CON Student Handbook

The eight Concepts Integration Laboratories (CIL) house equipment and supplies which enable the student to practice essential clinical nursing skills in settings designed to simulate actual patient care areas. Human simulators, task trainers, and manikins are used to assist the student to develop nursing judgment, skills proficiency, and positive patient safety practices.

In addition to scheduled lab sessions associated with classes and/or intensives, blocks of time are designated most weekdays for open practice lab sessions. Students may also attend the lab either by faculty or self-referral. Faculty may refer a student to the laboratories for extra practice and receive a report on the student’s progress from the lab staff. In addition, faculty may schedule the labs for special sessions. During all times of student use, at least one faculty member or lab staff is present. Students and faculty may send requests or questions to CONskills@ecu.edu

[The approved uniform and professional dress code applies in the CILs.]

Revised: June 2012 / rev. October 2014 / reviewed August 2021
LTG

The purpose of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) is to provide a learning environment and to effectively support ECU students. The LRC houses 35 computers, 2 printers, and 2 scanners.

Learning Resource Center Guidelines

Printing

The LRC is one of ECU’s many general use computer labs. All student printing and copying in ECU labs will be managed by a print quota (Print Management System). Students are allotted a quota and have the option to use personal funds to add to the quota. A student’s print quota can be used in any ECU general use lab, ECU print kiosk, or ECU library.

For more information on printing on campus, visit the Print Management System website.

A print kiosk is available for student use in the rear lobby of the CON (outside room 1104). Students will be able to print to this kiosk by submitted documents to Pirate Print and then logging-on to the kiosk and selecting the job to print.
PowerPoint Lecture Notes

• When printing lecture notes, we ask that you print 6 slides per page or use the outline format. The outline format gives you the text that is in the slide and gives you some room on the right to write down notes. Printing fewer slides per page can take a very long time and can cause problems when there are many students waiting to print.
• Please use the black/white format when printing slides with a dark background.
• If you have any questions regarding printing out PowerPoint, please do not hesitate to ask staff for assistance.

Phones

Put cell phones on vibrate or off when in LRC.

Food/Drinks

No food or drinks are allowed in LRC or the adjoining rooms. A bookshelf is available at the LRC entrance to place your food and drinks.

Noise

The LRC is not a “library”, nor is it a place to gather socially. Show respect to fellow students, faculty and staff by keeping noise to a minimum. If you need to listen to computer audio, headphones are available from LRC staff.

Revised 12/28/09; rev. 7/26/2019 EJB; rev 8/09/2020 AIP/rev 08/04/2022/ rev06.09.2023

Because of the rigor of nursing school and the number of nursing students, a Student Development and Counseling Center (SDCC) is housed within the College of Nursing. This office is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday year-round. Appointments can be scheduled by emailing concounseling@ecu.edu.

The SDCC in the College of Nursing offers academic and personal development services to nursing and pre-nursing students at no cost to the student. Services offered by the SDCC include individual and small group counseling, and interventions in areas such as time management, study skills, test-taking strategies, and stress and anxiety management.

If a student receives a grade below passing on nursing coursework, the student is expected to contact the SDCC for assistance.

Strict confidentiality is maintained when a student chooses to take advantage of the counseling services available.

The Student Emergency Needs Fund was established to aid nursing students in the event of an extreme financial crisis during the academic year. Each semester, the Dean of the College makes a gift to the fund in honor of each first semester student; alumni are encouraged to contribute to the fund to help future nursing students. It is the Dean’s hope that graduates will continue to make contributions to the Student Emergency Needs Fund so that future classes will have a source of emergency funds.

Funds do not take the place of financial aid and gifts are not subject to re-payment. Emergency situations are classified as events that seriously inhibit a student’s financial ability to receive his/her nursing education. Student inquiries and requests should be directed to the Executive Director of Student Services.

The College of Nursing Advising Center is under the direction of the Office of Student Services. The Advising Center is open from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students may schedule appointments with academic advisors by logging in to PiratePort and selecting Advisor Central.

Academic Advisors Advise students in the nursing major on course selection, campus resources and graduation requirements. Graduate students are advised by faculty in their program of study. Undergraduate students are advised by professional Academic Advisors who hold advising meetings with pre-nursing and pre-licensure students prior to registration.

The ECU Undergraduate Catalog and ECU Graduate Catalog serve as the basis for the nursing advisors to assist nursing students with issues such as course load, drop-add procedures, degree audits and withdrawal from classes. The catalogs can be found online at The University Catalogs. The official University academic calendar may be found at Academic Calendars.

The ECU Department for Disability Support Services works in collaboration with faculty, staff, and departments throughout the university to fulfill the institution’s commitment to accessibility. Services and accommodations are designed to meet the individual needs of all students and encompass all aspects of university life. Additional program information is available in Slay 138, by telephone at 252-737-1016, and online at The Department for Disability Support Services .

East Carolina University seeks to comply fully with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students requesting accommodations based on a covered disability must go to the Department of Disability Support Services, located in Slay 138, to verify the disability before any accommodations can occur. The telephone number is 252-737-1016. The Office of Disability Support Services provides sign language interpreters, note takers, tutorial assistance, general counseling, and advocacy, as well as technical support for faculty and staff. Students should contact the office at Slay 138 or call voice TDD 252-737-1016.

The Office of Disability Support Services coordinates and implements programs for all disabled students. Faculty members must not provide any disability-related accommodations to any student who claims to have a disability until they have received notification by letter to do so from the Department for Disability Support Services.

The College of Nursing Office of Research & Scholarship supports faculty and students who engage in projects related to the Scholarship of Discovery, Teaching, Integration, and Engagement. The Associate Dean for Research & Creative Activity provides administrative oversight for the Office of Research & Creative Activity. The office is staffed by graduate research assistants, a statistician, and an editorial consultant. For additional information, please call 252-744-6453.

ECU College of Nursing Fitness Attestation Form

ECU College of Nursing requires that all students be immunized against childhood illnesses and have a licensed healthcare provider (i.e. NP, MD, DO, PA, CNM) attest to their emotional and physical ability to carry out nursing related functions. The ECU College of Nursing Fitness Attestation Form documents the necessary information.

MMR

Students will need to make sure that they are immunized against rubella, rubeola, and mumps. The College of Nursing requires documentation of two MMR vaccines or documentation of an MMR titer.

Varicella Titer/Vaccines

Students are required to have 2 varicella vaccines or a titer for chickenpox (varicella). Even if you have had a reported case of chicken pox as a child a titer is still required to show immunity. If your varicella titer is negative, you must have 2 doses of varicella vaccine. Provide lab results of the varicella titer or documentation of the vaccine date(s).

Hepatitis B

All nursing students that have had the Hepatitis B series (3 vaccines) must have a HEP-B antibody titer to show immunity. If the titer is negative, the 2^nd series of 3 Hepatitis B vaccines or 2 Heplisav-B vaccine series must be completed followed by final titer to show immunity. If the second titer is negative after having completed the 2^nd series of vaccines, the student is considered a “non-responder” and no further action is required.

TDAP Vaccine

The Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccine (TDAP) is required for health care workers who have direct patient contact. Even if you have had a recent tetanus, the College of Nursing will require that you have a TDAP vaccine. We suggest you contact your healthcare provider or Student Health Services to receive these required immunizations/titers. Get a one-time dose of Tdap as soon as possible if you have not received Tdap previously (regardless of when previous dose of Td was received). Get Td boosters every 10 years thereafter. Pregnant HCWs need to get a dose of Tdap during each pregnancy.

CPR Requirements

All students are required to submit an American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider certification. This certification is due for renewal every two years. One man, two-man, infant, child and adult CPR must be included in the course. Only American Heart Association BLS (not ACLS and not Red Cross) courses are accepted. Online courses are not acceptable.

Tuberculosis Requirement

The College of Nursing requires for all students to provide evidence of one of the following methods to meet the TB Requirement upon admission, readmission and/or program transfer and 90 days prior to start of classes

• 2 Step TB Skin tests (administered within the same 1 – 3 week period or 21 days)
  IGRA Blood Test – QuantiFERON TB Gold, or T-Spot blood test (lab report required).
  For positive results, students must submit the following:
  • A student must provide a clear chest x-ray (lab report required) from any time after positive testing and proof of past positive results.

Annual Tuberculosis Risk Assessment and Attestation

The TB Risk Assessment and Attestation form is required to be completed annually. The form is located in the Compliance Management Tool under the Annual Tuberculosis Risk Assessment and Attestation. If positive, please follow up with licensed healthcare provider (i.e. NP, MD, DO, PA, CNM).

Influenza Requirement

All students are required to have the current season’s influenza vaccine. Documentation will need to be uploaded to the clinical compliance management tool. This requirement is due annually by October 1st (this date is subject to change based on agency requirements). Medical Exemptions must be submitted to East Carolina University Office of Student Health Services. Religious Exemptions must be submitted to the Office of Equity and Diversity. All ECU Exemptions must be approved and uploaded to the Influenza (Flu) requirement in the compliance management tool prior to October 1st. Further instructions will be available to the student in the compliance management tool. Students admitted for spring semester will complete this as part of their admission requirements.

Release to Share CBC Information Form

For the purpose of securing clinical placements, ECU College of Nursing is required to share information obtained in the CBC with clinical agencies. The Release to Share Criminal Background Check Information and Agreement to Report Future Felony or Misdemeanor Convictions form will allow us to do so.

Permission for Social Security Number Disclosure Form

Students are required to complete the Permission for Social Security Number Disclosure Form located in the compliance management tool. Agencies may require this information to assign a unique user identification and badge for access to electronic records and agency access.

Permission to Release Information Form

Students are required to complete the Permission to Release Information form giving permission to East Carolina University College of Nursing to release any FERPA-related information including Castle Branch documentation, criminal background check and/or drug screening results, and any other pertinent information required for clearance to any health care/community agency to which a student is assigned for clinical or research experiences.

Media Consent Form

Students are required to acknowledge that ECU College of Nursing utilizes multimedia technologies according to the university policies/procedures.

Professional Responsibility Signature Form

As student prepare for a professional career in nursing, they are expected to adhere to policies as set forth by the University and College of Nursing. The Professional Responsibility Signature Form acknowledges expected behaviors. The Professional Responsibility Signature Form is to be completed prior to each semester a student is enrolled in the College of Nursing.

Professional Liability Insurance

Coverage by student nurses’ liability insurance for $2,000,000 each claim and $4,000,000 in aggregate is required yearly for enrollment in all clinical nursing courses. Information about the insurance procedure is available in the Office of Student Services at the College of Nursing. Students covered by the group policy arranged by the College of Nursing are covered only when engaged in prescribed learning activities. Payment for liability insurance is included in the educational fees on your tuition statement. This does not apply to RN/BSN. Midwifery, or Nurse Anesthesia students. For proof of liability insurance or loss run reports, employers or alumni may contact Jay Surles directly at insurance@ecu.edu or call (252) 328-2010.

Licensure Verification

All licensed nursing students must provide evidence of a current non-restricted license to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in North Carolina or in a National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) compact state.

Clinical Placement and Credentialing

Clinical placement is assigned by the clinical coordinators and/or department chair. Placement information is submitted to the compliance office to facilitate clearance of students at specified agencies. Students are responsible for completing agency-specific requirements for clearance to their clinical site. All communication with the agencies must be facilitated through the compliance office.

RN/BSN Students

submit the following requirements to the RN/BSN Office:

• Verification of RN License – must remain current and up-to-date throughout enrollment
• Media Consent Waiver and Release
• Current influenza vaccine – required to be renewed annually while enrolled in nursing course

RN/BSN students are subject to drug screening based on the “Reasonable Suspicion” policy under Impairment and Chemical Substance Abuse procedure II-B in the ECU College of Nursing Student Handbook. The student will be responsible for the cost of any drug screening under this policy.

Isolation and Quarantine for Communicable Disease

In the event a nursing student comes in contact with a communicable disease and qualifies for isolation or quarantine for a specified period of time, the faculty and administration will adhere to guidelines as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the local health department. Related curricular issues and absences will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to meet student needs and program requirements. The student is responsible for providing documentation regarding isolation/quarantine protocols from the local public health department, University student health services or their healthcare provider.

COVID Guidelines

The ECU College of Nursing strongly encourages all students to be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19, in accordance with CDC guidelines, prior to entering any nursing program. The large majority of clinical sites require students and faculty to be fully vaccinated and some do allow for exemptions. Students who elect to not be fully vaccinated and boosted may request a medical and/or religious exemption from the clinical agency if the agency has an exemption process. Requesting exemptions does not guarantee that exemptions will be granted. Medical Exemptions must be submitted to East Carolina University Office of Student Health Services. Religious Exemptions must be submitted to the Office of Equity and Diversity. An exemption received from ECU may not be accepted by the clinical agency. Therefore, the CON cannot guarantee clinical placements for students who are not fully vaccinated. Agencies may have additional requirements and current requirements are subject to change at any time.

1. Overview

   1. Rationale: Our philosophy regarding student substance use disorder revolves around protecting the public’s health and assisting the student in recovery. To ensure patient safety, comply with clinical facility policies and the North Carolina Board of Nursing policy [21 NCAC 36.0320(d)], and assist students in recovery, the College of Nursing (CON) has adopted a substance use disorder protocol.
   2. The CON will be responsible for appropriately identifying and referring students who are abusing substances to Student Health Services and Center for Counseling and Student Development. The student is accountable for their own recovery process.
   3. Definitions: A nursing student is any full-time or part-time student admitted to the CON which includes all degree programs. Substance use disorder is the use of substances that impair performance when engaging in any learning activity: classes, laboratory and/or delivery of patient care.

2. Procedure

   1. Admission Drug Screening Procedure
      1. Drug Screen. Prior to beginning their first clinical, students must complete the drug screen process. Students will be eligible for clinical pending a negative drug screen. Students with a positive drug screen may be denied continued enrollment. The list of drugs included in the drug screen are found in subsection G of this procedure.
      2. Notice for drug screening (Appendix A). Students will be notified to complete a drug screen by the Office of Student Services. Students must use the CON approved vendor and process for reporting drug screen results. Results will be maintained confidentially in the CON Office of Student Services. All expenses associated with drug screening are the responsibility of the student.
      3. Implications of positive results. A drug screen will be presumed positive if any of the drugs listed are found in a blood or urine screen. Presumed positives will be confirmed by a second screen from the original sample. If the screen is determined to be positive, the student will be referred to the ECU Student Health Services, ECU Counseling and Student Development Office, or an approved substance abuse evaluation and treatment agency. Students must present proof of being seen at one of these agencies. Students who hold an RN license will also be reported the Board of Nursing in which they hold a license. The results of all screens will be maintained as confidential in the CON Office of Student Services. Access will be limited to the student and the CON administrators for use in the hearing process or for readmission process.
   2. Substance Use Screening based on Reasonable Suspicion
      1. A student may be subject to screening at any time when, in the judgment of a faculty member or preceptor, there is reasonable cause to suspect the student is impaired due to substance use. Such individualized reasonable suspicion may be based on information from any source deemed reliable by the faculty member, including but not limited to:
         1. Observed possession or use of substances that impair performance.
         2. Observed change in appearance or behavior that is reasonably interpretable as being caused by substance use.
         3. A community member identifying the student by name and observed behavior of concern.
      2. When individualized reasonable suspicion is found to exist; the faculty begins the documentation process by completing the Notice of Drug Screening (Appendix A).
      3. Once reasonable suspicion is determined by a faculty member and the student has been confronted by the faculty member who documents the suspected conduct, the student will be removed from the learning environment and the faculty member will coordinate the screening procedure with Student Services or the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs as appropriate. If the drug screen is positive, the student will be referred to ECU Student Health Services, ECU Counseling and Student Development Office, or an approved substance abuse evaluation and treatment agency. Students must present proof of being seen at one of these agencies. Students with a positive screen who hold an RN license will also be reported the Board of Nursing in which they hold a license. The student is responsible for all expenses associated with drug screening, including transportation to the testing site. A student suspected of impairment may not drive themselves to a testing site. A consent and release form will be signed by the student for drug screening (Appendix A). Validated copies of the drug screen results will be sent to the CON Office of Student Services. The results of all screens will be maintained as confidential in the CON Office of Student Services. Access will be limited to the student and the CON administrators for use in the hearing process or for readmission process.
      4. Students engaging in clinical experiences outside the usual screening center business hours, or in areas where a screening center is not available, will be subject to that clinical agency’s policy on substance abuse and responsible for any fees incurred associated with screening. Students must provide an official copy of results to the CON Office of Student Services.
      5. Once the faculty member has confronted and removed the student from the learning environment, the faculty member shall notify the Chair and submit the Faculty Report of Reasonable Suspicion of Drug/Alcohol Use Form to the Executive Director of Student Services or the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
      6. The Executive Director of Student Services and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs are responsible for ensuring the student provides the necessary drug screening documents, and informing the Administrators of the CON.
      7. If illegal substance abuse is substantiated by screening, the student must agree to participate in a drug education and counseling program and pay all program fees, consent to regular drug screening and other conditions and restrictions, including community service. Refusal or failure to do so shall result in suspension from enrollment for the remaining period of probation. For second or subsequent offenses involving illegal possession of controlled substances, progressively more severe penalties shall be imposed, including expulsion.
   3. Voluntary admission of substance abuse. Students who voluntarily report to CON faculty or administrators that they have a substance abuse problem, will be assisted by the CON Executive Director of Student Services or Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to obtain services through East Carolina University Student Health Services and/or the Center for Counseling and Student Development. The CON Executive Director of Student Services or the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs as appropriate will report voluntary admission to the CON Dean. Continued participation in the program will be at the discretion of the Dean. If a positive drug screen is obtained, the student will submit to drug screens as requested by the CON and will be suspended in a manner consistent with the applicable CON procedures and University policies.

   4. Admission/Readmission after a Positive Drug Screen

      A student whose admission is withdrawn or suspended from the clinical component of the CON due to a positive drug screen may be considered for readmission if among others, the following conditions are met:

      1. Submit at time of reapplication to an evaluation for substance abuse by CON approved agency and complete the prescribed treatment program.
      2. Submit to a drug screen prior to admission/readmission. A positive drug screen may result in ineligibility for admission/readmission.
      3. Submit to random drug screens as required by CON while enrolled in the program. A positive drug screen will result in permanent dismissal from the CON.
      4. Students seeking readmission must reapply in accordance with the readmission protocol in the CON Student Handbook.

   5. Confidentiality of Information Concerning Drug Use

      Individual test results of the drug screen will not be provided to clinical agencies. No release of information will be made without the student’s written consent, unless in response to appropriate judicial process such as a subpoena or court order.

   6. Appeal Policy

      The student is eligible to appeal the College of Nursing undergraduate or graduate progression and readmission policy.

   7. Consequences of Permissible Drug Use

      When students are prescribed medications that may impair cognitive and/or motor functions, the CON expects the student not to attend clinical or laboratory courses, while impaired by the prescribed medication. If the faculty observes changes in appearance or behavior that is reasonably interpretable as being caused by properly used prescription medications, the student will negotiate transportation from the facility and not return to those settings until the cognitive and/ or motor impairment is resolved. The student will continue to be held to the course attendance requirements. The student may be required to have a provider’s endorsement in writing that they are safe to practice nursing while taking prescribed medications before being permitted to return to clinical or laboratory setting.

      Table 1. List of Drugs Tested for Abuse by Drug Screen Include:
      

      Alfentanil	Amphetamines
      Butorphanol (Stadol)	Barbiturates
      Fentanyl	Benzodiazepines
      Ketamine	Cannabinoids
      MDMA (ecstasy)	Cocaine
      Nalbuphine (Nubain)	Methadone
      Sufentanil	Opiates
      Tramadol	Phencycidine
      Alcohol	Propoxyphene

Approved by College of Nursing Faculty Organization on December 6, 2007
rev 07-25-2019/aip/ rev 07-22-2020 AIP

Students and faculty will adhere to the University and clinical agency policies and procedures related to infection control and potential blood borne pathogen exposure. The University Infection Control plan may be found at East Carolina University Exposure Control Plan . Additionally, students should contact ECU Student Health Services at 252-328-6317.

For events or incidents that occur in the clinical or lab setting, the student along with the faculty will complete the College of Nursing Event Report following the instructions on the form. See Appendix B.Should the event/incident involve blood exposure, the ECU Student Health Services policy on “Blood and Other Potentially Infectious Materials Exposure” should also be followed, in addition to any agency specific policies and procedures.

Students (pre-licensure and graduate) are not allowed to go to clinical when the University is closed as the student, College of Nursing, and University liability is not in effect when the University is officially closed.

In instances when the University is not holding classes, but the University is open for business, students may attend precepted clinicals if the faculty of record is available and the clinical agency agrees.

1. Standards

   1. Nursing students are expected to maintain levels of physical and mental health consistent with North Carolina licensure requirements and comply fully with the Performance Standard as stated in the appropriate CON Student Handbook The CON will comply fully with all applicable federal, state statutes and regulations, and University policies including but not limited to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) , Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), etc.

2. Requirements

   1. Students are required to have a complete physical exam by a licensed health care provider upon admission and submit the completed approved form to the compliance management system.
   2. The CON recognizes the possibility that a student could develop health problems that interfere with learning and safe performance. Should this occur, the student will be referred to the appropriate resources based on the nature of the health problems identified including, but not limited to, the Student Development and Counseling Center (SDC) Counselor in the CON (hereafter “Counselor”), Student Health Services or a private health care provider.

In the event that a health problem is identified, and after consultation with the appropriate Chair or Director, the student may be asked to provide a note of medical clearance from their provider to return to class, lab and/or clinical, also noting any required restrictions. Return to clinical will be based upon required restrictions and agency policy.

The College of Nursing utilizes the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) “Just Culture” approach that promotes a positive learning environment. The link for Just Culture information and documents, including the student practice event evaluation tool (SPEET) may be found on the NCBON website at NC Board of Nursing.

• Appendix A: Notice of Drug Screening

• Appendix B: Event Report

East Carolina University is dedicated to providing a safe and vibrant learning and working environment for all its members. In an effort to support this goal, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities administers the Student Code of Conduct, which outlines ECU’s expectations for students’ on- and off-campus behavior. The regulation can be found at Student Conduct Process.

Students are expected to behave with propriety and to respect the rights and privileges of others. They are expected to abide by the laws of the city, state, and nation, and by all rules and regulations of ECU. Failure to do so may result in separation from the University. The CON complies with the University policies related to student conduct.

Online Student Conduct

Students are expected to communicate in a cooperative, courteous and professional manner at all times. Students should use appropriate online communications that are professional, respectful, non-threatening, and non-offensive. Students who disrupt the learning environment for others will face disciplinary action and may be dismissed from the course in a manner consistent with all applicable ECU policies and procedures. ECU policy on academic computer use is found at University Student and Employee Computer Use Regulation. Online students are held to the same standards of academic integrity as outlined in the ECU Student Handbook.

CON faculty members have academic, legal, and ethical responsibilities to protect the public, health care community and property from unsafe nursing practices. It is within this context that undergraduate and graduate students risk disciplinary action and/or dismissal from the CON.

1. Student Awareness
   Students will be provided with links to the North Carolina Nursing Practice Act, and the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses. All nursing students are expected to be familiar with the content of these documents and are to comply fully with the documents.
2. Definition: misconduct is defined as any of the following:
   1. An act or specific behavior which threatens or has the potential to threaten the property or the physical, emotional, mental, or environmental safety of the client, a family member or substitute familial person, the student him or herself, another student, a faculty member, or other health care provider.
   2. Any act or behavior that violates the North Carolina Nursing Practice Act, Article 9 of chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS 90-171.37; 90 171.44) or 90-171.37.
   3. Any act or behavior which violates the Code of Ethics for Nurses of the American Nurses’ Association (available at American Nurses Association).
   4. Any act or behavior which constitutes nursing practice for which a student is neither authorized nor educated at the time of the incident.
3. Evaluation Process for Student Misconduct
   1. Any faculty/instructor/preceptor who determines that a student may have demonstrated misconduct has the prerogative to have the student leave the learning environment. The faculty/instructor/preceptor (hereafter “faculty”) will complete the CON Event Report Form and notify the appropriate Department Chair and/or Director within 24 hours of the event.
   2. The appropriate Department Chair and/or Director will investigate the incident within three school days to determine whether the matter warrants further investigation. The Department Chair and/or Director will collect data and obtain testimonies from any involved parties. While the investigation is conducted, the student will not participate in any nursing courses.
4. Outcomes for the Evaluation Process
   1. No Misconduct: The faculty will be notified of the ruling. The student will be notified of the ruling and may resume their academic schedule.
   2. Misconduct requiring Remediation: The faculty will be notified of the ruling. The student will be notified of the ruling. The faculty in consultation with the appropriate Department Chair and/or Director will determine a plan for remediation and progression for the student.
   3. Misconduct Requiring Referral to Student Affairs Committee: the Department Chair and/or Director will notify the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and request a meeting of the Student Affairs Committee (SAC) and will provide the Committee with all documentation surrounding the event.
5. Meeting Process
   1. Within 5 school days, the SAC chair will notify the student, the faculty, the Department Chair and/or Director and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs as to the time and place for an official meeting. With prior notification of the Chair of the SAC, the student may be accompanied by a person who shall act as a non-participating observer.
   2. The SAC will hold a meeting of its members, the Department Chair and/or Director, the involved faculty, and the student. The Department Chair and/or Director will be present and will provide further review documentation and any oral/written evidence regarding the incident. Any member of the committee with a conflict, bias, or interest in the case must be recused.
   3. The student will have the opportunity to review any written evidence that will be used in the meeting prior to the meeting. The student will be present and will be given an opportunity to face and to examine witnesses testifying. The student also has the right to call witnesses on his/her behalf and to provide documentation and other oral or written evidence regarding the incident.
   4. Minutes of the meeting proceeding only will be taken and a copy available to the student upon request.
6. Post-Meeting Process
   1. Immediately following the presentation of the evidence, the committee will convene in executive session to determine whether misconduct has occurred and to recommend a resolution of the incident. The committee will base its recommendation only on the evidence presented at the meeting. The committee will recommend one of the following resolutions:
      1. no finding of misconduct
      2. finding of misconduct with a reprimand to the student
      3. finding of misconduct with remedial work, instruction and/or counseling
      4. finding of misconduct resulting in student suspension
      5. finding of misconduct resulting in dismissal from the College of Nursing.
   2. The SAC committee shall forward a copy of the meeting minutes and make its recommendation in writing to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs within 24 hours after the meeting. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will indicate agreement or non-agreement with the committee’s recommendation.
   3. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will then forward this agreement or non-agreement to the Dean.
   4. The Dean may accept, reject, or modify the SAC’s recommendation. The Dean’s decision will be based on the SAC minutes from the meeting and the recommendation of the committee and Associate Dean for Academic Affair’s recommendation. The Dean will notify the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the Department Chair and/or Director, the SAC, the faculty member and the student as to the decision.
   5. The decision of the Dean is final in the College of Nursing.
   6. Dismissal from the CON does not necessarily constitute dismissal from the University.

Disruptive Academic Behavior

Social media sites are online communities used increasingly in all aspects of our professional and personal lives to communicate and distribute information. Well-known examples of these sites are Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. The increase in usage of this type of media has resulted in new ways to share events, reach out to alumni, and gather feedback on issues. Along with positive effects are new concerns that we want to make employees and students aware of, such as the increased diligence we need to have in communicating on these sites to maintain an atmosphere of integrity, honesty, and respect that is free of harassment, exploitation, and intimidation. To help guide us in the use of these tools, we have created this regulation and the social media guidelines referenced in the additional references sections for our community of users.

This regulation is applicable to all East Carolina University (ECU) faculty, staff, temporary employees, postdoctoral fellows, students, contractors, and visitors and retirees who have campus access to the University network and/or data. You can access the entire policy at the following links: Social Media Use and Social Media Policies

Guidelines for Social Media Use by Nursing Students

Introduction

East Carolina University has a ‘Social Media Use’ policy (regulation 08.10.02) which all employees and students are expected to be aware of and follow. The purpose of the ECU policy is ‘to help guide us’ in the professional use of online communications including web and Internet platforms.

Purpose of the College of Nursing Social Media Guidelines

The College of Nursing faculty believe we are accountable for educating students on the use of social media in their personal as well as professional lives.

The federal rules (HIPAA Privacy Act and beginning in September 2013 the HITECH Act, which modifies HIPAA [Federal Register, Volume 78. Number 17 Friday January 25, 2013/Rules and Regulations) as they relate to clinical practice are expected to be followed by all nursing students.

Guiding Principles for Social Media Use

1. There are many benefits to using social media including networking, nurturing relationships, dissemination and discussion of nursing-related education, research and practice. (ANA Fact Sheet: Navigating the World of Social Media, September 2011).
2. Students are encouraged to utilize social media with knowledge that there are also risks. These risks include the fact that information can take on a life of its own. (ANA Fact Sheet: Navigating the World of Social Media, September 2011).
3. Inaccuracies can become ‘fact’. The public’s trust in nurses can be compromised and the ‘branding’ of self can undermine an individual’s nursing career. (ANA Fact Sheet: Navigating the World of Social Media, September 2011). You are also negatively branded by the use of slang, inappropriate language and grammar.
4. Content once posted or sent can be disseminated to others. (White Paper: A Nurse’s Guide to the Use of Social Media, August 2011).

Guidelines for Online Professional or Personal Activity with Social Media

1. Carefully consider the criteria for approval of any person you allow access to your site. Remember anyone who accesses your site can read all information posted.(NCSBON Nursing Bulletin, Fall, Volume 7 [number 1] edition 19, 2011).
2. You are legally liable for what you post on your site and your posts on the site of others. Individual blogger has been held liable for proprietary, copyrighted, defamatory, libelous or obscene commentary (as defined by the courts). (Purdue University Nursing Undergraduate Programs, Student Handbook, 2012-2013 page 26).
3. Think archival systems. Search engines can research posts years after the publication dates. Archival systems save information including deleted postings. (Purdue University Nursing Undergraduate Programs, Student Handbook, 2012-2013 page 26).
4. Monitor your mood while posting. It is wise to delay posting until you are calm and clear-headed. (Purdue University Nursing Undergraduate Programs, Student Handbook, 2012-2013 page 26).
5. You will have an opportunity to provide feedback in the appropriate venue on the course and faculty at the end of each course. Therefore social media platforms are considered inappropriate locations to provide this feedback (adopted from Purdue University Nursing Undergraduate Programs, Student Handbook, 2012-2013).
6. You are ‘branding’ yourself with each posting as well as representing ECU CON and the nursing profession. (National Student Nurses’ Association, Inc. Recommendations for Social Media Usage and Marinating Privacy, Confidentiality and Professionalism, 2012).
7. Employers and recruiters are looking for social media activity when reviewing résumés for job opportunities. (National Student Nurses’ Association, Inc., Recommendations for Social Media Usage and Marinating Privacy, Confidentiality and Professionalism, 2012).
8. Take advantage of privacy settings and seek to separate personal and professional information online. (ANA Principals for Social Networking and the Nurse, September, 2011, Silver Spring, MD).
9. Pause before you post.

Note: These guidelines are applicable to all forms of media, including newspaper, radio and TV.
Approved by Undergraduate Faculty 11-14-13

• Academic Integrity – Student Conduct Process
• East Carolina University Faculty Manual

The current grade appeal policies and procedures may be found in the current undergraduate and graduate University Catalogs. Links to the current University Catalogs may be found on the Office of the Registrar website at https://registrar.ecu.edu/ .

East Carolina University Graduate School

Office of the Dean of Students

Office of the Registrar

The Registrar’s Office of East Carolina University maintains all official grades and records of students. However, the Office of Student Services in the College of Nursing maintains official College of Nursing information. This includes all health information required by clinical agencies such as copies of CPR cards, immunizations, professional liability insurance, and health insurance coverage. All student clinical evaluations are filed in this office at the end of each semester. Copies of reference letters, enrollment verification letters, copies of letters from faculty, administrators, and the Student Affairs Committee are also placed in student files. Criminal background checks are kept in a separate file.

The policy for the administration of student educational records is in accordance with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, also known as the Buckley Amendment or FERPA. This policy provides that the student has a right of access to student educational records maintained by the university or any department or unit within the university. The policy also protects the confidentiality of personally identifiable information in student records. Faculty, administrators, and staff are not permitted to talk with family members and/or friends regarding student performance unless the student has identified the individual on the FERPA release form. The student completes the form through Pirate Portal. The faculty or Office of Student Services can validate with the Registrar’s Office those individuals whom the student has agreed to allow sharing of academic information.

Tobacco and Vaping Use on Campus

Graduate Student Residency

• All students conducting research must complete the required human research ethics training: CITI (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative) See the link to this online course: – CITI Program
• Other training links are found on UMCIRB Mandatory Training
• To understand the IRB process, see the following: IRB Frequently Asked Questions
• ePIRATE is the fully electronic IRB submission, review, and tracking system that eliminates the need for paper documents. Your research files are easily accessible through ePIRATE. At any time you may view the status, known in ePIRATE as “study state”, of your submission. Features include electronic submissions including initial applications, amendments, and reportable events, continuing review reminders, and easy access for department chairs and other administrators to view up-to-date research submissions. ePIRATE login and training information is found at Electronic Portal for Institutional Research (ePIRATE)

• The opportunity to conduct research at ECU is a privilege, not a right. It is incumbent upon all members of the ECU research community, including students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, and staff, to conduct research according to professional standards and with the utmost integrity. This is the foundation upon which public trust is built.
• The Office of Research Integrity and Compliance (ORIC) Office of Research Integrity and Compliance promotes the ethical and responsible conduct of research. We monitor compliance with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations by developing tools and educational resources designed to help guide the ECU community through the process of transparency, compliance, and oversight.
• All research data (those brought from other institutions, as well as those generated while at ECU), should be stored on an approved secure drive. You should request a secure drive space by submitting a request to the nursing information technology (IT) team through the College of Nursing Service Request System (SRS), the link for which can be found on the CON SharePoint site.
  • A secure drive on our “Nurseresearch” Piratedrive space will be set up by nursing IT. There is no fee for the drive and there should be ample storage capacity for most data formats. The Nurseresearch Piratedrive is approved for sensitive, including HIPAA, data. Any person with ECU credentials can be mapped to it and use it like a local drive while on campus. From home/off-campus, the ECU VPN (virtual private network) client is required to connect to the mapped drive.
  • You are able to create your own folder structure within an assigned pirate drive root folder. Instructions on how to get to the folder, how to map it to your computer as shared drive/network location, and how to use it with the VPN client can be found at Virtual Private Network (VPN) Support and Piratedrive Storage Support & Space Request
  • As part of the drive setup, you should send nursing IT the names and email addresses of your project participants who will need access to the drive. Nursing IT will add them to the folder security and provide a link to the drive, which you can share with the other folder users. If the folder is to be accessed from off-campus, please note that the VPN client application must first be downloaded, installed, and running on any computer used to connect to the folder.
  • Sponsored network and VPN accounts are required for non-ECU personnel in order for them to map their computers to the drive. Sponsored accounts are time-limited for guest users and must be renewed every six months by their host faculty. Nursing IT will assist in walking through the sponsored account procedure/request, and will assist the guest users in accessing the drive.
  • To better meet the data need for researchers collaborating with colleagues at other institutions, ECU now provides another option which makes sharing data among project participants easier. That data sharing option is called “DatAnywhere”. It is a web interface for folders on Piratedrive storage spaces. It works much like DropBox or OneCloud, but it allows data to be kept on a secure Piratedrive space, which is protected and backed up. With DatAnywhere, the drive can be used as is any other shared/mapped drive, but the content may also be shared to external colleagues through the DatAnywhere web interface, without the need for sponsored accounts or the VPN client. Since DatAnywhere is a web interface for an existing Nurseresearch Piratedrive folder, it is an approved method of access for sensitive data. Faculty and staff can request DatAnywhere that works with your Piratedrive to allow Piratedrive/computer synchronization, mobile access and shared links via PIN verification by contacting ECU ITCS at 252-328-9866.

Rev08.24.2020/aip
REV08.04.2022