Student Statements of Understanding

By accepting admission into the TSTC Nursing Program, as a student, you are agreeing to the statement of understanding of the following health and physical requirements:

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING OF HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

• “I understand that my acceptance into this nursing program is only conditional, until such a time as I have satisfactorily cleared all the health requirements of the program.”

• “I understand that as an ADN student I may be required to work/study under conditions typical for nursing professionals and exposed to environmental risks common to this profession.”

• “I understand that as a student I am required to meet all health requirements of the clinical sites for which we will be attending and that I must follow all infection control restrictions, guidelines and practice per facility policy.”

• “I understand that I must maintain a current Tuberculosis Test (PPD) while in the program. Most clinical sites require testing every 12 months, which is our policy. If clinical sites advise us of different requirements, you will be notified. Results from a chest X-RAY within 5 years are also acceptable.”

• “I understand that I am required to have current immunizations or titers prior to the initial clinical rotation demonstrating my immunity /vaccination for the required immunizations, signed by myself and records signed by healthcare providers. I understand that I will need proof of a flu shot every 12 months while in the program.”

• “I understand that special breaks for smokers will not be scheduled nor will smoker needs be an accommodation made during campus or clinical experiences. Smoking while in uniform is prohibited.”

• “I understand that I am required to get a 10-panel drug screen prior to beginning clinical which will be scheduled by the Program Team Lead and that random drug screens may be done throughout the length of the program. Failure to pass or submit to the request for a drug screen will be grounds for dismissal from the program.”

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING OF PHYSCIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to walk the equivalent of five (5) miles a day and climb two or more flights of stairs;

• Ability to reach above shoulder level;

• Ability to bend, stoop and lift from low area/floor to waist high level; 

• Ability to lift, balance and carry up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted;

• Ability to grip 5-10 pounds of pressure and dexterity to pick up small items;

• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time- three (3) or more hours at a time;

• Ability to perform CPR with compressions at a rate of 100 beats per minute;

• Ability to hear tape recorded transcriptions and distinguish emergency monitors/ sounds;

• Ability to distinguish colors; good overall eyesight corrected with glasses if necessary;

• Ability to view small numbers on medication vials/read small print;

• Ability to interpret written and oral forms of instructions (English/abbreviations/ terminology);

• Ability to converse, interview/communicate with co-workers, patients and family members;

• Ability to read and document legibly in English at or above the college level;

• Ability to work in high risk/high stress areas as is common to the profession;

• Ability to read and comprehend college level coursework including math calculations for pharmacology. 

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING REGARDING EMPLOYMENT DURING PROGRAM

Student employment is discouraged, but we understand that it may be required for your financial stability. We feel it is very important that students have their full attention on the nursing program and be alert and able to function well on assignments. It is highly recommended that students do not work the eight hours prior to clinical experiences.  For example, a student should not work the night shift on Sunday if the clinical experience begins on Monday morning or afternoon. It is acceptable to work over breaks or holidays and Friday evening or Saturdays if no clinical are scheduled. Having to work is not an acceptable reason for missing a class or clinical experience. Class/clinical time must be the first priority. 

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING REGARDING CLINICAL HOURS 

The Clinical schedule will be posted as early as possible but students must be aware that flexibility is required on their part to meet clinical hours according to hospital schedules especially during the last clinical rotation where preceptorship experiences are involved. 

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING OF STUDENT/PRECEPTOR AGREEMENT

Student Responsibilities: 

• Maintain open communications with the preceptor and faculty at all times.

• Maintain accountability for your own learning activities.

• Prepare for each clinical experience as needed.

• Be accountable for your own nursing actions while in the clinical setting.

• Arrange for preceptor's supervision when performing procedures, as appropriate.

• Contact faculty by telephone or email if faculty assistance is necessary.

• Respect the confidential nature of all information obtained during clinical experience.

• Review & follow all clinical policies of the program found in the ADN Student Handbook. 

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING OF MODEL RELEASE FORM

From time to time, students will be asked to participate in marketing or other advertising purposes of the college. It is the student’s right to withdraw from such activities and participation is on a volunteer basis only. Please indicate whether or not you agree to grant Texas State Technical College the right to use your image, name and signature for promotion and/or advertising purposes. 

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING OF WRITTEN NOTIFICATIONS FROM THE TEXAS BOARD OF NURSING

It is an expectation that students will provide copies of all written notifications from the Texas Board of Nursing to the student regarding licensure eligibility.