Grades

The grades given in LCN courses are as follows:

All LCN grades and all semester hours count on the student’s grade point average in determining scholastic eligibility to remain in the College. A student must earn a minimum of “C” in each LCN course. Satisfactory completion of an entire level of courses is a prerequisite for advancement to the professional work of the next level.

In a nursing course containing both theory and laboratory or clinical components, a student must earn a grade of at least “77%=C” in theory and “77%=C or S” (satisfactory) in the laboratory/clinical components to receive degree credit for the course. If the student’s clinical grade is satisfactory, the grade for the course is the theory grade. An unsatisfactory clinical performance results in failure or an “F” grade for the course. Additionally, all students must achieve a 77% cumulative average on proctored inclass and final exam(s) and a 77% cumulative average on all clinical written work. This does not include take home exams and open book exams. This will be covered in the syllabus for each class.

Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) proctored tests are administered after the following curricular points:

N210 Foundations of Nursing
N307 Pathophysiologic & Pharmacologic Principles of Nursing Practice: Part II
N305 Nursing of the Childbearing Family
N308 Nursing of the Childrearing Family
N310 Nursing of the Mental Health Client
N403 Nursing of the Client with Complex Health Situations
N404 Nursing in Community Health
N405 Nursing Leadership & Management
N408 Nursing Seminar (RN Comprehensive Predictor)

ATI proctored test score MUST be completed at proficiency level 2 or 3 in order to pass the course.  In addtion, the ATI proctored test may be averaged as a part of the final grade.

Above mentioned policy concerning ATI proctored tests is subject to change.

Instructors will specify their expectations and requirements for this area. If there is a question, the student is responsible for clarifying the instructor’s expectation with that instructor.

Grade Reports

Students will be able to review their grades through the SONIS Web system. No grades will be given out by the Registrar’s Office over the phone or by e-mail, in accordance with the Family and Educational Right to Privacy Act of 1974. Posting of final grades may be done at the discretion of the course instructor, with permission from students, by using a student selected identification number for each student. It is the responsibility of each instructor to inform the students of the time and place where grades will be posted.

Incomplete Grades

An "I" Grade:

An incomplete grade may be requested by a student or initiated by the faculty with the approval of the Dean when a student is unable to complete the coursework because of illness, serious injury or other circumstances beyond the student's control.  An "I" may be assigned if at least three quarters of the course has been completed within the term grading period and the student has maintained a consistent rate of progress in the course.  Failure to appear for a final exam or to complete coursework in the time allowed is not justification for an incomplete. The students will complete part A of the Incomplete Grade Record which identifies the reason for the incomplete. The faculty member fills out part B of the Incomplete Grade Record which outlines the requirements for successful completion of the course.  Faculty will complete the incomplete form after the last day of class; set the date for completion within a 30 day time limit; and, will distribute the form to the Registrar and Financial Aid Office.  The student and instructor will also retain copies.

An incomplete grade must be remove not later than 30 days after the course has ended.  Students who do not complete the course in the designated time will receive a grade of "F" which will be recorded on the student's transcript.  A student who requests an incomplete for health reasons, may have to take a medical leave if unable to meet the deadline of 30 days.  Student who are in a weekend class must make up the missed class day in the next semester.  Any course with an incomplete grade that is a prerequisite for a nursing course must be completed before enrolling in the nursing course. The due date for removal of the incomplete grade ( "I" ) must be met whether or not the student is currently enrolled in College courses. In the event the instructor from whom a student receives an incomplete grade ( "I" ) is not on campus, the disposition of the grade will be made by the Dean.

Grade Changes

Students wishing to appeal an allegedly capricious grade will use the Grievance Policy. Use of this policy is limited to the following conditions:

a. The assignment of a grade to a particular student on some basis other than performance in the course.

b. The assignment of a grade to a particular student by more exacting or demanding standards than were applied to other students in that section.

c. The assignment of a final course grade to a particular student by a substantial departure from the instructor’s standards announced during the term, which are not uniformly applied to others in the class.

The grievance procedure is an internal hearing process, not a legal process, and no external representation is allowed. A student may elect to have a representative from the College as a support person, but the person may not actively participate in the process. A description of the procedures can be found in the Student Handbook under Grievance Policy.

Nursing Clinical Lab Evaluation

A satisfactory nursing clinical evaluation must be achieved in each nursing course containing a clinical component. Clinical experience will be graded on either a satisfactory / unsatisfactory basis or 77% clinical grade for performance and written material. The nursing clinical evaluation will designate specific behavioral objectives which exemplify achievement of course objectives. Satisfactory achievement of all objectives is required for a student to receive a satisfactory final evaluation. An unsatisfactory final clinical evaluation results in failure for the course. No nursing clinical GPA will be computed. No numerical equivalent will be submitted for the satisfactory / unsatisfactory standing.

Rationale:

The faculty agrees nursing clinical evaluations allow the student and the instructor to work together toward for goals in nursing education and professional practice.

Guidelines:

1. General
   1. It is understood that throughout the courses in the program, care will be given:
      1. Safely - so that the client is not endangered by: environment; treatments and medications; by lack of knowledge of the student; or by disregard of agency policies.
      2. Honestly - so that in every interaction between student and client, health care team, and/or instructor, the student’s accountability is represented ethically and truthfully.
      3. If, at any time, the student is found, by observation, to lack in safety of practice or honesty in interactions, the student may be brought before the nursing faculty who will determine dismissal, probation or other action.
   2. Each student must sign all written evaluations as evidence that he/she has reviewed the document. It is the student’s responsibility to seek clarification of written evaluations.
   3. Weekly evaluations may feed into any comprehensive evaluations conducted.
2. Weekly Evaluations
   1. Each student will receive a weekly written evaluation of clinical performance and guidelines for improvement.
   2. The following grades will be used to evaluate behaviors listed on the weekly evaluation:
      • S = 2 satisfactory
      • N = N/A not observed; the instructor will identify the reason.
      • U = 0 unsatisfactory If a U (unsatisfactory) is given, guidelines for improvement must be provided.
      • N I = 1 needs improvement to be satisfactory in subsequent evaluations; guidelines forimprovement will be provided.
3. Mid-course evaluations will be conducted for each student for an academic improvement plan and for any student requesting the evaluation.
4. Academic Improvement Plan - A comprehensive evaluation must be given at the time the student is referred for intervention.
5. Final Evaluations
   1. A comprehensive final evaluation must be completed for each student.
   2. Grades will be given as S=satisfactory; U=unsatisfactory or 0=poor; 1=below satisfactory; 2=satisfactory; 3=highly satisfactory
   3. Students will complete their own self evaluation prior to meeting with their clinical faculty for final evaluation.
   4. Each student will have a summary of strengths and areas for further development included in the final evaluation.
   5. Each student who receives an unsatisfactory final clinical lab evaluation will receive a summary of his/her identified problems. Each student will have an opportunity to discuss the evaluation with the clinical instructor; will receive a summary of his/her identified problem; and will receive a recommendation for future clinical success.