Policy Library

Errors in health care have been identified as the third leading cause of death in the US (Makary & Daniel, 2016). To promote student awareness and engagement in creating and promoting of an ongoing culture of safety, the following guidelines will be used when a student is involved in a miss or near miss.

A near miss is an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or damage – but had the potential to do so. Only a fortunate break in the chain of events prevented an injury, fatality or damage; in other words, a miss that was nonetheless very near.

For example, penicillin was ordered for a patient allergic to the drug; however, the pharmacist was alerted to the allergy during computer order entry, the prescriber was called, and the penicillin was not dispensed or administered to the patient. Or the wrong drug was dispensed by pharmacy, and a nurse caught the error before it was administered to the patient.

Steps to address:

1. During each clinical practicum, the student will:
   • Self-assess environment and nursing practices for events that are identified as a near miss.
   • Report the near miss for review and recommendations.
   • If the student is directly responsible, the behavior will result in one or more of the following actions:
     • Verbal counseling or written contract
   • Complete an error analysis describing the near miss in detail and outline an action plan to prevent future occurrence.
2. The faculty will:
   • Review the written error analysis, initiate verbal counseling or written contract.
   • Complete the UB School of Nursing Incident Report.
   • Forward copies of the analysis, contract and incident report to the assistant dean for review.
3. A copy of all documents will be placed in the student record.

A miss (error) is an unplanned event, situation or error that occurred (completed in that the patient was the object of the error). An injury, illness or damage may have occurred but had a high potential to occur.

For example, a patient is at high risk for falls and is placed on fall precautions (yellow blanket, yellow booties, bed alarm engaged and bed in low position). The patient got out of bed unassisted and fell resulting in a fractured hip. The bed alarm was not engaged.

Steps to address:

1. The student and faculty will follow the clinical site policy and procedure for reporting of errors (miss).
2. If the error resulted in injury to the student (needle stick), the will be sent to the ED for evaluation and subsequently report to Michael Hall for further evaluation.
3. The student behavior will result in the following:
   • Student will complete an error analysis describing the near miss in detail and outline an action plan to prevent future occurrence.
4. The faculty will:
   • Review the written error analysis and initiate a written contract.
   • Complete the UB School of Nursing Incident Report.
   • Forward copies of the analysis, contract and incident report to the assistant dean for review.
5. A copy of all documents will be placed in the student record.

Makary, M., & Daniel, M. (2016). Medical error – the third leading cause of death in the US. British Medical Journal, 353, i2139. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.i2139 

The University’s goals of discovery and innovation begin with the ideals of academic civility and personal respect in order to maintain a supportive atmosphere of learning in both academic and social settings.  The ability to disseminate knowledge and share ideas in an open dialogue is essential to the success of the School of Nursing and its students.  Academic dishonesty – including but not limited to plagiarism, cheating, and falsification – will not be tolerated.  The University expects proper representation of academic work as well as academic civility in all settings.  Academic integrity promotes the moral self-respect and maintenance of competence advanced by the American Nurses Association and is encouraged by the actions of the faculty.  It is crucial to students’ success and the success of their classmates to uphold the values of honesty, respect, inclusiveness, and patience in an academic environment to better shape their professional character.

The School of Nursing upholds the values of the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, in particular, personal and professional integrity.  All RN licensed School of Nursing students must adhere to the professional Code of Ethics for Nurses and comply with the New York State rules for professional conduct and NYSED license requirements for registered professional nursing. Faculty promote an environment of academic honesty and integrity and place special responsibility for upholding academic honesty on each student. Founded on the principle of respect for others, integrity and responsibility for one’s actions are necessary for the provision of patient and health care, research and teaching.

The University at Buffalo School of Nursing endorses the University's belief that "academic integrity is a fundamental university value. . . [and that] through the honest completion of academic work, students [faculty and staff] sustain the integrity of the university while facilitating the university's imperative for the transmission of knowledge and culture based upon the generation of new and innovative ideas" (from the Academic Integrity section of the UB Undergraduate Degree and Course Catalog). The University’s goals of discovery and innovation begin with the ideals of personal respect and academic civility in order to maintain a supportive atmosphere of learning in academic, clinical and social settings. The ability to disseminate knowledge and share ideas in an open dialogue is essential to the success of the School of Nursing.

The School of Nursing additionally upholds the values of the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics (2015), and the rules for professional conduct of the New York State Office of the Professions. These values and rules, which emphasize the principles of respect for self and others, personal and professional integrity, and responsibility for one’s actions, identify the tenets that are necessary for the provision of patient and health care, research and teaching.

Based on these perspectives, the School of Nursing Honor Code is based on the following principles:

1.   Respect for patients, privacy and confidentiality
2.   Respect for self, faculty, staff, colleagues and members of the health care team
3.   Professional demeanor and attire
4.   Accuracy, honesty and completeness in all written and verbal communications
5.   Respect for diversity
6.   Respect for property
7.   Respect for policies, regulations and laws
8.   Confidentiality of academic and clinical records
9.   Academic integrity and standards
10.   Fitness for duty
11.   Fairness
12.   Responsibility

The School of Nursing's faculty, staff and students are responsible to exhibit these principles to promote an environment of high ethical and academic standards within the classroom and clinical settings.

By accepting admission to the University at Buffalo School of Nursing, students are expected to exhibit appropriate professional behavior consistent with the values of the SON and the nursing profession. Students assume personal responsibility to be in a physical and mental condition conducive to the provision of safe nursing care and the development of the knowledge and skills required to give this care.

The School of Nursing has a responsibility to promote academic integrity and to develop procedures to deal effectively with instances of academic dishonesty. Students are responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, for the appropriate citation of sources, and for respect for others' academic endeavors. By placing their name on academic work, students certify the originality of all work not otherwise identified by appropriate acknowledgments.

“I [insert name] am committed to following the UB School of Nursing Honor Code with honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility and ethics. I will refrain from any form of academic or clinical dishonesty or deception, such as cheating or plagiarism. I am aware that as a member of UB SON academic community it is my responsibility and obligation to report all suspected violations of the Honor Code.” (adapted from Langone, M. (2007). Promoting integrity among nursing students. Journal of Nursing Education, 46(1), 45-47.)

The University at Buffalo annually receives tens of thousands of applications for admission from students around the globe. This admission process provides applicants a comprehensive means to fully and effectively present their academic records and experience, and affords our faculty a mechanism for a sensitive and holistic review of materials to determine admissibility.

The University at Buffalo expects and assumes all applicants will adhere to the highest standards of integrity by fully and accurately providing the information and documentation required for this full and fair review. If, subsequent to a student’s enrollment and the start of the term, questions arise regarding the completeness or accuracy of any aspect of that student’s application, the department should notify the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. 

DNP applicants who have non-nursing coursework and transcripts that are ≥10 years old will not be utilized in the overall bachelor’s GPA calculated during the review process.  Students will still be required to send all official transcripts to our office for review. The nursing GPA review process would not change.

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to automatically progress in the Advanced Certificate programs. Graduation is dependent on the completion of all required courses on the degree plan established by the advisor and student.

PhD students will receive a formal evaluation of their academic progress after the first semester of enrollment and annually thereafter. The annual meeting will include faculty who teach and advise PhD students in addition to members of the PhD Committee and the assistant dean. The student evaluation includes feedback on progress in the program, including assessing overall GPA, addressing any incomplete or resigned courses, monitoring progress toward completing coursework, preparing for the qualifying exam and timely defense of proposal and defense of dissertation. A follow-up letter regarding the student’s standing will be sent by the assistant dean of the PhD program indicating his/her progress and status in the program.  In the event of need for improvement, the assistant dean will consult with the student’s advisor for appropriate feedback and recommendations for advisement and mentoring.

All doctoral students are required to meet with their advisors for discussion, approval and submission of a completed PhD Student Annual Report and up-to-date Program Agreement. The Office of Student Services will send all PhD students the requirements for the annual report.  The student must email an electronic copy of the program agreement to his/her advisor or dissertation chair by the posted deadline (usually April). Once completed and discussed with the program advisor/dissertation chair, the reports are sent to the Office of Student Services. 

Students who participate in clinical experiences must maintain current documentation of having completed a course on Basic Life Support (including both adults and pediatrics) for health care providers while in the DNP and Certificate nursing programs. Nurse Anesthetist students must maintain current documentation of Basic Life Support, Pediatric Life Support and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. This course, along with appropriate documentation, must be obtained through the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. DNP and Certificate students are required to have a current life support certification(s) prior to any clinical nursing activity. Be sure to submit a copy of updated life support certifications to Jessica Wang-Strykowski (nurse anesthetist students) or Jackie Martek (nurse practitioner students).

Students who participate in clinical experiences must maintain current documentation of having completed a course on Basic Life Support (including both adults and pediatrics) for health care providers while in the nursing program. This course, along with appropriate documentation, must be obtained through the American Heart Association. Online CPR certifications are not accepted.

If the student is unable to fulfill this requirement due to physical inability to perform the procedures, he/she must provide medical documentation from a health care provider. Although the student has a disability, he/she must still provide evidence that a course was completed.  This is in case the disabled student finds himself/herself in an emergency situation in which he/she is the only health care provider available who can verbally guide another individual through the process of rendering basic life support measures.

Students are required to have a current BLS certification prior to any clinical nursing activity. Failure to provide documentation of BLS will prohibit the student’s participation in and passing of clinical nursing courses. Be sure to submit a copy of BLS card to the Office of Student Services, Beck Hall, to remain in the program and participate in clinical courses.

Agencies unable to comply with this policy will not be used by the University. Students must have successfully met the requirements encompassed in the performance of infection control procedures before providing care to patients involving contact with blood and body fluids.

Students judged to be competent to give such care will be expected to care for patients with diagnoses of AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, HIV, and Hepatitis B and C. Students will be assigned at the discretion of the instructor.

If a body fluid exposure should occur, the student must immediately notify the clinical instructor and follow the agency's policy regarding immediate care, follow-up and reporting. The student is responsible for any charges associated with testing and treatment of any injuries during clinical (including on-campus sites). The student should seek treatment at a facility covered by their insurance or as directed.

An incident report is completed according to agency policy. The clinical instructor is responsible for notifying to the associate dean for clinical programs in writing through completion of a UB SON incident report. 

Three credits of research elective (to be taken as 1 to 3 credits over the first year of enrollment) are required the first year as a BS-PhD student.

The Research Area Elective is a course taken individually with a faculty member, usually in the School of Nursing, who is expert in the same or similar substantive content area as the student.  The elective nature is because the student is free to choose the faculty member with whom the course is taken. It is very likely that the faculty member chosen will be the student’s advisor or prospective dissertation chair.

The course is taken in the first full time year of study. It may be taken as three full credits or divided among semesters (for example, one credit in the first semester and two in the second semester. The course is designed to be flexible. The student and his/her advisor will decide together whether the elective is taken as an independent study (for example, guided readings and in-depth discussions) or a course in the student’s substantive content area of research interest. Regardless, the aim of the research area elective course is to support students’ in-depth exploration a research area of interest (e.g. through the published literature) in order to identify and refine the PhD research program which will culminate in the dissertation research.

Students must consult with the prospective faculty member they have chosen and their advisor (if not the same) and receive approval prior to enrolling. Students will register using NGC 600 for Independent study, or register for a course in their substantive area with their advisor’s approval. If taken as NGC 600, the student and faculty member will complete and submit the Independent Study application for approval by the PhD Committee.

From time to time it may become necessary to cancel a course due to low enrollment or other issues. This will be done at the discretion of the assistant dean for the PhD program and the Office of Academic Affairs.

It is the student's responsibility to immediately inform the Office of Student Services in the School of Nursing and the course coordinator(s) for all enrolled nursing courses of any changes in name, address or telephone number. Students must also notify the Registrar’s office of changes in name and/or address.

Students will receive specific information, from the course coordinator, regarding day and time for clinical placements prior to the start of each rotation. Clinical placements may occur any day of the week (including weekends) and shifts will vary, but will not interfere with other required learning activities.

Based on direct observation, records will be utilized by individual instructors to formulate an evaluation of the student's performance at the completion of each laboratory experience. Evaluation is as follows:

1. Evaluation of student performance and achievement will be written. These evaluations are based on course objectives.  
2. Evaluation summaries are to be seen by the student and signed and he/she is given the opportunity to add his/her written comments.
3. Such evaluations will be done via conferences between students and faculty members having clinical contact with students.
4. Summaries of student progress will include evidence of growth and accomplishment as well as areas needing improvement.
5. Evaluation summaries for clinical courses will be kept on file in the Office of Student Services in the School of Nursing.
6. According to FERPA, students have the right to inspect contents of records kept on them for administrative and advisement purposes unless they waive the right of access.

• All students are expected to subscribe to their respective class listserv and to abide by all announcements and instructions.
• All students are expected to view and read official UB email a minimum of every day for important announcements and communication. Choosing to ignore email is not a valid excuse for being unaware.
• Students will be informed by course faculty where to submit course assignments.

These individuals are selected by their peers to represent the students enrolled in particular courses. They participate in appropriate course meetings and can place items on the course meeting agenda for discussion. They serve as a liaison between the students and course faculty, bringing information and concerns from the students to the faculty in a professional manner and channeling information from the faculty to the students. They are expected to be knowledgeable about course matters and to establish and maintain a viable communication system with the students so that they can speak on their behalf.

This faculty member is responsible for the overall organization and administration of a particular course. He/she orients students to the courses, establishes a system of faculty/student communication, makes all arrangements for the theoretical and clinical components of the course so that they are consistent with course objectives, informs students of changes in University and/or School of Nursing policies and in course requirements and schedules, compiles and reports grades in collaboration with course faculty, develops a plan for course evaluation and meets with student course representatives to discuss ideas and concerns regarding the course whenever appropriate.

If these customary channels do not satisfy the need or concern under consideration, students may consult directly with the associate dean for academic affairs or dean.

Registered nurses who hold a master’s degree in nursing or who have earned at least 24 credits toward a master’s degree in nursing are permitted to register for a maximum of nine credits of doctoral courses as non-matriculated students. With instructor permission and course availability, doctoral courses that may enroll non-matriculated students are: NGC 701 State of Nursing Science; NGC632 Interpreting Health Care Policy; NUS 705 Designing and Testing Interventions and Innovations; NUS 694 Quantitative Methods in Health Care Research (see placement policy); NUS 697 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods; NUS 691 Advanced Information Technology in Practice, Education, and Research; NGC 692 Seminar in Grantsmanship; 695 Advanced Statistical Techniques; and NUS710 Interpretive Phenomenology. Students may also consider updating their research and statistical analysis knowledge by enrolling in NGC 526 Evaluating Research Evidence for Health Care I (required for BS-PhD students) or NGC 527 Evaluating Research Evidence for Health Care II (required for BS-PhD and MS-PhD students who are unsuccessful in passing the required statistical assessment placement examination). A non-degree application must be filed with the Office of Student Services.

A student who is dismissed from the RN to BS program may petition (in writing) to the Undergraduate Program Committee through the director of student services. Petition procedures are as follows:

1. The student will submit a petition through the director of student services within two academic years of dismissal. The statement to the Undergraduate Program Committee should include the student’s perception of the factors that contributed to his/her present status as well as a detailed plan for removing obstacles to his/her successful progression in the School of Nursing, if the appeal is granted.
2. A designee from Student Services will notify the chair of the Undergraduate Program Committee that a petition for readmission is in process and request a review of the appeal be scheduled.
3. Within 10 academic days of receiving notification of the student petition, the Chair of the Undergraduate Program Committee will notify any of the following: related course faculty, program coordinator or student academic advisor to request that they also submit statements to the Undergraduate Program Committee specific to the student petition for readmission. The letter should include his/her perception of the factors that contributed to the student’s present status and a recommendation, with rationale, to grant or deny readmission of the student to the School of Nursing.
4. These statements, along with the academic record of the student, will be evaluated by the Undergraduate Program Committee. If the need arises, any one of the parties may be requested to submit additional information to the Committee, in writing or in person.
5. The decision of the Undergraduate Program Committee will be forwarded to the student, the associate dean of clinical programs by the director of student services, within 25 academic days* of receipt of the student’s appeal statement.
6. If the appeal is granted, notice of that will include the terms and conditions of continued progression in the School of Nursing. Students who are granted continued study will be permanently dismissed, without opportunity for appeal, following an additional failure of any upper-division nursing course.
7. Appeal decisions are final. Students who are dismissed from the School of Nursing are not eligible to re-apply, per our admissions policy.

A student who is dismissed may petition (in writing) the Undergraduate Program Committee through the director of student services within 45 academic days* from the date of dismissal. Petition procedures are as follows:

1. The student will submit a petition through the director of student services no later 45 academic days following the dated dismissal notification. The statement to the Undergraduate Program Committee should include the student’s perception of the factors that contributed to his/her present status as well as a detailed plan for removing obstacles to his/her successful progression in the School of Nursing if the appeal is granted.
2. A designee from Student Services will notify the chair of the Undergraduate Program Committee that a petition for readmission is in process, and request a review of the appeal be scheduled.
3. Within 10 academic days of receiving notification of the student petition, the Chair of the Undergraduate Program Committee will notify related course or clinical faculty to request that they also submit statements to the Undergraduate Program Committee specific to the student petition for readmission. The letter should include his/her perception of the factors that contributed to the student’s present status and a recommendation, with rationale, to grant or deny readmission of the student to the School of Nursing.
4. These statements, along with the academic record of the student, will be evaluated by the Undergraduate Program Committee. If the need arises, any one of the parties may be requested to submit additional information to the Committee, in writing or in person.
5. The decision of the Undergraduate Program Committee will be forwarded to the student, the assistant dean for undergraduate programs, and the associate dean for academic affairs by the director of student services, within 25 academic days of the Undergraduate Programs Committee’s decision. 
6. If the appeal is granted, notice of that will include the terms and conditions of continued progression in the School of Nursing. Students who are granted continued study will be permanently dismissed, without opportunity for appeal, following an additional failure of any upper-division nursing course. Students not successful will be permanently dismissed from the School of Nursing with no other opportunity for appeal.  
7. Appeal decisions are final. Students who are dismissed from the School of Nursing are not eligible to re-apply, per our admissions policy.
8. Late appeals may be considered at the discretion of the Undergraduate Program Committee.

*Academic days are defined as weekdays when classes are in session, not including the summer or winter sessions.

Students who are on probation are not eligible to take further nursing coursework but are eligible to take courses outside of the School of Nursing. In making decisions regarding progression of students who are out of sequence in the nursing program, individuals will be allowed to continue on a space-available basis (in non-clinical coursework). Please see Program Specific Guidelines policy for details. Students in good academic standing within the School of Nursing who maintain continuous registration in required nursing courses will receive priority. The remaining students may be given priority based on their cumulative and upper-division nursing GPAs at the time the decision is made.

The PhD program curriculum is accessed by students through distance technology. Courses are offered in asynchronous, synchronous and hybrid formats as determined by the faculty. Regardless of the manner in which courses are offered, each course has due dates for assignment completion and required levels of student participation in on-line discussion, projects with fellow students, etc. Students are required upon admission to obtain required hardware and software and work with the School’s distance learning specialist to receive approval of their equipment and assure their ability to connect. Ongoing disruption of class due to student’s inappropriate technology and/or failure to work with IT to make appropriate corrections will not be tolerated.

The UB School of Nursing requires that all students’ email correspondence to university faculty and staff be sent from a UBIT address to protect the security of our server as well as to protect student privacy according to federal legislation (FERPA). Faculty and staff will not respond to non-UBIT addresses.

Accepted nursing majors previously convicted of a felony should know that New York State can deny the right to be licensed. We encourage students with such records to consult with the New York State Office of the Professions prior to spending time and money completing nursing course work.

Students are expected to fully participate in all classroom, laboratory and clinical activities without restriction. A student is expected to inform (disclose) to a nursing faculty member or staff member (director of student services) any health related issue that may put either the student or client in danger.

A student may be required to provide evidence from his/her health care provider if restrictions in learning activities are needed due to health reasons. To the extent possible faculty will work with the student to achieve the required learning outcomes.

Student may need to withdraw from their graduate nursing courses in order to allow time to receive treatment and improve his/her health condition and to maintain the safety of clients. Refer to the Graduate School's Leave of Absence and Withdrawal policies. 

Graduate students are expected to maintain a professional appearance in the Health Assessment Lab and clinical settings. Students are also expected to comply with agency policy, which includes such items as:

• Clothes: clean, neat and appropriate length
• Hair: clean and off collar, color within naturally occurring color tones
• Nails: clean and short, no artificial nails or tips, conservative nail polish
• Jewelry: should be restricted to small pierced earrings (one per ear) and wedding band; no other visible piercings (e.g., nose, eyebrow, lip)
• Tattoos: covered except when in conflict with site-specific hospital policy
• Beards must be short, clean and neat; non-bearded men must be clean shaven
• Students must wear their nursing ID badge during all clinical experiences 

Students are expected to fully participate in all classroom, laboratory, and clinical activities (collectively, “Learning Activities”) without restriction. Please refer to the Technical Standards Policy for details. A student is expected to inform (disclose) to a nursing faculty member or advisor (director of student services) any health or religious related issue that may put either the student or client in danger.

A student may be required to provide evidence from his/her health care provider if restrictions in Learning Activities are needed due to health reasons, or if there is a concern that the student’s health may put the student or a client in danger. Depending upon the facts and circumstances, the School of Nursing may require evidence from a healthcare specialist before a student is permitted to participate or to resume participation in Learning Activities. To the extent possible, faculty will work with the student to achieve the required learning outcomes.

Students may consult with UB’s Office of Accessibility Resources for assistance in identifying reasonable accommodations and engaging in an interactive process with the School of Nursing to determine the plan for alternative completion. A student may need to withdraw from nursing courses (and all Learning Activities) in order to allow time to receive treatment and improve his/her health condition and to maintain the safety of clients. Refer to Leave of Absence  policy for additional information.

Submit the Petition for Course Credit Outside Your Primary Academic Career form (pdf).

Patient confidentiality at the facilities used by the University at Buffalo, State University of New York School of Nursing is considered to be of primary importance. In addition to each facility policy, a federal law called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires patient health information to be kept confidential. Patients and their families have a right to deal with their health information use in a private and secure manner, trusting that their privacy will be maintained. In order to protect this right to confidentiality and to comply with federal and state laws, students must agree to hold all information (including, but not limited to, patient names, their medical information and relevant agency information) gained through their clinical assignments at any facility used by the University at Buffalo, State University of New York School of Nursing in strictest confidence. Confidentiality includes, but is not limited to, not discussing patients or their medical conditions with persons who do not have a need to know and not removing any documents with individually identifiable patient data from the facility.

Students need to understand the terms of this Confidentiality Policy and agree to abide by the above requirements. Students also need to understand that any breach of a patient’s confidentiality may result in disciplinary action against them and possible removal from the clinical site to which they have been assigned.

The privacy rule of HIPAA requires that all agencies be able to demonstrate that they have trained their employees and others who do business with them so that they understand all the privacy procedures required by this rule. Clinical agencies require that we provide evidence that faculty and students have met this requirement. Students must complete the HIPPA tutorial provided by the School of Nursing. Clinical agencies require documentation of orientation to their facilities as well as completion of content related to HIPAA regulation.

Participation in clinical practicum experiences by DNP and Certificate nursing students necessitates that particular attention be given to protection of the health of both students and the public with whom they come in contact. Certain preventive measures on the part of graduate nursing students enrolled in direct patient care clinical practicum courses are, therefore, required.

Each student must assume responsibility for meeting health requirements established by the School and/or the various agencies that are utilized. These include:

• All students must have a physical examination including required health professional immunizations and a PPD test before starting the DNP program
• A health appraisal form must be completed yearly.
• PPD must be repeated annually. If the test is positive or not done, a chest x-ray is required.
• All graduate students are required to have the Hepatitis B vaccine.
• Documentation of a chicken pox titer or a documented history of having had chicken pox.

Other immunization requirements may be required to meet health requirements of various health agencies and New York State Department of Health, such as influenza and COVID-19 vaccine. These requirements will be communicated to the students as necessary.

UB School of Nursing (SON) graduate students rotate through hospital-based clinics as part of their clinical education so they must comply with New York State Department of Health immunization requirements for hospital personnel in order to participate in hospital-based rotations.

Participation in clinical laboratory experiences by nursing students necessitates that particular attention be given to protection of the health of both students and the public with whom they come in contact. Certain preventive measures on the part of nursing students are, therefore, required.

Each student must assume responsibility for meeting health requirements established by the School and/or the various agencies that are utilized.

All students must have a physical examination including required health professional immunizations and a PPD test before starting the program. A health appraisal form must be completed yearly. PPD must be repeated annually. If the test is positive or not done, a chest x-ray is required. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has declared student nurses to be one of the groups most at risk for Hepatitis B. Therefore, all undergraduate students are required to have the Hepatitis B vaccine. Students must start this series of injections prior to the deadline set in their admissions letter and complete it on track in order to start and participate clinical experiences. In addition, the School of Nursing requires documentation of a chicken pox titer or a documented history of having had chicken pox. Other immunization requirements may be required to meet health requirements of various health agencies and New York State Department of Health, such as influenza and COVID-19 vaccine. These requirements will be communicated to the students as necessary.

UB School of Nursing (SON) students are required to rotate through hospital-based clinics in order to complete the program. All SON students must comply with New York State Department of Health immunization requirements for hospital personnel in order to participate in hospital-based rotations.

A student may need to withdraw from nursing courses in order to allow time to receive treatment and improve his/her health condition and to maintain the safety of clients. Refer to leave of absence and withdrawal policies in the undergraduate policies section.

Student liability insurance is provided by the University at Buffalo. Coverage is effective only when students are performing activities associated with requirements of the educational program.

The competent and safe practice of medication calculation and administration is a critical component of professional nursing practice. The UB School of Nursing has the responsibility to prepare graduates to safely and competently calculate and administer medications and intravenous fluids in a variety of healthcare settings.

Each undergraduate student is required to pass a medication calculation/IV therapy examination comprised of 10 test items for each of the following clinical courses NSG 313, 317, 412, 416, 474, 481. A passing grade of 90% is required to pass the course. Students not successful after the initial attempt will be given a second opportunity to meet the 90% proficiency. Students who do not achieve 90% after a second attempt will not pass the course. To further, evaluate students’ proficiency with medication calculation, each corresponding theory course (NSG 312, 316, 411, 415, 470, and 478 will include medication, math, and IV therapy test items (3 –5), which are relevant to the course content, on each examination given in the course

To facilitate student achievement, the following activities are provided:

1. All student will have access to ATI Dosage Calculation and Safe Medication Administration modules and practice test questions and are encouraged to complete assigned modules and independently complete appropriate practice questions.
2. The medication/calculation/IV therapy assessment test is given prior to the start of clinicals or at the discretion of the course coordinators. Students who meet the passing grade of 90% or greater will meet the requirement for passing.
3. Students who do not meet the passing grade of 90% or greater will be provided an opportunity to remediate.
4. A second medication/calculation/IV therapy assessment test is given prior to finals week for students who had not achieved a 90% on the 1^st test. Students who achieve < 90% will not meet the requirement for passing the course

A student must achieve a minimal final course grade of 75% (C+) for successful completion of all undergraduate courses in the nursing program. A student must achieve an 83% (B) for all graduate level courses taken in the nursing program.

A student is required to achieve a 75% average on all exams in a nursing course. 

Individual assignments and test grades will be carried to the second decimal place throughout the semester.

Individual grades are then added and weighted for a final grade.

Only the final grade is rounded to the nearest whole number using standard mathematical rounding.

Standard mathematical rounding requires the first digit after the decimal to be at least 0.5 to round up.

The clinical instructor (undergraduate programs)/course coordinator (graduate programs) will complete a UB SON Incident Report and notify the course coordinator (undergraduate only) and associate dean for clinical programs.

The student should seek treatment at a facility covered by his/her insurance or as directed. The student should heed the recommendations of the health care professional performing the initial evaluation for the occupational exposure, including follow-up. If a student does not have a local primary care provider with whom to follow-up, the student should contact University at Buffalo Student Health Services at 716-829-3316 to make an appointment with the infectious disease specialist on staff and request lab results be sent to UB SHS as soon as they are available (fax: 716-829-2564).

The student is responsible for any charges associated with testing and treatment of any injuries during clinical (including on-campus sites) or while administering flu shots. 

Selected topics courses allow faculty to offer new courses on an experimental basis without seeking formal approval. When a student takes a Selected Topics course, a copy of the course outline should be retained to submit with the student's Application to Candidacy (ATC).

NGC 600, Independent Study, is available to any graduate student as an elective when appropriate to the student's educational goals and with the approval of the student's advisor. Students may enroll for Independent Study under the guidance of an appropriate university faculty member.

Independent Study may consist of directed study, readings, individualized instruction, field experience, research or other appropriate activities. Students may apply up to a maximum of 6 credits of Independent Study to their program. Approval of a proposal for Independent Study is contingent upon the availability of faculty and facilities and approval of the student's advisor.

The student must make an explicit agreement with a graduate faculty member or with other appropriate faculty as recommended by the student's advisor. The student must submit an Independent Study Proposal Form to the Office of Student Services as soon as plans are finalized.  The proposal is then reviewed by the School of Nursing PhD Committee and, if approved, forwarded to the Graduate School for review.  Independent Study proposals should be submitted in the semester prior to that planned for implementation.

One copy of the Independent Study Form should be retained in the Office of Student Services to submit to the Graduate School with the student’s Application to Candidacy (ATC).

Independent Study may consist of directed study, readings, individualized instruction, field experience, research or other appropriate activities. Students may apply up to a maximum of 6 credits of Independent Study to their program. Approval of a proposal for Independent Study is contingent upon the availability of faculty and facilities and approval of the student’s advisor.

The student must make an explicit agreement with a graduate faculty member[JS1]  or with other appropriate faculty as recommended by the student’s advisor. The student must submit an Independent Study Proposal Form to the Office of Student Services as soon as plans are finalized.  The proposal is then reviewed by the School of Nursing Advanced Certificate/DNP Committee and, if approved, forwarded to the Graduate School for review.  Independent Study proposals should be submitted in the semester prior to that planned for implementation.

One copy of the Independent Study Form should be retained in the Office of Student Services

Outstanding undergraduate students can enrich their education and gain personal recognition through participation in a supervised teaching experience with a nursing faculty member. In concert with the faculty member, student teachers will have an opportunity to develop their leadership, management, teaching, technology and presentation skills in a course previously completed. Typically, instructors recruit students when they are in need.

Eligible students are those who previously completed the course and earned a grade of A or A- or have prior experience in the subject and have a GPA of 3.0.

Required student teacher activities:

• A minimum of 3 hours per week of class or class support activities
• Effective communication skills and enthusiasm about sharing knowledge with others
• Preparation for individual and group student activities
• Organization and presentation skills
• Organization and tracking of course activities and communication with students

• Abbott Library and online resources
• APA
• Internet, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Excel
• Active UB email account
• Access to UBlearns

A letter grading system will be used. Grading will be based on an established contract/rubric for the specific course.

The faculty mentor has the right to terminate the mentorship based on student teacher’s attendance, participation, dependability, quality of work and academic standing.

Independent study is meant to allow students an opportunity to engage in individualized learning outside required curriculum, under the guidance of an appropriate faculty member. In some cases, an independent study may address a special topic area that the student in interested in developing, or may be related to an internship opportunity in the community. In order to participate in such an experience, the student must have a prior agreement with a faculty member who is willing to sponsor and supervise his/her work.

• Independent study is primarily intended to assist students in pursuing depth in an area of concentration; therefore, it is most appropriately carried out by, but not limited to, students in the junior and senior years.
• Independent study credit is variable (1-3) in any one semester. This credit is free elective and cannot replace any required nursing or general education coursework.
• Approval for any independent study proposal is always contingent upon availability of faculty and facilities.
• The students must use the Undergraduate Independent Study Proposal (NSG 499) form (available in UBlearns) to obtain the written consent of the faculty member or members who will supervise his/her project.
• Any student proposal involving utilization of human subjects must be reviewed, prior to implementation, by the Human Subjects Review Board. The faculty project advisor should be consulted about the necessary procedure.
• The Undergraduate Program Committee may be consulted by either the student or the faculty project advisor concerning overlapping with or duplication of required or elective nursing courses, depth of presently offered courses, etc.

1. Work with your supervising faculty member to complete the Undergraduate Independent Study Proposal (NSG 499) form (available in UBlearns).
2. Submit the completed, signed form to the office of student services, nursing@buffalo.edu prior to the first day of the semester for which you wish to register.
3. If approved, you will be automatically registered for NSG 499. You will see the update in your HUB Student Center.

All students must provide a copy of their current US RN license (or equivalent) to the Office of Student Services during the admissions process. All students are responsible for keeping a current record on file for the duration of their program. 

While conducting the dissertation research, students take NUS 699 under the direction of the advisor or dissertation chair. Dissertation credit is typically taken following the completion of required coursework. However, a maximum of six dissertation credits may be taken prior to taking the Qualifying Examination. Once six dissertation credits have been achieved, if a student has not taken the qualifying exam, approval of additional credits must be presented to the PhD Committee. The student may be required to take a Leave of Absence if additional credits are not approved. A minimum of 12 credits is required. Since most dissertations may take longer to complete, students may register for 1 credit each semester to maintain continuous registration until graduation.

The purpose of this one credit course is to facilitate understanding of the process from coursework completion through the dissertation, and to facilitate the role transition from PhD student to post-graduate roles in academia and research. Students are required to take 2 credits of dissertation seminar spread over 2 semesters. Students may take more than the minimum number of credits if required by the dissertation chair or if requested by the student. NUS 702 coursework will begin after a student has successfully passed their Qualifying Examination.

The purpose of this practicum is to provide students an opportunity to advance their research experience by working with a principal investigator or a team of researchers. To obtain actual research experience, the student will participate in an ongoing research program, and be supervised by a faculty mentor who has a current program of research. This is a one credit course (two credits are required) and can be completed in one semester or in two consecutive semesters, as one credit each. One credit equals a minimum of six hours per week in the practicum. The research practicum must be completed before the qualifying examination.

Students will register for this course with consent of their advisor and the research mentor who will supervise the experience. Objectives to be achieved and the plan for the semester should be developed with the mentor prior to beginning the research practicum. A form titled NUS 708 Research Practicum must be completed with the faculty mentor. The completed form is submitted to the Office of Student Services for approval by the PhD committee. The student cannot begin the Research Practicum without PhD committee approval. The form is located in the PhD UBlearns course.

In the middle and end of the semester, the student will provide written evidence of meeting the learning objectives to the mentor. The mentor may request additional evidence of meeting objectives before determining satisfactory completion of the practicum. Grading will be on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

All matriculated (new and continuing) PhD students are required to attend (in person) and participate in a student orientation and research immersion, scheduled in August immediately prior to the semester start date. Students who have defended their dissertation proposal successfully are not required to attend but are welcome to do so.

The student’s dissertation committee prepares, administers, and grades the qualifying examination. The dissertation committee also is responsible for evaluating the student’s preparation for conducting a dissertation, reviewing, and approving the dissertation proposal, guiding the research, certifying completion of the dissertation, and preparing the student for a successful defense.

The student will select the dissertation chair with assistance from the faculty advisor (which may be, but is not required to be, the faculty advisor). The student with consultation from the dissertation chair will then select the dissertation committee members. The proposed dissertation committee must be approved by the Assistant Dean of the PhD program. The advisor sends a memo to the assistant dean indicating the student’s choice for a dissertation chair. The assistant dean sends a memo indicating such to the Office of Student Services with a copy to the faculty advisor and the dissertation chair.  Once the dissertation committee is approved, the dissertation committee will oversee the remainder of the student’s work. Any change in the dissertation committee membership must be approved by the assistant dean for the PhD program. Criteria for the dissertation committee are as follows:

1. The dissertation chair must be a PhD prepared faculty member at UB, a member of the School of Nursing faculty, and a full member of the graduate faculty.
2. Two additional members must be full members of the graduate faculty at UB.   
3. At least one individual on the dissertation committee must be a nurse who is a member of the School of Nursing faculty as well as a full member of the graduate faculty at UB.
4. Members in addition to the three required members may be added as needed, to include:
   • An advisor/expert in a “distant” location
   • Post-Docs with an appropriate level of expertise

Please start the scheduling process at least six weeks in advance of the potential proposal or dissertation defense date. School of Nursing staff are not responsible for missed deadlines due to poor planning.

1. The student should contact the Office of Student Services to obtain deadlines for degree conferral.
2. The student then consults with their dissertation committee for three potential dates and times for the proposal or dissertation defense. The defense is scheduled for one hour. The student should ask the committee to hold the dates and times on their calendar.
3. The student should email the following information to the administrative assistant for PhD Program:
   • Title of the proposal or dissertation
   • Name and email addresses of the dissertation chair
   • Names and email addresses of the committee members
   • The three potential dates and times of the defense
4. The administrative assistant will review the dates with the assistant dean for PhD Program and videoconference and classroom tech specialist.
5. The administrative assistant will email the date, time and location to the student and dissertation committee.
6. The student should email the proposal or dissertation abstract at least 15 academic days* in advance of the defense date to the administrative assistant. After receipt of the abstract, the defense date will be announced to the School of Nursing. The student, dissertation committee, videoconference and classroom tech specialist and assistant dean for PhD Program will be sent an Outlook invitation for the defense.
7. There are forms required by the University and the School of Nursing as part of the degree conferral process. Student Services will prepare the forms and they will be provided to the dissertation chair for signatures the day of the defense.
8. After the dissertation committee has signed the forms, they will be provided to the assistant dean for PhD Program who will sign and send to the Office of Student Services.

*Note: Academic days are defined as weekdays when classes are in session, not including the summer or winter sessions.

The final defense is a public event scheduled by the dissertation chair and student that is attended by the candidate’s dissertation committee, members of the faculty from the School of Nursing and the University as well as interested community partners and guests. The date and time of the dissertation must be posted on the nursing faculty and doctoral student listservs at least 10 academic days* in advance of the scheduled defense to allow interested students and faculty the opportunity to attend.

(*Note: Academic days are defined as weekdays when classes are in session, not including the summer or winter sessions.)

The student makes arrangements for the room and equipment, and contacts IT to arrange accessibility to remote attendees. A copy of the dissertation must be made available for review at least 10 days prior to defense in PDF form on the PhD program Information site on UBlearns. The student should provide a copy to the administrative staff of the PhD program who will upload the document.

The defense should be scheduled during the confines of a semester while classes are in session. In the event that the student needs to defend in summer or winter sessions, a written plan must be agreed upon and in place with all faculty/staff involved in the defense process by the last day of classes of the semester preceding the defense. Specifically, the student and Dissertation Chair:

• Notify the Director of Student Services to obtain the deadline to meet all graduation requirements.
• Contact all committee members to secure a date and time for the proposed defense.
• Once that date is determined, the student contacts the Video Conferencing and Classroom Technology Specialist (jjl24@buffalo.edu) for room reservation and Zoom link.
• Student and Dissertation Chair notifies the Assistant Dean for PhD Program (rlorenz@buffalo.edu) and Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Dean for PhD Program (barbzon@buffalo.edu) of the date of defense and include the deadline the student will be required to submit the dissertation PDF for posting along with their defense announcement. When determining the 10 academic day deadline, please consider if the School of Nursing is closed as this may affect the deadline date.
• After all deadline dates are confirmed, the Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Dean for PhD Program will send out a confirmation email to the student and all faculty/staff involved with the student’s defense.

If the student does not adhere to the agreed upon plan, it will be the student’s responsibility to find a solution. Faculty and staff are not responsible for missed deadlines due to poor planning.

Presentation of the dissertation should be conducted in the traditional (in-person, on-campus) manner and be limited to approximately 30 minutes.  Limited exceptions to an on-campus presentation will be granted at the discretion of the assistant dean for the PhD program in consultation with the dissertation chair and PhD Committee.

Immediately following the student’s presentation, questions and comments will be moderated by the dissertation chair beginning with questions from the dissertation committee followed by questions from the public. Following the public defense, the dissertation committee will meet privately to determine the outcome of the dissertation defense.  Following a successful defense, the dissertation committee chair will send the completed Dissertation Defense Approval Form to the Office of Student Services with a copy to the assistant dean of the PhD program. If the defense is unsuccessful, the dissertation committee chair will send a written memo indicating such to the Office of Student Services with a copy to the assistant dean for the PhD program. The dissertation committee has final approval of the dissertation.

The major purpose of the qualifying examination is to determine whether or not the student meets minimum criteria (at the doctoral level) in nursing science and research methods. The examination is designed to test the student’s knowledge related to analysis and synthesis of the graduate program course content including elective courses. The examination will focus on the student's ability to synthesize knowledge and principles relative to their focus of study. It is recommended that all required course work for the PhD degree be completed prior to taking the qualifying examination.

The dissertation chair, in consultation with the student, determines the student’s readiness to take the qualifying examination and sets the date for the examination.

1. It is recommended that the student submit a 1‐page Memorandum of Agreement stating their intention to take either the traditional or the three‐manuscript dissertation format. A brief overview of the dissertation topic, goals and approach should also be included. (Memorandum of Agreement form and template are located within the UBLearns PhD site, PhD Forms, Templates and Checklist.)
2. The student, in consultation with the Dissertation Chair requests a meeting of the Dissertation Committee to discuss the Exam expectations, scope of questions, and sets a date for the qualifying exam.
3. The student files a Notification of Intent form (found within the UBlearns PhD site) with the Office of Student Services, who will send a copy to the Associate Dean for the PhD program. Form is available from the UBLearns PhD site, PhD Forms, Templates and Checklist and should be filed 5 academic days prior to taking the qualifying exam.
4. The dissertation committee writes the exam questions and administers and grades the exam. The student is given a take-home exam consisting of multiple parts; each part is to be completed within a specified time (i.e., 3-5 academic days, but not longer than 15 academic days total). All of the questions can be given at the beginning of the exam and each part returned to the dissertation committee chair at an agreed upon time; or, one question can be given at the beginning of the exam and, upon returning it for correction, the student may receive the next question, etc. The student in collaboration with the committee will decide whether the questions are administered all at once, or individually.
5. The exam will include questions testing the synthesis of theory, research methods and specialized substantive knowledge. Research questions will require the student to analyze nursing and related research, including specialized substantive knowledge, and to discuss specific research and statistical issues in general terms. Responses to the questions should include illustrative examples.
6. The exam should be typed (double spaced) using a 12-point font and submitted to the dissertation chair electronically. Each answer may be no more than 12‐15 pages per section, for a total 45 pages for the entire exam exclusive of references, tables, and figures.
7. The exam will be graded individually by each member of the dissertation committee using the Qualifying Exam Evaluation form (found in UBlearns PhD site, PhD Faculty Advisor/Dissertation Chair).
   • Each question and the exam as a whole is graded "pass" or "fail."
   • If the Dissertation Committee is not unanimous in its decision about the grade, members will meet as a group to discuss an area in which there were marked differences in evaluation. Feedback will be collated by Chair and put in writing for the student within 15 academic days of submission of the exam.
   • The committee may recommend modifications for work that does not meet the standards.
   • Students will have up to 10 academic days to make and submit written modifications.
   • The committee chair will review the modifications and in consultation with other committee members determine if the modifications meet the standard.
   • If there is still disagreement about the student's performance, the Associate Dean of the PhD Program will be brought in as an outside reviewer. In the event that the Associate Dean is already on the student’s committee, another Ph.D. faculty member shall be designated to serve as an outside reviewer. 
8. If the student passes the qualifying exam, the dissertation chair and each member of the dissertation committee signs the Exam Evaluation form and submits it to the Office of Student Services with a copy to the Associate Dean for the PhD Program. If the student fails the qualifying exam after making modifications, the Chair of the Dissertation Committee sends a written memo indicating such to the Office of Student Services with a copy to the Associate Dean for the PhD Program.
9. A failed examination may be repeated once without penalty. If the qualifying exam results in a failure, the Associate Dean for the PhD Program or designee will be brought in to determine what the next steps going forward would be along with the timeline. A second failure will result in dismissal from the program. The Associate Dean for the PhD Program will be informed by the Chair of the Dissertation Committee of the second failure and will notify the student that she or he are dismissed from the program.

Faculty advisors are assigned according to the students’ advanced certificate program areas. Faculty advisors supervise and assist students in planning a program of study.

The student schedules a meeting with his/her faculty advisor to discuss professional goals, possible waiver of required course(s), transfer of credits, and use of prior coursework towards the degree (if applicable). The Program Agreement is a working document. It is understood that as the student learns and explores new opportunities that the Program Agreement may be modified in accordance with the student’s professional goals. Therefore, the student must meet with the faculty advisor each semester to monitor progression and revise the Program Agreement as necessary.  If there are revisions to the plan of study during the academic year, a revised Program Agreement must be filed immediately. The program agreement must be signed by the student and the faculty advisor every time it is updated. 

Faculty advisors are assigned according to the students’ specialty program areas. Faculty advisors supervise and assist students in planning a program of study. The student is encouraged to identify his/her focus for the DNP Project as early as possible in the program to facilitate selection of his/her DNP Project advisor.   

The student schedules a meeting with his/her faculty advisor to discuss professional goals, DNP Project area of interest, possible waiver of required course(s), transfer of credits, and use of prior coursework towards the degree (if applicable). The Program Agreement is a working document. It is understood that as the student learns and explores new opportunities that the Program Agreement may be modified in accordance with the student’s professional goals. Therefore, the student must meet with the faculty advisor each semester to monitor progression and revise the Program Agreement as necessary.  If there are revisions to the plan of study during the academic year, a revised Program Agreement must be filed immediately. The program agreement must be signed by the student and the faculty advisor every time it is updated. 

Students must maintain the required nursing grade point average of C+ or higher. They must also adhere to these policies relative to successful completion of required nursing courses:

1. Students must achieve final grades of C+ or higher in all upper-division nursing courses.* Grades of “C” or below are failures.
2. Students who fail one upper-division course will be placed on academic probation and are not considered to be in good standing with the School of Nursing.
3. The upper-division nursing curriculum must be completed in sequence. In many cases it may be necessary for the student to take a leave of absence until the course is offered again. Failure (grades of "C" or below) of the same upper-division nursing course for a second time will result in automatic dismissal from the undergraduate program.**
4. If an undergraduate student fails a clinical course, he/she will not progress to another clinical course the following semester. A review process must be conducted by the faculty of the failed course to provide guidance to the student and to avoid safety concerns with client care.
5. All students in the Traditional or Accelerated program who fail either the clinical and/or didactic components of a chained upper-division nursing course must repeat both segments when remediating any of the following: NSG 312/313, NSG 316/317, NSG 411/412, NSG 415/416, NSG 470/474, NSG 478/481
6. A failure of two or more upper-division nursing courses in the same or separate semesters will result in automatic dismissal from the undergraduate program.
7. Failure of the same upper-division course twice will result in dismissal.

*Upper-division nursing courses are those required for graduation, taken by a student following acceptance as an approved nursing major.

**Incoming ABS students in summer 2022 who are not successful in coursework will need to take equivalent courses in the new curriculum that begins in fall 2022. Student Services will work with students should this occur.  

While some courses satisfy the requirements of multiple programs, students must enroll in the course sections specified for their official program. While the course description and learning outcomes are the same, in some cases the planned learning activities are specific to a population’s educational plan and experience. In particular, online RN to BS sections are geared toward the licensed professional nurse while the seated section is for pre-licensure nursing students (traditional and ABS programs). Pre-licensure ABS students may petition the Undergraduate Program Committee to take a section not designated for their official program but for another pre-licensure program if the course is not full. Traditional students will not be permitted to take summer ABS accelerated format course. ABS students would not be eligible to take fall semester one coursework in traditional cohort.

Progression is also dependent upon acceptable professional behavior. All rules of the Board of Trustees of SUNY, and all of the laws of the City of Buffalo, the Town of Amherst, the State of New York and the United States of America apply on campus and are considered part of the Student Code of Conduct. Additionally, students must immediately notify the assistant dean for undergraduate programs of all criminal arrests and convictions. While criminal proceedings will not automatically bar a student from participating in clinical situations, the academic field assistant dean must assess each individual set of circumstances to determine if the student will be allowed to participate in such clinical situations. In some circumstances, a student with a pending criminal matter may be required to refrain from participating in clinical situations until the criminal matter is resolved.

Professional behaviors such as accountability, responsibility and promptness are expectations of all nursing students. These behaviors are monitored by faculty in each course and consistent patterns of unprofessional behavior will be documented and addressed with students through an action plan for improvement. Failure to meet professional behavior expectations may affect progression and retention in the nursing program.

Evidence of any of the following behaviors, which will be documented and kept in the student's file, may result in verbal admonition, action plan for improvement, reduction in course grade, failure and/or dismissal from the program. Those behaviors with an asterisk (*) are especially serious and can result in immediate suspension from the course and/or dismissal from the program.

1. Unsafe practice (i.e., acts of commission or omission that place a client in serious jeopardy)*
2. Being under the influence of any substance that impairs performance*
3. Use, possession or distribution of narcotics, controlled substances and/or related paraphernalia except as expressly permitted by law*
4. Falsification of records (academic, clinical medical records or records documenting attendance and completion of course objectives)*
5. Willful harassment, abuse or intimidation of a client, peer, faculty, clinical agency personnel or staff either physically, verbally or non-verbally*
6. Academic dishonesty (e.g., cheating, lying, plagiarism, falsification of records)
7. Stealing*
8. Violation of confidentiality as outlined by HIPAA: Discussion of clients in public areas, accessing client health records not assigned to their care, sharing/disclosing confidential health information*
9. Consistent pattern of lack of preparation for clinical laboratory
10. Persistent lateness or absence for clinical laboratories without prior notification
11. Failure to attend course at beginning of semester or to attend clinical orientations without a valid reason and prior notification to the course coordinator
12. Lack of courtesy and decorum in the classroom, clinical practicum or community
13. Inappropriate dress in the clinical laboratory and on-campus clinical laboratory
14. Poor personal hygiene in the clinical laboratory and on-campus clinical laboratory
15. Rudeness or disruptive behavior during class sessions, clinical practicum or on-campus clinical laboratory
16. Classroom Expectation Cell Phone Use: Students who bring cell phones to campus should place them on “silent / vibrate” mode while engaged in classroom or on-campus laboratory learning experiences. Students should not access their cell phones for messages while engaged in learning activities. Students may access their cell phones in these environments at faculty direction to fulfill specific learning activities.  Other cell phone access is restricted to breaks. Students in violation of this policy will be asked to leave the classroom or on-campus laboratory learning environment.
17. Clinical Expectation Cell Phone Use: Students who bring cell phones to the clinical learning environment (hospital or community) should keep them secure in their purse, back pack or automobile. Students are prohibited from accessing cell phones in any clinical environment except during breaks in a break room, the cafeteria or non-patient care areas. Hospital/agency policies forbid personal cell phone use in patient care areas. Computer resources in the clinical agencies can be used to access medication and evidence-based practice information. Students in violation of this policy in the clinical learning environment will receive an unsatisfactory grade for the clinical day regarding “professionalism” and will have a faculty-student contract provided to outline necessary steps need to achieve a satisfactory grade.
18. Failure to keep appointments with faculty

Students must maintain a grade of 3.0 or better in all required courses to graduate from the program. Graduation is dependent on the completion of a DNP Project and all required courses on the degree plan established by the advisor and student. The DNP Project topic will be determined after consultation with the DNP Project Course faculty, program advisor, community partner or mentor, and student as soon possible. Coursework preceding the DNP Project is designed to help the student develop the literature review and methods to accomplish the DNP Projects.

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to automatically progress in the DNP program. Graduation is dependent on the completion of a DNP Project and all required courses on the degree plan established by the advisor and student. The DNP Project topic will be determined by the program advisor, community partner or mentor, and student as soon as possible.

Post-MS to PhD students are eligible to transfer a minimum of 15 credits from their Master’s program. To graduate from the Post-MS PhD program, students must have a minimum of 72 credits (transfer and UB unique); 36 must be unique to UB.

Should a student not fulfill one or more of the progression standards, they will be placed on academic probation or dismissed from the program. The Office of Student Services will identify any student who may be considered for probationary or dismissal status and will notify the respective program coordinator, Associate Dean for Clinical Programs and the student of their failure to meet progression requirements.

The Office of Student Services will review the record of a student on academic probation at the end of each semester and will notify the program coordinator and the Advanced Certificate/DNP Committee of the student’s progress or failure to meet the conditions of probation. A student on probation will be subject to dismissal from the program if all requirements are not met in accordance with the letter of probation. Students admitted provisionally must meet all progression standards during their first semester of enrollment as well as the conditions of their provisional acceptance to continue in the program.

Students who have been removed from probationary status and receive a second failing grade or receive two grades less than “B” in the same semester will be automatically dismissed from their program. Similarly, students who have repeated a course and earned two failing grades (less than “B”) in the same course will be dismissed. Any failure (less than “B”) of a clinical practicum course will result in an automatic dismissal.

The student may appeal to the Advanced Certificate/DNP Committee and should have their program coordinator’s endorsement to be considered for reinstatement.

The Director of Student Services informs the student when their status in the School of Nursing changes as a result of failure to meet progression requirements (i.e., probation or dismissal). The Director of Student Services also notifies the student of dismissal from the School of Nursing and provides information about the dismissal appeal process along with the specific time frame for completion of a written petition to the Advanced Certificate/DNP Committee.

Students are expected to maintain a professional appearance in all clinical settings and must comply with additional agency policies. Advanced Certificate/DNP students participating in clinical experiences are required to wear business casual clothing, and refrain from visible piercings and tattoos. If clinical agency requires laboratory coat, this can be purchased at the University Bookstore. 

All matriculated PhD students will participate in a program of non-credit activities to support professional socialization. Until the completion of coursework, PhD students will be required to participate in a variety of socialization activities adding up to 150 points (first years students complete 70 points).

Professional socialization activities may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Attendance or presentation at the School of Nursing Lunch and Learn Symposia
• Attendance or presentation at School of Nursing research functions or special presentations
• Attendance at proposal or dissertation defenses
• Presentation of a paper at a local, national or international professional meeting
• Authorship of a paper for publication

Activities supporting the fulfillment of the professional socialization requirement should be planned in collaboration with the student’s faculty advisor who will assess the appropriateness of activities proposed by the student and establish the means by which such activities are documented.

Socialization activities will be assessed during the annual PhD review in May. Failure to participate and achieve the required points will result in review of the student’s standing by the PhD Committee and potentially the requirement to perform an additional scholarly activity.

Progression of an Advanced Degree or DNP student is dependent on receiving a grade of “B” or better or “S” in all required courses, maintaining an overall grade point average of at least 3.00 (“B”) with no U or F grades earned, completion of at least 67% of their attempted credits each term and demonstrating acceptable professional behavior. Please refer to the Academic Standing Graduate School policies for further guidance. 

Progression is also dependent upon acceptable professional behavior. All rules of the Board of Trustees of SUNY, and all of the laws of the City of Buffalo, the Town of Amherst, the State of New York and the United States of America apply on campus and are considered part of the Student Code of Conduct. Additionally, students must immediately notify the appropriate program coordinator of all criminal arrests and convictions. While criminal proceedings will not automatically bar a student from participating in clinical situations, the Associate Dean for Clinical Programs must assess each individual set of circumstances to determine if the student will be allowed to participate in such clinical situations. In some circumstances, a student with a pending criminal matter may be required to refrain from participating in clinical situations until the criminal matter is resolved.

Professional behaviors such as accountability, responsibility and promptness are expectations of all nursing students. These behaviors are monitored by faculty and consistent patterns of unprofessional behavior will be documented and addressed with students through an action plan for improvement. Failure to meet professional behavior expectations may affect progression and retention in the nursing program.

Evidence of any of the following behaviors, which will be documented and kept in the student’s file, may result in verbal admonition, action plan for improvement, reduction in course grade, failure and/or dismissal from the program. Those behaviors with an asterisk (*) are especially serious and can result in immediate suspension from the course and/or dismissal from the program.

• Unsafe practice (i.e., acts of commission or omission that place a client in serious jeopardy)*
• Being under the influence of any substance that impairs performance*
• Use, possession or distribution of narcotics, controlled substances and/or related paraphernalia except as expressly permitted by law*
• Falsification of records (academic, clinical medical records or records documenting attendance and completion of course objectives)*
• Willful harassment, abuse or intimidation of a client, peer, faculty, clinical agency personnel or staff either physically, verbally or non-verbally*
• Academic dishonesty (e.g., cheating, lying, plagiarism, falsification of records)
• Stealing*
• Violation of confidentiality as outlined by HIPAA: Discussion of clients in public areas, accessing client health records not assigned to their care, sharing/disclosing confidential health information*
• Consistent pattern of lack of preparation for clinical laboratory
• Persistent lateness or absence for clinical laboratories without prior notification
• Failure to attend any course at the beginning of a semester or to attend clinical orientations without a valid reason and prior notification to the course coordinator
• Lack of courtesy and decorum in the classroom, clinical practicum or community
• Inappropriate dress in the clinical laboratory and on-campus clinical laboratory
• Poor personal hygiene in the clinical laboratory and on-campus clinical laboratory
• Rudeness or disruptive behavior during class sessions, clinical practicum or on-campus clinical laboratory
• Classroom Expectation Cell Phone Use: Students who bring cell phones to campus should place them on “silent / vibrate” mode while engaged in classroom or on-campus laboratory learning experiences. Students should not access their cell phones for messages while engaged in learning activities. Students may access their cell phones in these environments at faculty direction to fulfill specific learning activities.  Other cell phone access is restricted to breaks. Students in violation of this policy will be asked to leave the classroom or on-campus laboratory learning environment.
• Clinical Expectation Cell Phone Use: Students who bring cell phones to the clinical learning environment (hospital or community) should keep them secure in their purse, back pack or automobile. Students are prohibited from accessing cell phones in any clinical environment except during breaks in a break room, the cafeteria or non-patient care areas. Hospital/agency policies forbid personal cell phone use in patient care areas. Computer resources in the clinical agencies can be used to access medication and evidence-based practice information. Students in violation of this policy in the clinical learning environment will receive an unsatisfactory grade for the clinical day regarding “professionalism” and will have a faculty-student contract provided to outline necessary steps needed to achieve a satisfactory grade.
• Failure to keep appointments with faculty.

Evidence of unacceptable professional behavior, which will be documented and kept in the student’s record, may result in verbal admonition, written warning, reduction in course grade, failure, dismissal from the program or immediate suspension from the nursing course(s).

The Graduate School defines good academic standing as a student who is making acceptable progress toward a graduate degree or advanced certificate. All graduate students are expected to remain in good academic standing throughout the entire course of their study. To monitor graduate student academic standing, the chair/DGS/program director in charge of each graduate program will regularly review the academic records of its graduate students. Any graduate student who fails to remain in good academic standing will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent fall or spring term.

The Graduate School’s minimum academic requirements for each graduate student to remain in good academic standing are: 

1. Achieve a term grade point average (GPA) of a 3.0 (B) or better, with no U or F grades earned.
2. Completion of at least 67% of their attempted credits each term.

All BS to PhD students must maintain a 3.25 grade point average during the first year of study and will be evaluated after the first year by the PhD Committee. Following the first year for BS-PhD and for all MS-PhD students, a 3.00 GPA or B average must be maintained to progress through the program. All students will be evaluated by the PhD faculty every spring prior to continuing in the PhD coursework during an annual review. 

Should a student not fulfill one or more of the progression standards, he/she will be placed on academic probation or dismissed from the program. The Office of Student Services will identify any student who may be considered for dismissal or probationary status and will notify the respective faculty advisor and the student of his/her failure to meet progression requirements.

Students who have been removed from probationary status and receive a second failing grade or receive two grades less than “B” in the same semester will be automatically dismissed from their program. Similarly, students who have repeated a course and earned two failing grades (less than “B”) in the same course will be dismissed. 

The UB School of Nursing Office of Student Services provides advising and support for intended and approved nursing majors. Below is the grade review and evaluation of students procedure.

• Student grades will be reviewed each semester (after grades are posted). Students are required to earn a “C” or better in each prerequisite course they were enrolled in at the end of the add/drop period and an overall GPA of a 3.0.
• Students not meeting benchmarks would be placed on probation (at the end of the first semester) and then removed from nursing (at the end of the second semester).
• Students on probation would receive mandatory advisement after their first semester. The students would be required to complete a self-assessment of the previous semester, develop an action plan, and identify a proposed alternate major. Students will be given a deadline of July 1 or February 15 to identify a secondary major. Students who do not identify a secondary major will be changed to Exploratory Transitions if they are removed from nursing. Nursing will contact the new major advising unit with the names of the students who need their major switched to the alternate major.
• Students with 2 consecutive semesters of probation (failure to meet benchmarks) will have the intended major removed from their record at the end of their first-year or 2 consecutive semesters. Once students have had the intended nursing major removed from their record, they are no longer considered an intended major or advised by nursing.
• For the Intended Majors who successfully meet the program benchmarks - progression will be monitored based on UB’s Finish in 4 policy (students unable to apply within 4 semesters will have nursing removed from their record) and will also be provided with focused advisement through “Ready to Apply Session” with nursing admissions.
• Intended students that are also in some special populations (EOP) would continue to be provided with nursing advising and be offered a five-year completion plan after grade review if necessary.
• At the completion of the admissions cycle, eligible students who are denied admission to the upper division program must declare a new major or they will be changed to Exploratory Transitions.

• Admissions will admit transfer students to the University if they have over a 2.0 GPA. The School of Nursing will review the admitted student’s incoming GPA to determine admission to the intended major. They must meet the 3.0 overall GPA minimum and a “C” or better in each completed prerequisite class before we will accept them into the intended major.
• Students will participate in the same grade review process as the intended/native population (see above).

• Non-nursing majors complete a “Major Change” form (ideally after first or second semester). 
• If they complete the semester with a “C” or better in each prerequisite course and a 3.0 overall GPA, they can change their major to intended nursing at the end of the semester once grades are reviewed.
• Incoming freshman who want to change their major prior to the start of their first year must wait until the end of the first semester to change their major to nursing. (We recommend taking Chemistry. If they earn a “C” or better in Chemistry and finish the semester with a 3.0 overall GPA or higher, they will be changed to nursing after verification that this is still what the student wants.)
• All students will receive support from nursing with the next semester’s registration.
• Students will participate in the same grade review process as the intended/native population (see above).

Progression is an important benchmark due to the sequential nature of the nursing science prerequisites: CHE121/101 and PAS313 are prerequisite courses for PGY300. PGY300 is the prerequisite course for both PGY412 and PMY302. Additionally MIC301 is only offered in the fall. Students who get off track are unable to apply to the upper division program within 4 semesters. The traditional program is a cohorted program and takes 4 semesters to complete. Students who are off track are unable to graduate in 4 years. UB desires students to graduate in 4 years. View UB's Finish in 4 policy for more information.

1. The student will submit a petition through the director of Student Services no later than 45 academic days* following the dated dismissal notification. The petition must include a statement by the student to the Advanced Certificate/DNP Committee which indicates the student’s perception of the factors which contributed to his/her present status as well as a plan for removing obstacles to his/her successful progression in the School of Nursing, if readmitted.
2. A designee from Student Services will notify the chair of the Advanced Certificate/DNP  committee that a petition for readmission is in process, and request a review of the appeal be scheduled at the next meeting.
3. Within 10 academic days of receiving notification of the student petition, the chair of the Advanced Certificate/DNP Committee will notify related course faculty and/or program coordinator to request that they also submit statements to the Advanced Certificate/DNP committee specific to the student petition for readmission. The student’s program coordinator statement to the Advanced Certificate/DNP Committee should include his/her perception of the factors which contributed to the student’s present status as well as recommendation, with rationale, to grant or deny readmission of the student.
4. The above statements (1 and 3) and the academic record of the student will be evaluated by the Advanced Certificate/DNP Committee. If the need arises, any one of the parties may be requested to provide additional information to the Advanced Certificate/DNP Committee, in writing or in person.
5. The decision of the Advanced Certificate/DNP Program Committee will be forwarded to the student, the Graduate School and the associate dean for academic affairs by the director of Student Services, within 25 academic days* of receipt of the student’s appeal statement.  Late appeals may be considered at the discretion of the Advanced Certificate/DNP Program Committee.
6. If the appeal is granted, notice of that will include the terms and conditions of continued progression in the School of Nursing. Students who are granted continued study will be permanently dismissed without opportunity for appeal, following an additional failure of any graduate level nursing course or other violation of the student code of conduct.
7. Appeal decisions are final.  Students who are permanently dismissed from the School of Nursing graduate programs are not eligible to re-apply, per our admissions policy.

*Academic days are defined as weekdays when classes are in session, not including the summer or winter sessions. The Advanced Certificate/DNP program committee only meets during the academic year calendar when classes are in session.  

The School of Nursing has adopted the 2001 recommendation of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) transmission in health-care settings.  Please review the June 2005 summary information from the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The School of Nursing has identified a Sexual Harassment Information Advisor who serves as a source of information and support for employees and students who have concerns about sexual harassment. Professor Suzanne Dickerson has received extensive sexual harassment training, conducted by the Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), to act as an educator and trainer and provide general information on sexual harassment. Students may contact the School of Nursing Sexual Harassment Information Advisor with any related questions or concerns. If a student has a diagnosed physical, learning or psychological disability that has been certified by the University’s Office of Accessibility Resources (AR) which requires accommodations such as recruiting note takers, readers, or extended time on exams and or assignments, students should provide instructors with the AR verification as soon as possible so that accommodations can be considered.

Objective type examinations (true/false, multiple choice, etc.) are primarily evaluation tools. Because the items on these examinations are constantly being evaluated for reliability, difficulty level and discrimination ability, with appropriate refinements being made, it is essential that these examinations be retained by the faculty. Along with this right to retain all copies of the examination go certain responsibilities:

1. Faculty review the PSCHO metrics for each test question for clarity, correct item construction and accuracy.
2. Provision must be made for students to review the examinations and their answers, and to clarify with appropriate faculty members not only which questions were answered correctly or incorrectly, but how and why they were correct or incorrect. If an examination has any potential for student learning, it is probably at this point of review and discussion with faculty.
3. The faculty must keep on file for at least two years not only a copy of the original examination, but all student answer sheets. In the event that a grievance is filed by a student during this period, the faculty member involved must be able to produce the student's examination paper.

Students also have corresponding rights and responsibilities related to the review of objective examinations:

1. They have the right to review and discuss the examination, and the right to challenge and redress.
2. They have the responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of the examination by not copying or photographing actual questions and answer options from the examination.
3. They are responsible for making appointments with those faculty members whom they wish to see regarding an examination and for leaving written messages when faculty are unavailable. It is impossible to mesh the busy schedules of students and faculty to allow for sufficient discussion time when an informal "drop-in" arrangement is employed.

Essay type examinations, term papers, written care plans, etc., have significant potential for student learning and students can often utilize these long after the particular assignment has been completed. These examinations and assignments, which often contain the faculty member's written critique, should be returned to the students. This does not interfere with the students' right to discuss the examination or assignment with faculty nor relieve students of the responsibility for making appointments with faculty for these discussions.

All UB School of Nursing students in clinical courses are required to obtain the official ID badge approved by the School of Nursing and issued by the UB Card Office.  Please follow this procedure to obtain a School of Nursing ID badge:

• Students need to complete and sign an authorization form allowing the UB Card Office to use their UB card photo for their School of Nursing ID badges that are necessary for clinical.  Authorization forms will be provided by the Office of Student Services (Beck Hall); they are not available in the UB Card Office.
• Upon completion of the form, the Office of Student Services will forward the correct information to the UB Card Office authorizing the issuance of the School of Nursing ID badge.
• During the fall and spring semesters, the School of Nursing ID badge will be available in the South Campus UB Card Office, during the summer, ID badges are available in at the North Campus UB Card Office in approximately 3 business days.  The South Campus Card Office may be contacted at 829-3682.
• The cost of the ID card and clip is $10.00 payable to the UB Card Office when you pick up your card.

In the field of nursing, communication is an important skill as it allows nurses to understand patient needs and helps to ensure the delivery of safe care. Prior to starting the program, admitted non-native English speakers will be required to take the SPEAK (Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit) test unless they have attended an English-speaking high school for four or more years; however, it is highly recommended that all non-native English speakers take the SPEAK test. Students who do not meet a minimum score of 50 will be required to participate in a simulated patient encounter in an effort to further evaluate English comprehension and usage. In addition, students will be linked with a Student Services staff member to discuss plans for utilizing support services and participating in activities that may help with the improvement of communication skills. The SPEAK Test is administered by the UB English Language Institute. 

All accepted Post-MS to PhD students must take and pass the statistical assessment test to enroll in NUS 694 Quantitative Methods in Health Care Research (the first course in the PhD level statistics series in the School of Nursing). Minimum passing score is >83% on each of the four parts. Students should consult with their advisors first prior to enrolling in NUS 694. If students do not achieve a passing score, they are required to complete a graduate level statistics course with grade B or higher (NGC 527 or approved substitute course).

For new students the assessment must be completed during the summer prior to their fall enrollment.

The assessment is self-administered through the UBlearns Blackboard system, where detailed information about the assessment can be found. Incoming students are given access to the system upon admission to the program. 

A form will be utilized to document faculty concerns related to unsatisfactory professional behavior and/or inadequate performance. The form is to be signed by the student and the faculty member and placed in the student's file.

The course coordinator and associate dean for clinical programs will be notified of documented behaviors. The associate dean for clinical programs in consultation with the course coordinator and faculty may dismiss a student from a course and/or the nursing program if behavior is especially serious and flagged with an asterisk (*) in the Professional Behavior section.

The UB Course Evaluation system is the University’s anonymous web-based approach to course and instructor assessment. Students use UB Course Evaluation to submit their evaluations of courses just completed. Instructors have access to these evaluations after their grades are submitted and faculty use this data for course quality improvement. Students are encouraged to provide thoughtful constructive feedback to the faculty to improve the course and teaching methods/strategies. All you need is a web browser or smart phone and your UBIT login to begin.

The mission of the University at Buffalo School of Nursing is to foster an environment of academic and scholarly excellence that develops nurse leaders who will improve the health and wellness of local, national and global communities. The UB School of Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and our Nurse Anesthesia program by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthetist Programs (COA). Our highly competitive programs are designed to prepare students for the expanding role of professional nurses and the challenging work environments of contemporary nurses. Therefore, the faculty has determined that certain technical standards are requisite for admission, progression and graduation from all the nursing programs.

In addition to classroom learning, clinical learning occurs throughout the program and involves considerations (such as patient safety and clinical facilities) that are not present in classroom environments. For this reason, any applicant or student who seeks accommodations prior to or immediately after enrolling in the nursing programs, in order to meet the technical standards set forth below, must present a complete plan for completion of the standard(s) with accommodations to the Undergraduate Program Committee or the DNP and Certificate Program committee for approval. Applicants and students may consult with UB’s Office of Accessibility Resources for assistance in identifying reasonable accommodations and engaging in an interactive process with the School of Nursing to determine the plan for alternative completion. Reasonable accommodations may not fundamentally alter the academic program, pose a direct threat to health or safety, or significantly interfere with the essential functions of clinical performance. Please note that our Traditional and Accelerated Undergraduate programs and the Nurse Anesthesia program are offered as full-time cohort programs only.

An individual must be able to independently, with or without reasonable accommodation, meet the following technical standards of general abilities and those specifically of (1) observation; (2) communication; (3) motor; (4) intellectual, conceptual and quantitative; (5) essential behavioral and social attributes; and (6) ability to manage stressful situations. Individuals unable to meet these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, will not be able to complete the program and are counseled to consider alternative programs.

In order to achieve appropriate learning outcomes and connect complex concepts, our Traditional and Accelerated Programs are offered in a full-time format only.

The student is expected to possess functional use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing and smell so that data received by the senses may be integrated, analyzed and synthesized in a consistent and accurate manner. A student must also possess the ability to perceive pain, pressure, temperature, position, vibration and movement, which are important to the student's ability to gather significant information needed to effectively assess and evaluate patients. A student must be able to respond promptly to urgent situations that may occur during clinical training activities and must not hinder the ability of other members of the health care team to provide prompt treatment and care to patients.

The student must have sufficient capacity to make accurate visual observations and interpret them in the context of laboratory studies, medication administration and patient care activities. In addition, the student must be able to document these observations and maintain accurate records.

The student must communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally to elicit information and to translate that information to others. Each student must have the ability to read, write, comprehend and speak the English language to facilitate communication with patients, their family members and other professionals in health care settings. In addition, the student must be able to read, interpret and document in electronic or other form of patient records accurately, present information in a professional, logical manner and provide patient counseling and instruction to effectively care for patients and their families. The student must possess verbal and written communication skills that permit effective communication with instructors and students in both the classroom and clinical settings.

The student must be able to perform gross and fine motor movements with sufficient coordination needed to perform complete physical examinations utilizing the techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation and other diagnostic maneuvers. A student must develop the psychomotor skills reasonably needed to perform or assist with procedures, treatments, administration of medication, management and operation of diagnostic and therapeutic medical equipment, and such maneuvers to assist with patient care activities such as lifting, wheelchair guidance and mobility. The student must have sufficient levels of neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand coordination as well as possess the physical and mental stamina to meet the demands associated with extended periods of sitting, standing, moving and physical exertion required for satisfactory and safe performance in the clinical and classroom settings including performing CPR, if necessary. The student must possess the ability of manual dexterity that would be required for certain activities, such as drawing up solutions in a syringe.

The student must be able to develop and refine problem-solving skills that are crucial to practice as a nurse. Problem-solving involves the abilities to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize objective and subjective data, and to make decisions, often in a time urgent environment, that reflect consistent and thoughtful deliberation and sound clinical judgment. Each student must demonstrate mastery of these skills and possess the ability to incorporate new information from peers, teachers, and the nursing and medical literature to formulate sound judgment in patient assessment, intervention, evaluation, teaching and setting short and long-term goals.

Compassion, integrity, motivation, effective interpersonal skills and concern for others are personal attributes required of those in the nursing programs. Personal comfort and acceptance of the role of a nurse functioning under supervision of a clinical instructor or preceptor is essential for a nursing student. The student must possess the skills required for full utilization of the student's intellectual abilities; the exercise of good judgment; the prompt completion of all responsibilities in the classroom and clinical settings; and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and other members of the health care team. Each student must be able to exercise stable, sound judgment and to complete assessment and interventional activities. The ability to establish rapport and maintain sensitive, interpersonal relationships with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds is critical for practice as a nurse. The student must be able to adapt to changing environments; display flexibility; accept and integrate constructive criticism given in the classroom and clinical settings; effectively interact in the clinical setting with other members of the healthcare team; and learn to function cooperatively and efficiently in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice.

The student must be able to adapt to and function effectively to stressful situations in both the classroom and clinical settings, including emergency situations. The student will encounter multiple stressors while in the nursing programs. These stressors may be (but are not limited to) personal, patient care/family, faculty/peer, and or program-related.

Technical Standards adapted from Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professionals.

All upper division traditional and ABS nursing majors must have access to a portable computer that they can bring to class. Faculty will be utilizing online resources for academic learning activities and examinations. Laptops must meet the University’s technology/software requirements for undergraduate students.

A minimum of 90% of all credits applied to a UB advanced certificate credential must be comprised of UB credit. The advanced certificate is an official post-baccalaureate credential in New York State. However, it is not considered a degree program. Therefore, all credits satisfactorily completed for a UB advanced certificate, may also count toward a relevant UB graduate degree. Final approval of any transfer credits is made by the graduate school. Questions can be directed to the Office of Student Services.

The School of Nursing will consider transfer credits for the Doctor of Nursing Practice. DNP students are eligible to transfer in no more than 50% of the total minimum credits required for that specific degree program. Post-MS students are only allowed to transfer in work from another DNP program or a PhD program. Prior approval of all graduate level coursework by School of Nursing faculty is required. Student must request a course syllabus and have it approved by SON course faculty prior to graduate school approval.  Final approval of any transfer credits is made by the graduate school. Questions can be directed to the Office of Student Services.

Clinical assignments are arranged in several community agencies and settings. These placements require individuals to have access to transportation (car or public). Students are responsible for their transportation to assigned clinical settings and any parking fees on site. Carpooling is recommended when possible.

• Clothes: clean, neat, pressed (Ironed/steamed) and appropriate length
• Hair: clean, and off collar, color within naturally occurring color tones
• Nails: conservative nail polish, clean and short, no artificial nails or tips, no gel or dip, no chipped polish.
• Jewelry: should be restricted to small, pierced earrings (one per ear) and wedding band; no other visible piercings (e.g., nose, eyebrow, lip)
• Tattoos: covered except when in conflict with site-specific hospital policy
• Beards must be short, clean, and neat; non-bearded men must be clean shaven
• Students must wear their nursing ID badge during all clinical experiences as well as in the Clinical Skills lab. 

Note: clinical faculty may require additional compliance based on agency policy.  

The complete student uniform consists of the following:

• 
  UB blue scrubs: straight leg and v-neck top. Only plain white t-shirts can be worn underneath the embroidered v-neck top. Scrubs are available at the University Bookstore. Please note: UB School of Nursing scrubs should only be worn during assigned educational clinical experiences on or off campus. UBSON scrubs may be worn during travel to and from clinical experiences; however, they should not be worn when working for pay in a community agency, when engaged in social activities in commercial settings or other public venues.
• Shoes: totally white closed-toe, closed-heel shoes or sneakers that may be wiped clean, to be worn exclusively in clinical setting (no canvas)
• White or neutral socks
• Nursing ID badge
• UB black jacket purchased from the Student Nursing Organization with UB logo (if available)

• Medical grade face mask (as necessary when required)
• Watch with sweep second hand. Apple watches/smart watches are prohibited in clinical
• Bandage scissors
• Pen
• Stethoscope and sphygmomanometer

The complete student uniform consists of the following:

• UB Blue School of Nursing T-shirt (can be purchased through UB bookstore) 
• Full length black pants that sit at the traditional waist, leggings are not permitted
• Shoes: closed-toe, closed-heel shoes that are clean and in good repair
• Black socks
• Nursing ID badge 
• Equipment as listed above is also required but may be modified based on community setting.

Scrubs are a clinically based uniform and not appropriate in the Million Hearts Volunteer setting.    

A student who does not fulfill one or more of these requirements at any time will be notified in writing by the appropriate administrative officer of the School of Nursing:

1. The course coordinator informs the student if there is a failure in meeting course requirements with a copy of the letter sent to the director of student services, and the associate dean for clinical programs.
2. The director of student services informs the student when his/her status in the School changes as a result of the failure.
3. The director of student services notifies the student, associate dean of clinical programs of dismissal from the School of Nursing.
4. The director of student services will drop the student from any subsequent coursework that cannot be started due to the student’s academic status.
5. Students are responsible for any financial ramifications associated with dropped, resigned or failed coursework.