitting the appeal disagrees with the outcome. Once the appeal has been received, the Student Support Liaison will conduct an initial review to determine if the appeal request meets the limited grounds and is timely. If the appeal is denied on the grounds of merit, The Student Support Liaison will draft a response memorandum to the appellant based on the determination that the request will be granted or denied and why. If the appeal is not timely or substantively eligible, the original finding and sanction will stand and the decision is final. If the appeal has merit and is timely, the appeal will be forwarded to the Director or designee for review. In cases that do not involve interim action, once an appeal is filed all sanctions are placed on hold with the exception of any sanction prohibiting contact with another individual. The Director may assign an Appeal Review Officer to hear the appeal. Appeals of expulsion must be submitted to the Director. The Director will respond to a respondent in writing regarding the appeal of an expulsion decision. If the appeal is granted, the Appeal Review Officer determines whether to revise the sanctions or to remand it for a new hearing, either to the original decision-maker or a newly assigned decision-maker. Where the original decision-maker may be unduly biased by a procedural or substantive error, a new decision-maker will be constituted to reconsider the matter, which can, in turn, be appealed once. Full re-hearings by the Appeal Review Officer are not permitted. The Appeal Review Officer must limit its review to the challenges presented. On reconsideration, the new or original decision-maker may affirm or change the findings and/or sanctions of the original hearing according to the permissible grounds. Procedural errors should be corrected, new evidence should be considered, and sanctions should be proportionate to the severity of the violation and the student’s cumulative record. All decisions of the Appeal Review Officer should be made within ten (10) calendar days of submission. If this timeline is not obtainable, it may be further delayed with the approval of the Director. Decisions of the Appeal Review Officer are final, as are any upheld decisions made by the original hearing as the result of reconsideration consistent with instructions from the Appeal Review Officer. All parties will be timely informed of the status of requests for appeal, the status of the appeal consideration, and the results of the appeal decision. This response usually occurs within 10 calendar days of the appeal being filed. 3. The Appeal Review Officer The Appeal Review Officer is selected with the following requirements to serve:
The presumptive stance of The Rapha School is that all decisions made and sanctions imposed by the original decision-maker are to be stayed during the appellate process except in cases where interim action were implemented. Appeals are not an opportunity for appeal board members to substitute their judgment for that of the original decision-maker merely because they disagree with the finding and/or sanctions. Appeal decisions are to be deferential to the original decision-maker, making changes to the sanction only if there is a compelling justification to do so. N. Disciplinary Records
The Student Support Liaison will maintain student records which contain all necessary and appropriate documents related to community code of conduct matters. Material deemed unnecessary may be discarded at any time. Student records will be maintained for seven years in accordance with The Rapha School record policy. Other circumstances outside the community code of conduct process may require retention of the record for a longer period. Cases resulting in expulsion may be retained for a longer period. The Rapha School will not release a student's records without the written consent of the student. The only exceptions to this guideline are those outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The Student Support Liaison cannot guarantee confidentiality but will maintain a student’s privacy to the greatest extent possible. O. Interpretation and Revision
Procedural rules for the administration of hearings will be developed that are consistent with provisions of the Community Code of Conduct Policy. A material deviation from these rules will, generally, only be made as necessary and may include reasonable notice to the parties involved either by posting online and/or in the form of written communication. Procedures may vary with notice upon determining that changes to law or regulation require policy or procedural alterations not reflected in this Code. Minor modifications to a procedure that do not materially jeopardize the fairness owed to any party may be made at the discretion of the Student Support Liaison as appropriate. Any question of interpretation of the Community Code of Conduct Policy will be referred to the Director, whose interpretation is final. The Community Code of Conduct Policy and related Policies and Procedures shall be reviewed at least every three years. The Community Code of Conduct Policy and related Policies and Procedures shall be updated as necessary to comply with applicable law, policy, or regulation. The review process shall be coordinated by the Director or designee. Revision History 06/2021 |
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A. Admission Requirements & Procedures
B. Student Health Program C. Disability Services/Request for Reasonable Accommodations D. Description of The Rapha School Practical Nursing Program E. Objectives of the Program F. Conceptual Framework G. Purpose of Program H. Plan of Study I. Course Descriptions
L. Satisfactory Academic Progress
O. Articulation of Higher Education P. Transfer of Hours Q. Advanced Placement Procedure R. Student Withdrawal S. Refund Procedure T. Return Procedure After Termination of Withdrawal U. Cost Breakdown |
A. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS & PROCEDURES
Individuals who meet admission requirements will be considered for acceptance into the Practical Nursing Program.
Final acceptance or rejection is based upon the preparation and fitness of the prospective student and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, marital status, veteran status, or age in its activities, programs or employment practices in accordance with federal and state statutes and regulations. Acceptance of a position in the program signifies agreement to abide by all Policies and Procedures of the school. B. STUDENT HEALTH PROGRAM
To effectively participate in an educational program, students should strive to maintain good mental and physical health. The prime objectives of the student health program are to: promote and maintain good health practices, meet the individual's immediate and ongoing health care needs, and protect the health of those clients with whom students come into contact. Before acceptance to the school, all students must pass a pre-entrance physical examination and have a physician or CRNP (Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner) complete the school's physical examination form. The examination must include the following:
Should a student get injured or become ill, it is their responsibility to report to their instructor. The instructor will make provisions for further care or allow the student to be excused if necessary. In case of accidental injury, the instructor will complete an events report and submit it to the proper nursing service personnel. Should illness or injury occur at the hospital, the student may report first to their instructor, and then to the hospital's emergency room for treatment. The instructor shall ensure any and all records/incident reports of the participating agency are filled out and returned to the proper authority as well as submit the school's report. Students developing a physical condition limiting or precluding activity may remain in the program with written approval of their physician, so long as they meet course objectives. Students who have a debilitating physical condition may request a leave of absence. Any student contracting a transmissible illness may not participate in clinical or classroom activities until they produce a written statement from their physician that their illness is no longer communicable. Students are encouraged to have personal hospitalization and medical insurance to cover any medical needs that may arise. Students are advised that all costs for such insurance, pre-hospital laboratory tests, emergency or routine medical care, diagnostic procedures, etc. are the responsibility of the student. Students are required to carry malpractice insurance while in the clinical area. The Rapha School purchases malpractice insurance as a part of the tuition cost of the program. C. DISABILITY SERVICES/REQUEST FOR REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS POLICY
The Rapha School, LLC makes every reasonable effort to provide qualified students with disabilities the opportunity to take full advantage of programs, practices, services and facilities. Students with disabilities who wish to request accommodation are required to do so through the Program Director of The Rapha School. Requests can be made in person by visiting the Program Director during office hours in the main office. Additionally, information regarding the process can be obtained by calling 724-397-2365. At the time of request, students will be required to complete a formal written request for accommodation and provide the necessary documentation. All requests should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the effective date of implementation. In keeping with policy in an effort to provide the best possible services to a student, the request will be shared with other essential personnel as needed. Standard policy dictates that upon receipt of the completed written request and documentation supporting the request, the documentation will be forwarded to the office administrator and business manager. Their role is to ensure that reasonable accommodation requests are thoroughly reviewed and acted upon. The Program Director will review the request with the office administrator and business manager, meet with the student, and determine what accommodations are warranted and will be approved. For any requests for accommodations to be implemented, it must be formally approved. The Rapha School’s policy complies with the requirements of the Title VII of the Civil Rights act of 1964, Title IX and Section 504 of the Education Amendments of 1972, and all other applicable Federal, State, and Local statutes, regulations, and guidelines. Designated handicapped accessible restroom facilities are available for students with physical disabilities. The Rapha School is a single floor building with wheelchair accessible parking. Students requiring alternative classroom seating may request suc through the above outlined procedures. D. DESCRIPTION OF THE RAPHA SCHOOL PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM
The curriculum is divided into three levels. The first sixteen weeks are Level 1, which includes basic nursing, science courses, and clinical experience for the student who provides direct client care in relatively stable or convalescent nursing situations. The next 12 weeks are Level 2, in which the practical nursing student is able to learn about adult clients in an acute care setting. The remainder of the program is Level 3. This level includes theory and clinical to prepare students to care for the maternal, infant and pediatric client. Class work and clinical experiences in Level III are designed to facilitate the acquisition of critical thinking skills to enable the graduate nurse to effectively problem solve in the clinical environment D. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM
The program is planned for the graduate of The Rapha School Practical Nursing Program to:
E. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Our curriculum has as its conceptual framework, the premise that man has dignity and worth with physical, ethnic, emotional, spiritual and sociocultural needs. These needs, which change in priority as people pass through the lifespan, must be fulfilled in order to achieve and maintain an optimal level of well-being. The practical nurse must assist the client in attaining his/her maximum level of health. The Faculty uses basic needs, basic care and the nursing process as interdependent concepts that provide direction and structure to the program of learning as a means to assist the student to focus on the health of his/her client. The practical nurse must recognize the client as an individual with a unique personality pattern and personal problems. Through effective communication and mutual interaction with the client and his/her family, the practical nurse contributes to the prevention of illness as well as maintenance/restoration of the client's health. The nursing process, an approach to problem solving, is used as a tool to organize and implement care as a method to assist the client with meeting needs. The practical nurse must develop certain behaviors which are elements of the nursing process and include: assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluation. These behaviors are necessary so that the practical nurse’s efforts will be more effective and the client will receive quality care. In educating the practical nurse, the curriculum is designed to progress from the basic to the more complex. The learning process is enhanced as the student moves from the attainment of simple to more complex knowledge and from the performance of the simple to more complex care skills. Guided by the Faculty through selected planned experiences, the student should be self-motivated to use the active process of learning to gain knowledge and skills. Critical thinking is taught throughout the course as a method for problem-solving in nursing situations. The graduate practical nurse shall function within the legal framework of the state where he/she is employed. The practical nurse should recognize the importance of continuing education and active participation as a healthcare team member in order to be knowledgeable about current issues and trends in nursing practice. F. PURPOSE OF PROGRAM
In support of the philosophy and objectives of The Rapha School LLC the Practical Nursing Program provides quality education and training utilizing a Christian Worldview. The program prepares individuals, including the unemployed and economically disadvantaged, for entry into an occupation. This occupation, namely practical nursing, provides the student with an opportunity for self-improvement, while at the same time offering the community well trained, educated practical nurses to help, in part, fulfill the ever present need of qualified personnel in the healthcare profession. This course will provide the student with an understanding of how to provide basic nursing care to individuals in a variety of settings. A Christian Worldview encompassing the values of humility, honesty, perseverance, integrity, compassion, love, and patience will be utilized in teaching the student basic nursing skills in order to assist individuals across the age continuum. G. PLAN OF STUDY
The Rapha School Practical Nursing Program is 12 months long, consisting of 1530 clinical and theory hours, divided into three levels. The curriculum is designed to increase in complexity as the year progresses. There are 700 hours of theory and skills lab and 830 hours of clinical. There are scheduled Christmas and Spring breaks. The Rapha School offers only one Full Time Practical nursing program per year and therefore students must attend all scheduled class and clinical hours in order to progress with the intent to finish in the 12 months specified. Level 1 Medical Surgical Nursing I: 80 hours Fundamentals of Nursing: 190 hours The Influence of a Christian Nurse in a Secular World: 30 hours Caring for the Older Adult: 40 hours Pharmacology/ Herbal therapies: 40 hours *Clinical Med./Surg. Lvl. 1: 200 hours Total Hours Lvl. 1: 580 hours Level 2 Medical Surgical Nursing II: 160 hours Medication Administration/ IV Therapies: 40 hours *Clinical Med./Surg. Lvl. 2: 200 hours Total Hours Lvl. 2: 400 hours Level 3 Maternal and Child Nursing: 40 hours Pediatric Nursing: 40 hours Professional Practice: 40 hours *Clinical Med./Surg. Lvl. 3: 350 hours *Clinical Maternal/Child: 40 hours *Clinical Pediatrics: 40 hours Total Hours Lvl. 3: 550 hours H. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
LEVEL 1 MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING I: CONCEPTS OF ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY This course for the beginning practical nursing student is a study of the basic structure (Anatomy) and function (Physiology) of the human body. Pertinent, fundamental principles of chemistry, microbiology, and physics are also included in the study. The course traces the organization of the body from the single cell to the coordinated, functioning whole and emphasizes the importance of the interaction of all body systems in the maintenance of health and life. The course describes the pathophysiology of common medical surgical disorders and the general nursing care of those disorders. This course is designed to provide a theoretical knowledge base upon which the student can assimilate information presented in subsequent courses of the program, and on the clinical departments in order to identify and meet the basic needs of the clients. The Nursing Process is introduced to provide direction for developing assessment skills, recognizing deviations from normal, and delivering nursing care for specific conditions of illness and disease. FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING This course is designed to provide the beginning nursing student with a fundamental knowledge base for the principles of nursing and the development of skills necessary for delivering client-centered nursing care to the adult with simple nursing needs. The nursing process is introduced to provide the student with a structural base for development of client-centered nursing actions which will ultimately assist in the promotion and maintenance of health. The physical, emotional, spiritual, sociocultural, and economic needs of the client are considered during assessment in order to plan and implement specific nursing actions for each client. Beginning experience in evaluation of therapeutic responses is provided for the student. Basic nursing skills needed to prepare the student for direct client care are taught. These skills are simplistic in nature at the beginning of the course and gradually increase in complexity to coincide with increased experience of the student. These skills can be utilized in a variety of client care settings. Nutritional concepts and therapeutic diets are taught and are used by the students in order to provide nutritional education to the client. Attention is given to the study of the relationship of nutrition and the community environment, including social, cultural, and economic aspects.Topics such as choosing foods that meet nutritional needs in various stages of life and meeting nutritional needs in various religions, cultures and lifestyles, are discussed to assist the student in utilizing the Nursing Process for the provision of nutritional care. Related aspects of gerontology, pharmacology, microbiology, communications, community health, emergency care and legal responsibilities are integrated throughout the course. This course provides an opportunity for students to apply classroom theory to selected learning experiences in an acute or long-term care setting for adult medical-surgical clients. THE INFLUENCE OF A CHRISTIAN NURSE IN A SECULAR WORLD This course has been designed to provide the student with a fundamental knowledge base for how a Christian Nurse influences the members of a secular society. Attention is given to assisting the students with development of effective strategies for dealing with individuals with conflicting worldviews. Biblical perspectives are included to assist the student with the recognition of their own physical, emotional, cultural, and spiritual needs as a student practical nurse. Historical perspective, as well as an examination of current issues in practical nursing will be discussed. Legal and ethical responsibilities, complexities of Health Care Systems, the Health Care Team, and the role of the Practical Nurse as a member of this team, nursing organizations, licensure, and the functions of the State Board of Nursing are discussed in order to actively involve the student in the learning process and the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills. CARING FOR THE OLDER ADULT This course discusses the physiological, psychological, and social changes of the normal aging process in addition to providing theory for the physical care of the older adult. The content is focused on the special needs of the older adult client and stresses the importance of positive attitude formation about aging and health maintenance. Building on the framework of knowledge established in concurrent courses, the nursing process continues to be used as the conceptual basis for identifying and determining the basic needs of individuals with known or suspected biopsychosocial problems. Emphasis is also given to the Practical Nurse's role in assisting the older adult client in the promotion, maintenance, or restoration of health. Related aspects of anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, therapeutic nutrition, psychosocial theories, leadership, and community nursing are integrated throughout the course. This course is designed for the student to correlate classroom teaching with selected learning experiences in a long term care setting for the older adult client whose conditions warrant nursing care. Related aspects of documentation and assessment in long-term care, career preparation and planning, and managerial practices will be discussed. PHARMACOLOGY/HERBAL THERAPIES This course is designed to define for the student the role and responsibility of the Practical Nurse in the administration of medications and herbal adjuncts. The Nursing Process is used as an outline to present material to the students in a logical, problem-solving format. The students are also taught principles of importance that need to be considered while assisting clients in meeting their basic needs and promoting health. Assessment of the client with regard to medications prescribed and their actions, the disease being treated, and the client's prior compliance to medication regimens provides guidance for the student in formulation of a plan of action containing important elements to be considered as part of the individual client's care. The implementation phase assists the student in analyzing nursing actions related to medication therapy. The evaluation phase assists the student in identifying therapeutic responses, and planning client education. Included in the course is the study of the actions, side effects, and nursing considerations for selected herbs and medications and correlation of the indications for use to specific physiological conditions. Related aspects of anatomy and physiology, nursing skills, therapeutic nutrition, psychosocial theories, microbiology, community nursing, and therapeutic communications are integrated throughout the course. The student will practice learned concepts at acute and community health settings. LEVEL II
MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING II This course is a study of the physiological and psychological effects of disease and disorders upon the human body during various stages of the adult life cycle and the specific nursing care relative to each. Building on the framework of knowledge established in previous courses, the Nursing Process continues to be used as the conceptual basis for identifying and determining the basic needs of individuals with known or suspected physiological and/or psychological problems. Emphasis is also given to the Practical Nurse's role in assisting the client in the promotion, maintenance, or restoration of health. Related aspects of pathophysiology, pharmacology, therapeutic nutrition, psychosocial theories and mental health concepts, microbiology, and community nursing are integrated throughout the courses. This course is designed for the student to correlate classroom teaching with selected learning experiences in an acute or long-term care, community-health setting. MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION/ IV THERAPY Building on the fundamental theoretical framework established in Fundamental of Nursing and Pharmacology, this course is designed for the student to develop competency in the use of nursing principles and skills necessary for delivering client-centered nursing care to the adult with IV therapy or medication needs. The nursing process continues to be used to provide the student with a structural base for development of client-centered nursing actions which will ultimately assist in the promotion and maintenance of health. The theoretical principles of medication administration and intravenous therapy are taught to the practical nursing students prior to the performance of these skills in the clinical environment. This course provides an opportunity for the student to apply classroom theory to selected learning experiences in community and acute care settings. LEVEL III
MATERNAL AND CHILD NURSING This course is designed to prepare the student to assist the maternity client and her family to fulfill healthcare needs which occur during pregnancy, labor, birth, in the postpartum period, and in newborn infant care. Building on the framework of knowledge established in previous courses, and utilizing nursing skills acquired, the student continues to use the Nursing Process to provide the direction for identifying and determining the basic needs of Maternal-Newborn clients and their families in all phases of maternity nursing. Principles of normal physiological and psychological changes that occur during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the post-partum period, as well as principles of normal development of the fetus, the normal newborn, and related nursing care are included to provide an assessment base for students. The study of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, as well as issues relevant to contemporary Maternal-Newborn nursing which may influence the effectiveness of health teaching and nursing care are included to assist the student with the establishment of priorities of care. The issues of adolescent pregnancy, the one-parent family, infertility, family planning, unemployment, and other social, cultural, and economic trends are discussed. This course is designed for the student to apply classroom theory to clinical practice in an acute or community maternity healthcare setting for selected learning experiences. Related aspects of normal anatomy, pathophysiology, nursing skills, infant and maternal nutrition, pharmacology, therapeutic communications, and community nursing are integrated throughout the course. This course is offered as a blended learning, or hybrid course, with the theory portion offered as an online nursing course. PEDIATRIC NURSING This course is designed to aid the student in identifying the role of the Practical Nurse in the care of children. Building on the knowledge and skills acquired in previous courses, the Nursing Process continues to be used to identify and determine the basic needs of children from infancy through adolescence. Principles of growth and development and the study of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs are included to assist the student in meeting these needs. Special emphasis is given to the consideration of the pediatric client as a member of a family unit and of the community. The effects of and responses to illness and hospitalization for clients and their families, the importance of the inclusion of family members in the planning and implementation of care, the provision of emotional support, and the necessity of individualizing nursing care for the client are discussed in order to enhance the effectiveness of the nursing care delivered. Attention is also given to community agencies that are available to assist the nurse in meeting the needs of the pediatric client and their families. This course is designed for the student to correlate classroom teaching with selected learning experiences in community and acute care settings. Related aspects of pathophysiology, nursing skills, therapeutic nutrition, pharmacology, microbiology, and therapeutic communications are integrated throughout the course. This course is offered as a blended learning, or hybrid course, with the theory portion offered as an online nursing course. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE This course has been designed to provide the student with a fundamental knowledge base for the information needed to make the necessary personal and professional adjustments inherent in the development as a practical nurse. Attention is given to assisting the student with the development of communication skills in order to achieve success in their personal life and professional practice. The role of the State Board of Nursing to their career, as well as test-taking strategies for the licensure exam, are discussed. Leadership skills in long-term care, career opportunities, employment information, and continuing education are discussed to assist the student with the transition to graduate/employee. I. OBJECTIVES OF THE CURRICULUM
LEVEL 1 A correlation of classroom theory and selected learning experiences in a long term healthcare setting is provided in Level I and II. At the end of Level I the student will be able to:
LEVEL 2
A correlation of classroom theory and selected learning experiences in an acute care or long term health setting is provided in Level II. At the end of Level II, the student will be able to:
LEVEL 3
A correlation of classroom theory and selected learning experiences in an acute care health setting, long term care setting and community agencies, is provided in Level III. At the end of Level III the student will be able to:
J. EDUCATIONAL POLICIES AND STANDARDS
K. SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS
All students enrolled in the Practical Nursing program are required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in order to remain enrolled. Two categories of progress are evaluated to determine Satisfactory Academic Progress; cumulative GPA and number of hours completed (attendance).
Final course grades calculated as follows: Fundamentals of Nursing All Other Courses 80% Exam average 80% Exam average 10% Course assignments 20% Course assignments 10% Lab quizzes Grading Scale Letter Grade Grade Percentage Grade Points A 90-100 3.7 - 4.0 B 80-89 2.7 - 3.3 C 75-79 2.0 - 2.3 F 74 or below (Failing) 0.0 - 1.7 Exams will be graded on the day given or within a one week time period. All exams are reviewed in class. Students may examine exams at any time. A student can request to examine the grades and the answer sheets after all students have taken the exam. Clinical Performance Evaluation Rationale Clinical grades are separate from Classroom grades. Clinical performance is evaluated every two weeks. Evaluation will be a satisfactory/ unsatisfactory rating based upon established criteria and behaviors necessary to meet the Level clinical objectives. Clinical objectives must be met by the end of each clinical rotation before there will be progression to the next level. The Clinical Performance Evaluations for Levels 1, 2, and 3 are based upon the level objectives. During Level 1, students perform nursing interventions for adult patients with simple nursing needs in a long-term care facility in accordance with the body system and basic human needs framework. During Level 2, students perform nursing interventions for adults on a medical surgical unit that require the needs of an acute care hospital in accordance with the body system and basic human needs framework. During Level 3, students perform nursing interventions for adult, maternity, and pediatric patients with specific nursing needs in an adult medical-surgical department or in a long term care facility in accordance with the body systems and basic human needs framework. Students will plan and provide care for a group of patients, readying them for entry into practice. L. STUDENT PROBATION
Students may be placed on Academic, Attendance, and/or Community Code of Conduct violation probation at any time during the program. Instructors will notify the Director in writing of any student failing to meet the class objectives, violation of any Community Code of Conduct policies, or failing to progress in a manner which would allow meeting Level objectives . Probation will be for a one month time period OR a period no longer than the end date of the current term or course in which the probation was based on whichever comes first, during which time the student may receive disbursements of Title IV aid as long as they are able to meet attendance requirements. Students must meet expectations outlined by the director on the initial probation letter to be taken off probation, or be dismissed from the program. If during or at the conclusion of the probation period the student has met all expectations set out and continues to meet all SAP guidelines the student will no longer be considered on probation. Class and clinical absenteeism may jeopardize the student’s ability to achieve the course objectives and may result in probation, or termination from the program. Further, students who have missed more than 10% of any payment period will not be eligible to receive Title IV funds until those hours are made up. A student must complete the Practical Nursing program in no greater than 150% of the program time. A student enrolled in the Practical Nursing program which is designated as 1530 hours in length must complete this program within 2295 hours. The student will be terminated from the program after 150% of the program length, starting from the first date of the class, if the student does not complete the program successfully according to policies and procedures of The Rapha School. Following the end of the probation period there will be a conference between the student, the director, and instructor. Student grades and progress can only be discussed with the student; students cannot bring any other person (or advocate) in the teacher-student meetings. If the conditions that resulted in a student having a probationary period have not been remedied the student will be terminated. If it has been determined that the student is terminated from the program for any reason, he or she may be considered for readmission under the “Return procedure after termination or withdrawal”. M. REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
In order for a student to be eligible for graduation they must meet all of the following requirements:
Students are then eligible to take the NCLEX-PN. Students are required by the SBN to take their NCLEX-PN exam within one year of graduation. All tuition and fees must be paid in full. Unless these financial obligations are met, licensure applications will not be submitted by the school, transcripts and any progress reports will not be provided. N. ARTICULATION TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Currently The Rapha School Practical Nursing Program does not have an articulation agreement with any institutions of higher learning. Colleges and universities decide upon the amount of “credit” that they will give for practical nursing education. Information on registered nursing programs can be found in the Coordinator’s office. O. TRANSFER OF HOURS
There is no guarantee that another school will transfer hours that are completed in The Rapha School Practical Nursing Program. Each school/college/university evaluates the education of practical nurses differently. P. ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROCEDURE
Advanced standing is available to qualified individuals with related educational and/or work experience. The ultimate decision for advanced standing placement will be made by the coordinator and/or faculty and is contingent upon student qualifications and availability of seats in the program. At no time shall admittance of advanced standing students raise the clinical student/teacher ratio above 15:1. The Rapha School must receive original transcript(s) directly from all the institutions the applicant has taken courses. If a student has been accepted for Advanced standing in one or more courses it will be deemed that for the purposes of the program they have completed the required coursework and hours for that course. Advanced standing students must meet the following requirements:
Q. STUDENT WITHDRAWAL
Any student wishing to withdraw from the program must have a personal interview with the Director and faculty. The last day that the student attends class will be the basis for calculating any refunds. Any student who withdraws from the program and wishes to re-enter, must reapply for admission. R. REFUND PROCEDURE
The following is The Rapha School refund procedure adopted from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Private Licensed Schools:
Refunds shall be made within 30-calendar days of the date the student fails to enter, leaves the program, or fails to return from a leave of absence. The Rapha School reserves the right to terminate or cancel the program, in which case a full refund will be given to the student and policies will be followed according to Section 21.173 of the State Board regulations. Students will be notified of cancellation within one week prior to the start of class. S. RETURN PROCEDURE AFTER TERMINATION OR WITHDRAWAL
Students who have been terminated from the Practical Nursing program or who withdrew from the program by their own wishes have an opportunity to re-apply to a subsequent Practical Nursing class. If a student wishes to return following a termination they must demonstrate through a meeting with the director, as well as submit an essay, that the circumstances under which they had previously been terminated will not be repeated. Certain circumstances for termination will result in a student not being permitted to re-apply. These circumstances include but are not limited to any violation that would endanger the safety of a patient or other member of The Rapha School community. It is the discretion of the Director whether a student will be permitted to re-apply. Students terminated based on failure to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress may return to school to repeat the level at which the failure occurred. Students failing clinical or otherwise dismissed or terminated may not return. To return under this provision, students must have paid all tuition and other expenses of the program in full. There is a mandatory one-year waiting period before the student will be reconsidered for repeating the course, conditional upon the availability of a seat; however, the waiting period can be reduced at the sole discretion of The Rapha School administration. A student is required to retake the course(s) he or she fails the first time. The student is not required to repeat the clinical component if he or she has already passed the clinical component. However, a minimum of two weeks refresher clinical course is required of all repeating students, even when they have completed all the previous clinical requirements. Students may start at any time during the program that is prior to the point in the course in which the failure originally occurred. If the student is returning after a period of two years, he or she must attend all required courses (didactic and clinical) after their return; that is, in addition to the didactic courses, all clinical courses must be retaken in their entirety; however, credit can be awarded for past performance at the discretion of the school, with permission of the coordinator. Students may return under this provision only once. Students must notify the school in writing of their intent to return a minimum of two months before the start of the class in which they wish to participate. Any return under this procedure is dependent upon availability of seats in the class that the student wishes to attend. Students will not be considered for readmission for any class until all eligible tuition and all other fees are paid in the year the student was originally enrolled. The school is under no obligation to honor this agreement if admittance of a student under this policy causes the clinical student/teacher ratio to exceed 15:1 or 10:1 whichever is applicable based on the agreement with the clinical agency; further, the admittance must not exceed the classroom space and classroom teacher-student ratio for quality classroom delivery, as determined by the school. |
