Philosophy

The philosophy of Lakeview College of Nursing, affirmed by faculty, is consistent with the mission of the college. The college will be forefront to the trends in health care and committed to improving nursing as a profession by preparing competent, safe, caring professional nurses for leadership roles in the health care community.

We believe:

• Professional nursing is the art and science of providing patient-centered care through collaboration with patients, their families, and interdisciplinary health care team in a therapeutic environment.
• Nurses ensure safety and quality care delivery in responding to the dynamic educational and healthcare needs of the community by fostering sociocultural values and respect.
• Nurses communicate and collaborate with the health care team by utilizing information management and technology to achieve positive health outcomes.
• Adult learning styles, rates of learning, learner readiness, cultural and ethnic background, and life experiences variances are inherent in the student population and are taken into consideration when planning and delivering effective teaching.
• Respect and dignity must be maintained to foster the learning environment, collegial relationship and professional scholarship between the student and the educator.
• Student nurses are accountable for their desire to learn using commitment, initiative and self-direction in achieving evidence-based nursing practice.

The nursing program prepares the graduate to provide, competent and safe nursing care across the lifespan to patients and their families in a variety of settings. The goal is to provide an excellent nursing education experience. Nursing care incorporates evidence-based practice, clinical judgment and critical thinking for safe nursing practice. The nurse graduate is equipped with nurse generalist skills, knowledge and a foundation for continued learning and career advancement.

Organizing Concepts

• Collaboration
• Information Management & Technology
• Safety and Quality Improvement
• Health Promotion
• Professionalism/Leadership
• Patient-centered Care
• Clinical Judgment/Evidence-Based Practice

Graduate Outcomes:

The graduate is able to:

1. Demonstrate collaboration among health care professionals through the use of effective communication to improve patient outcomes.
2. Incorporate informatics and technology into professional nursing practice.
3. Implement safe, quality care for individuals, families, and systems to improve outcomes.
4. Teach patients about health promotion and screening programs based on family, population and/or community needs.
5. Integrate professional values and leadership principles as a nurse generalist.
6. Demonstrate patient-centered care by respecting the patient’s preferences, being culturally sensitive, and incorporating professional values into nursing practice.
7. Demonstrate appropriate clinical judgment based on current evidence for patients across the lifespan in a variety of settings.

Professionalism - is expected from all nursing students at all times while in the nursing program. Professionalism is reflected by life-long learning, appearance and demeanor, respectful communication, punctuality in attendance and assignments, providing service to the community, and engaging in activities that promote nursing.

Punctuality - is consistently demonstrating promptness when meeting scheduled class, clinical, lab, and simulated learning experiences. It reflects initiative, enthusiasm, and active engagement in learning assignments and clinical experiences. Students are expected to attend class regularly. Specific requirements for class attendance and consequences for tardiness/absences can be found in the Student Handbook. The clinical, lab, and simulated learning experiences, attendance as scheduled is required and tardiness is unacceptable. A reasonable expectation is to arrive at the clinical site a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the start of the assigned clinical time. Tardiness necessitates a plan of action initiated by the clinical instructor or preceptor that requires the student’s commitment to be punctual for subsequent scheduled activities. A pattern of tardiness may result in a failing grade for the class, lab, clinical, or simulated learning experience since a lack of personal accountability is inconsistent with professional nursing and safe patient care.

Conflict Management - Demonstrates collaborative problem solving skills in the event or conflict relevant to the course, clinical, lab or simulation experience occurs. Conflict management skills include: engaging in timely and constructive dialogue with the immediate participants to clarify the issue; consulting in a timely fashion with advisor, clinical scholar/instructor, or preceptor; accurately identifying the negotiable and non-negotiable issues; and determining an effective strategy to achieve mutual goals, and follow through respectfully with the decision.

Constructively uses opportunities throughout the course to communicate questions and concerns relevant to course/assignment outcome competencies. Comments on course, faculty, and preceptor evaluations are specific, and include constructive feedback on effective teaching and learning strategies, as well as recommendations for improvement.

Disrespectful behaviors, including making demands, blaming others for one’s own mistakes, or demeaning others, are considered unprofessional and are unacceptable in the context of a collaborative and positive learning environment. Unprofessional conduct will be referred to the Dean, who will consult with faculty, Lakeview College of Nursing administration, and representatives from the affiliating clinical agency, as appropriate, to determine subsequent action, which may include referral to the Student Affairs Committee.

Students of Lakeview College of Nursing are guests in affiliating clinical agencies or practice sites. A positive working relationship between the College and affiliating clinical agencies is imperative to assure quality placements in sufficient numbers for all students across clinical courses. Unprofessional communication or behavior reflects poorly on the Lakeview College of Nursing student body and jeopardizes future clinical placements. Deceleration, suspension, withdrawal are options for students who determine that clinical placements/schedules are unacceptable to them. Students are accountable for all information sent by the Lakeview College of Nursing email, and must commit to checking for updated information as frequently as needed to identify new and changing information.

Respect - Courtesy, consideration, respect and positive regard are conditions for learning. It demonstrates attentiveness, politeness, consideration for others in all learning environments and with patients, peers, health care providers, faculty, and staff. Respect is displayed by:

• Refraining from intruding, interrupting, distracting, or otherwise limiting the opportunities for learning.
• Interacting with all others with demonstrations of respect, tolerance, and caring. Body language, nonverbal behaviors, including voice tone, and personal opinion must at all times demonstrate professionalism and collegiality.
• Demonstrating respect for diversity of race, ethnicity, religion, political opinion, sexual orientation, gender, age, socio-economic status of patients, peers, and other care providers.

A student may be removed from the class, clinical, lab, or simulated learning experiences for disrespecting the learning or working environment and interfering with the learning or work of others. The ability to return to the class, clinical, lab, or simulated learning experience is dependent on commitment to demonstrate civility.

Confidentiality – Demonstrates respect for patient confidentiality within and outside the agency. Students must maintain patient confidentiality in all communication, including use of electronic media. Extreme caution must be exhibited in relaying information about clinical experiences in any social networking media (e.g. blogs, Facebook) by never referencing clinical information that identifies people, place, or specific events. Well-intentioned reflection can jeopardize patient rights and your professional standing if perceived as violating ethical and legal parameters of confidentiality, patient privacy rights, and health privacy laws.

Technical Standards

Lakeview College of Nursing is committed to diversity and to attracting and educating students who will make the population of health care professionals representative of the national population. Our core values Adaptability, Caring, Excellence, Integrity, and Service translate into our work with all students, including those with disabilities. Lakeview College of Nursing actively collaborates with students to develop innovative ways to ensure accessibility and creates a respectful, accountable culture through our confidential disability support. Lakeview is committed to excellence in accessibility; we encourage students with disabilities to disclose and seek accommodations.

Lakeview College of Nursing provides the following sample descriptions/examples of technical standards to inform incoming and enrolled students of the performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to complete the requirements of the nursing curriculum and provide effective and safe health care. To matriculate (enroll) the student must meet technical standards outlined below with or without reasonable accommodations and maintain related satisfactory demonstration of these standards for progression through the program.

If you had sufficient education would you be able to perform the following technical standards:

Acquire Information:

• Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences in nursing courses such as lecture, group and physical demonstrations.
• Review and collect information from written documents and computer systems (e.g., literature search & data retrieval).
• Identify information presented in images from paper, slides, videos, and transparencies.
• Recognize and assess patient changes in mood, activity, cognition, verbal, and non-verbal communication.

Use and Interpret:

• Collect and analyze information from assessment techniques/maneuvers such as those involved in assessing respiratory and cardiac function, blood pressure, blood sugar, neurological status, etc.
• Gather and explore information related to physiologic phenomena generated from diagnostic tools (i.e., sphygmomanometer, otoscope, ophthalmoscope) during a comprehensive examination of a client or patient.

Motor:

• Possess psychomotor skills necessary to provide holistic nursing care and perform or assist with procedures, treatments, and medication administration.
• Practice in a safe manner to provide care in emergency and non-emergency situations,  implement life support procedures and perform universal precautions against contamination.

Communication:

• Communicate effectively, respectfully and sensitively with patients and families.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with faculty, preceptors and all members of the healthcare team during practicum and other learning experiences.
• Accurately elicit information including a medical history and other information from a patient and family or other support to adequately and effectively evaluate a client or patient's condition.

Intellectual ability:

• Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize data related to patient condition.
• Exercise proper judgment and complete responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner according to the advanced generalist nursing role.
• Synthesize information, problem solve and think critically to evaluate the most appropriate theory or assessment strategy.
• Ask for help when needed and make proper judgments of when a nursing task can or cannot be carried out alone.

Behavioral:

• Maintain mature, sensitive, effective relationships with clients/patients, families, students, faculty, staff, preceptors and other professionals under all circumstances.
• Exercise skills of diplomacy to advocate for patients in need.
• Possess emotional stability to function under stress and adapt to changing environments inherent to the classroom and practice settings with or without accommodations.

Character:

• Concern for others, integrity, accountability, interest, and motivation, are necessary personal qualities.
• Demonstrate intent and desire to follow the ANA Standards of Care and Nursing Code of Ethics.

Lakeview College of Nursing endeavors to ensure that access to its facilities, programs, and services are available to students with disabilities. The College provides reasonable accommodations to students on a nondiscriminatory basis consistent with legal requirements as outlined in the Americans with Disabiliteis Act (ADA) of 1990, the American with Disabilities Act Amendments ACT (ADAAA) of 2008, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to an instructional activity, facility, program or service that enables a qualified student with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in all student activities. To be eligible for accommodations, a student must have a documented disability as defined by the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The ADA, the ADAAA and Section 504 all define disability as (a)  a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual; (b) a record of such impairment; or (c) being regarded as having such a condition.

The College uses a case by case, interactive decision-making process to determine reasonable accommodations taking into consideration each student's disability-related needs, disability documentation and program requirements. While Lakeview College of Nursing will make every effort to work with students with disabilities to accommodate their disability-related needs, Lakeview College is not required to provide accommodations that fundamentally alter or waive essential program requirements.

After reviewing the technical standards, students who determine that they require accommodations to engage in the program should contact the Disability Services to discuss their accommodation needs, confidentially. Given the clinical nature of our programs, additional time may be needed to implement accommodations. Accommodations are never retroactive; therefore, timely requests are essential and encouraged.

Students will begin to develop a portfolio which will reflect their academic and professional accomplishments.  The portfolio will begin in N206:  Introduction to Professional Practice and will be completed in N405:  Leadership and Management. The purpose of the portfolio is to “showcase” credentials that are not included in a resume. It is a biographical account of the student’s career at Lakeview College of Nursing – the goals, the objectives met, improvements in writing and nursing skills, and so on.  Collections of papers and Power Point handouts should be included to demonstrate the student’s best ideas, work and accomplishments during the program. The student’s progress through the program will be reflected, which may be helpful during employment interviews.  The portfolio will become an excellent place to keep all certificates of completion, (e.g CPR, conferences, in-services) and health records.  Students will want to ask faculty for references to include in their portfolio.  A letter of reference-recommendation form has been developed for students to complete and give to faculty.  Students need to give faculty at least two weeks’ notice when requesting a letter of reference-recommendation.

The Faculty Letter of Reference – Recommendation Form for Current LCN Students is available at http://www.lakeviewcol.edu/sites/default/files/CurrentStudentLetterofRecommendationForm.pdf

Codes:

T = Theory, C  = Clinical, L = Laboratory
F = Fall, SP = Spring, SU = Summer

Codes:

T = Theory, C  = Clinical, L = Laboratory
F = Fall, SP = Spring, SU = Summer

All general education and prerequisites must be completed before starting any Nursing course.

Lakeview College of Nursing has a cross-town agreement with the AFROTC Detachment 190 at the University of Illinois in Urbana, IL.  Please contact our Director of Enrollment/Registrar at 217-709-0931 for further information regarding the transfer of credit hours.

AFAS 102   Leadership Laboratory   credit: 0 Hours.

Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) is a dynamic and integrated grouping of leadership developmental activities designed to meet the needs and expectations of prospective Air Force second lieutenants and complements the AFROTC academic program (AFAS 111 - AFAS 342). It is a student planned, organized, and executed practicum conducted under the supervision of the Detachment Commander and operations Flight Commander. Approved for S/U grading only. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

AFAS 111 Heritage and Values of the United States Air Force I  credit: 1 hour

"Heritage and Values of the United States Air Force," is a survey course designed to introduce students to the United States Air Force and provides an overview of the basic characteristics, missions, and organization of the Air Force. Taken with AFAS 102. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

AFAS 112 Heritage and Values of the United States Air Force II  credit: 1 hour

"Heritage and Values of the United States Air Force," is a survey course designed to introduce students to the United States Air Force and provides an overview of the basic characteristics, missions, and organization of the Air Force. Taken with AFAS 102. Prerequisite: AFAS 111 or consent of instructor.

AFAS 221 Team and Leadership Fundamentals I  credit: 1 hour

"Team and Leadership Fundamentals," focuses on laying the foundation for teams and leadership. The topics include skills that will allow cadets to improve their leadership on a personal level and within a team. The courses will prepare cadets for their field training experience where they will be able to put the concepts learned into practice. The purpose is to instill a leadership mindset and to motivate sophomore students to transition from AFROTC cadet to AFROTC officer candidate. Taken with AFAS 102. Prerequisite: AFAS 112 or consent of instructor.

AFAS 222 Team and Leadership Fundamentals II  credit: 1 hour

"Team and Leadership Fundamentals," focuses on laying the foundation for teams and leadership. The topics include skills that will allow cadets to improve their leadership on a personal level and within a team. The courses will prepare cadets for their field training experience where they will be able to put the concepts learned into practice. The purpose is to instill a leadership mindset and to motivate sophomore students to transition from AFROTC cadet to AFROTC officer candidate. Taken with AFAS 102. Prerequisite: AFAS 221 or consent of instructor.

AFAS 331   Leading People and Effective Communication I   credit: 3 Hours.

"Leading People and Effective Communication," teaches cadets advanced skills and knowledge in management and leadership. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing leadership skills and communication. Cadets have an opportunity to try out these leadership and management techniques in a supervised environment as juniors and seniors. Taken with AFAS 102. Prerequisite: AFAS 222 or consent of instructor.

AFAS 332   Leading People and Effective Communication II   credit: 3 Hours.

"Leading People and Effective Communication," teaches cadets advanced skills and knowledge in management and leadership. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing leadership skills and communication. Cadets have an opportunity to try out these leadership and management techniques in a supervised environment as juniors and seniors. Taken with AFAS 102. Prerequisite: AFAS 331 or consent of instructor.

AFAS 341   National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty I   credit: 3 Hours.

"National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty" is designed for college seniors and gives them the foundation to understand their role as military officers in American society. It is an overview of the complex social and political issues facing the military profession and requires a measure of sophistication commensurate with the senior college level. Requires concurrent enrollment with AFAS 102. Prerequisite: AFAS 332 or consent of instructor.

AFAS 342   National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty II   credit: 3 Hours.

"National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty" is designed for college seniors and gives them the foundation to understand their role as military officers in American society. It is an overview of the complex social and political issues facing the military profession and requires a measure of sophistication commensurate with the senior college level. Requires concurrent enrollment with AFAS 102. Prerequisite: AFAS 341 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours

Lakeview College of Nursing is on a semester system.  While the length of a semester may vary, the definition is based on sixteen [16] weeks, which includes an examination period provided at the end of the semester.  

A “credit hour” is the amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is established and that reasonably approximates not less than:

1. one hour (50 minutes) of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately 16 weeks, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or

2. at least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other activities, including laboratory, simulation, clinical, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

Student contact time and out of class expectations are prorated for summer semesters or short courses that meet for less than the standard 16 weeks so they contain the same number of hours as if the course were scheduled for a full semester.

Lakeview College of Nursing offers the BSN program at two locations with flexibility in enrollment through five progression tracks. Pre-licensure students, who meet the criteria, can progress at a faster rate by taking the Accelerated track. The Traditional track and Paced track allows students to reduce the number of credit hours taken each semester. Two other tracks are designed to support the progression of licensed LPNs and RNs by recognizing prior learning.

Traditional Track

Lakeview's Traditional Track allows students to complete the program in 4 semesters (2 years):
Year 1: Fall/Spring
Year 2: Fall/Spring

Accelerated Track

Lakeview's Accelerated Track allows students to complete the program by taking classes in 4 semesters as follows - Fall admits: Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall or Spring admits: Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0/4.0 LCN GPA to enroll in more than six credit hours during the summer and more than 18 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters.

Paced Track

Lakeview's Paced Track all students to complete the program on a part-time basis. A customized degree plan can be formulated. The degree must be completed within the 6-year time limit requirement.

BSN Completion Track for LPNs

This track is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses with an active license who wants to complete their bachelor’s degree.  LPNs may proficiency out of two nursing courses. 

BSN Completion Track for Licensed RNs

This track is designed for Registered Nurses with an active licensure who wants to complete their bachelor’s degree. RNs are exempt from 27 credit hours of baccalaureate nursing credits. 

Required 60 hours of prerequisites must be completed before starting any nursing course.  Please see the following suggested (Accelerated, Traditional, Pace) curriculum plans for nursing course requirements.

Additional preliminary coursework may be required as some institutions may require prerequisites prior to enrolling in courses listed.  Furthermore, due to varying credit hours for transfer courses, students may be required to complete additional coursework to fulfill the 60-credit hour general education requirements.

Suggested Traditional & Accelerated

NURSING Curriculum Plans

Suggested fall or spring start

RN/BSN Curriculum Plan

*   RN-BSN Students have the option to proficiency two (2) of the following courses:

N201 Basic Health Assessment

N202 Basic Concepts of Pathophysiology

N307 Basic Concepts of Pharmacology

N310 Mental & Behavioral Health

** RN-BSN Students will complete course requirements as assigned by instructor.

Note:  RN-BSN Student’s professional nursing experience may be substituted for clinical hours per the Dean of Nursing’s approval. 

This plan does not include any general education requirements that may be left to complete.  This can be discussed with the admission personnel.  Please see graduation requirements.

Policies in this section apply only to students enrolled in the non-degree courses.

Application Process
Students applying to take Chemistry, Statistics or Medical Terminology can fill out the non-degree application indicating exactly which class(es) they want to take as listed on the application. Student must submit transcripts verifying prerequisites have been met for the non-degree courses in which they are enrolling. Once the non-degree application has been processed and the student has been registered, an email will be sent to the e-mail address provided on the application. Students enrolled as non-degree seeking will not be eligible for financial aid (including Lakeview scholarships). Enrollment as a non-degree student does not constitute admission into the nursing program. Non-degree students must apply for admission to be considered for degree status.

Grading
The work of each course is determined by the content and subject matter and will be described in the course syllabus.  Grades are calculated using the scores earned on the work of the class, i.e. exams, labs, papers, and assignments etc.  All assignments, papers, lab, and exam points are equally weighted. The college grade scale will be used in non-degree courses. 

93-100 = A
86-92.99 = B
77-84.99 = C
70-76.99 = D
<70 = F

Student Progress
Students need to be aware of their academic in all courses that they are enrolled.  Feedback is provided regularly and given in the form of exam and assignment scores.  At midterm, all students who are earning a “C” or less will be required to meet with the instructor to discuss course progress. Academic improvement plans are not required to be completed for students in non-degree courses.

Attendance
Attendance is required and expected at all class or lab sessions. Excessive absences can impact the student’s ability to be successful in the course.  If a student is not able to be in attendance on any occasion and for any reason, the instructor must be notified before class starts.  Failure to do so will result in the absence being recorded as unexcused, 2 unexcused absences may result in failure of the course.

Testing and Test Taking Policy
Exams are administered at regular intervals in all courses and are expected to be taken as scheduled.  If an exam is missed it must be made up as soon as possible and no later than the next class session. No smartwatch, fitness trackers, hand-held technology, ball caps, sunglasses, food, drinks, candy, cough drops, earplugs, earbuds, or calculators brought in by students are allowed while testing.  Examination/Test Review will be managed by the instructor and addressed in course syllabus.

Non-degree seeking students should also review Section V:  Policies and Standards of Behavior.

General Information

Registration for the next semester should be done on designated dates indicated on the academic calendar to avoid late fees.

Degree seeking students must meet with their academic advisor prior to registration for classes. All admission records must be completed prior to registration. Failure to have student health records on file in the Records Office will prevent a student from participating in any clinical courses.

Non-degree seeking students must contact the Director of Enrollment/Registrar in order to register. Class size is limited and enrollment for late registration is on a first come, first serve basis.

Each registered student must show verification of financial aid coverage and/or pay tuition and fees by the date specified on their semester invoice. Failure to pay or to make financial arrangements by the date specified will result in an automatic drop of all courses. The student must then register during the late registration period if they still wishes to attend and pay tuition and fees, as well as the late payment fee of $50 at the time of registration.

A student cannot register for a course that has already started (this includes clinical and/or lab).

Registrations are subject to administrative change to insure that all students are placed in courses they need and courses and clinical groups are balanced according to faculty availability and clinical agency requirements.

Current Student Registration

Students enrolled are encouraged to register for the upcoming semester in October and March according to the dates established for registration (see academic calendar). A late registration fee of $50 will be applied to a student account if registrations are received after the two-week registration period.

The following procedure should be followed:

• Students can view their advisor's name from their SONIS account.
• Students will contact their advisor for an appointment to register in October and March.
• The advisor will review the program plan and complete and sign the registration form.
• Any changes in a student's program plan due to course failure or withdrawal may cause the student's name to be placed on a waiting list for courses that need to be repeated.
• The student will sign the registration form.
• The Records copy will be given to the Director of Enrollment/Registrar by the advisor.
• A billing statement will be generated and mailed to the student by the College secretary/cashier. Students have the capability from their SONIS account to view the balance of their account.

General Attendance/Absence Policy

Lakeview College of Nursing students are expected to attend all meetings of classes, scheduled laboratory, and clinical sessions in which they have enrolled. It is our policy that attendance will be recorded for each scheduled class, laboratory, and clinical experience. It is the student's responsibility to attend all classes, on time, and for the entire designated time. Students who violate the clinical/lab dress code and/or student conduct code will not be permitted to attend or remain in the class, laboratory or clinical experience and an absence will be recorded. Students must wear a Lakeview College of Nursing-issued student ID badge at all times while in class, lab, and at clinical sites.

Theory Attendance Policy

Attendance at all classroom sessions are expected and missing any classroom sessions can have an impact on the student's course grade. Students are expected to prepare for each classroom session by completing the required readings and other assignments. If the student does not attend two (2) scheduled class(es) during the semester, their ability to complete the course will be evaluated by the course coordinator. 

On-Line Course Attendance Policy – See Course Syllabus

Clinical Attendance Policy – See Section VI

Military Attendance and Withdrawal Policy

This policy is for students who are currently in the National Guard, Reserves, or active duty United States military and have been called to active duty service or deployment. An official copy of the military orders must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Any student called to active military service, specialized training, or disaster relief efforts may receive an excused absence for class time missed (less than 7 consecutive days or one weekend for a weekend course). If the required military leave results in the student missing 7 or more consecutive days of class/clinical/lab time or more than one weekend for a weekend course, the student may withdraw from all courses. The student has the right to receive a refund of tuition and fees for missed classes of 7 or more consecutive days or more than one weekend for a weekend course associated with active duty military service. Students should speak with the Financial Aid Office and Business Office.  Alternatively, with the permission of the Dean of Nursing, a student may receive an incomplete on all courses registered. Students should refer to the Incomplete Policy for additional information.

Request to make up missed class time due to Military obligations

For those students wishing to receive an excused absence for Military obligations, an official copy of the military orders must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Any request to make-up missed class time must be made within a week of receiving official notification by the military service. Students seeking an excused absence for class time missed due to military obligations will be considered absent for the day(s) until missed course content is completed. If the student is unable to complete missed course content, the absence will remain in effect and will be subject to the consequences outlined in the Attendance Policy.

The purpose of the Test and Test-Taking Policy is to increase the consistency of grading practices and testing procedures to improve assessment student learning.

Tests or examinations that fall under this policy are proctored. Some courses are exempt from this policy – refer to course syllabus to determine if the course is exempt. 

Grades are issued at the end of each semester. The requirements for obtaining the course grade will be stated in each course syllabus.  If there is a question, the student is responsible for clarifying the instructor’s expectations.

Grading Scale

The grades given in LCN courses are as follows:

No grade will be rounded.

All students must earn at least a “77%=C” average on all exams to pass the course, except N210 Foundations of Professional Practice an “85%=B” must be earned. Test averages are calculated prior to adding in papers, projects or other non-exam scores. If the average is less than a “77%=C” or “85%=B” for N210, the student earns the test average for the course.  If the student’s test average is “77%=C” or “85% =B” or greater, all of the remaining course assignments are calculated into the final grade. Students who do not earn a C in all courses except a "B" in N210 when exams are averaged fail the course, regardless of the grades on the other non-exam course activities.

In a nursing course that contains laboratory and/or clinical components, a student must earn a grade of at least “77%=C” in theory, except N210 Foundations of Professional Practice an “85%=B” must be earned 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.

No extra credit will be provided for students to raise their grade.

Students cannot earn more than a 100% on any assignment or exam in any course.

Student letter grades will be determined by the whole number, no rounding is used. Therefore if a student earns a 76.9 the grade earned is a 76. If a student receives an 84.5 the student receives an 84.

All LCN grades and all semester hours count on the student’s grade point average in determining scholastic eligibility to remain in the College.

Grade Reports

Grades are issued at the end of each semester.  Students may review their grades through the SONIS 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. Official grades are in SONIS.

Incomplete Grades

An incomplete grade may be requested by a student with the approval of the Dean of Nursing 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 Course Coordinator will complete Section 1 of the Incomplete Grade Record which identifies the reason for the incomplete.

The Course Coordinator 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 Course Coordinator will also retain copies.

An incomplete grade must be removed no 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.  Any course with an incomplete grade that is a prerequisite for another nursing course must be completed before starting in the 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 Course Coordinator 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 Appeal

The basis for filing a grade appeal in a course is limited to: 1) fundamental fairness in treatment of the student by the instructor, as specified by the syllabus and 2) inconsistency in grading by the instructor relative to other students in the same course and section.  Issues that do not meet these criteria are not appropriate for a grade appeal.  Final course grades may not be appealed.

A student may appeal a grade by using the following procedures.  Written verification of each step below is critical to promote a thorough review. 

Step 1: Within three (3) calendar days after the grade was submitted in Edvance 360, or sooner if possible, the student shall meet with the instructor to discuss the concerns and provide the instructor a completed appeal form in writing, and with a copy to the Dean. (Grade Appeal Form is located on website under Student Tab then under Forms.)

Step 2: Within five (5) calendar days from the date of receipt of the student's written statement, the instructor shall respond to the student in writing with a copy to the Dean. The instructor should explain the grading procedures and how the grade in question was determined and address other issues raised in the student's statement. 

Step 3: If the grade appeal is not resolved within three (3) calendar days from the date of the receipt of the instructor’s written statement, the student may submit an appeal to faculty. 

Step 4: The Faculty Organization/Student Affairs Committee will review and decide on the Grade Appeal. The Committee’s decision is final.

Step 5: The Faculty Organization/Student Affairs Committee Chair will notify the student in writing of the Committee’s decision within five (5) calendar days of the submitted appeal. 

To withdraw from a course, a student must meet with their Advisor or Course Coordinator to complete an ADD/DROP/WITHDRAW form prior to the deadline for course withdrawal. Students are advised to consult with the Financial Aid Office regarding the effect on financial aid status before withdrawing from a course. Students who withdraw from a course need to be aware that they may be placed on a wait list for repeating the needed course.  The withdrawal procedures are as follows:

Five Week Classes:

First class day through the end of the 3^rd week course a grade of “W” (withdrawal) will be recorded on transcript.

Eight Week Classes:

First class day through the end of the 6^th week course a grade of “W” (withdrawal) will be recorded on transcript.

Ten Week Classes:

First class day through the end of the 8^th week course a grade of “W” (withdrawal) will be recorded on transcript.

Fifteen Week Classes:

First class day through the end of the 13th week course a grade of “W” (withdrawal) will be recorded on transcript.

Sixteen Week Classes:

First class day through the end of the 14th week course a grade of “W” (withdrawal) will be recorded on transcript.

Short Session/ Weekend Courses:
Deadline to withdraw from any short session weekend class is prior to the 3rd class meeting.

Students may only repeat a course one time in which they received a grade of “W” or failing grade.  Any student who has withdrawn from one course will be placed on academic probation. Students withdrawing from two different courses will be dismissed from the College.

The student may not withdraw from a course if there is a Student Code of Conduct issue or a Grievance is pending or being investigated.

Students planning to audit a class may register on a space-available basis before the scheduled start date of the class. Auditing is for theory coursework only and students will still be expected to take the exams. Once the class has met, students may not change from audit to credit status or vice versa without written permission of the instructor. The fee for auditing is $50 per credit hour. If a student changes to credit status before the first class meeting the tuition rate in effect at the time will be assessed with no late registration fee applied.

Students who are enrolled in at least 6 semester hours in nursing courses at the College of Nursing and who achieve a GPA of 3.6 or higher in those courses will be named to the Dean's List for the semester.

The Dean's List may be forwarded to media and/or posted to the Lakeview website following the final grade notification each semester. If a student does NOT wish for this information to be published they must opt out of Merit within the first week of class for the semester that will be publicized. The information is released to newspapers based upon the zip code of the student.

1. At the end of each course, the Registrar's Office will notify the Dean of Nursing and the Financial Aid Office of any student who been placed on academic probation/financial aid warning or dismissed from the college/financial aid suspension.
2. The Registrar's Office will note the academic probation or academic dismissal on the student's transcript.
3. The student will receive an academic improvement plan, will be placed in the remediation program and AIP program, and referred to their advisor and tutoring to develop strategies for improved academic success.  (Please see Remediation and AIP Procedure).
4. A student who does not attempt to register for the required course during the next semester that course is offered will be sent a letter and email from the Registrar's Office to determine the student's intentions. A student who fails to respond within the semester will be considered to have withdrawn from the College. To re-enter, the student must reapply for readmission under the policies and procedures in effect at the time of the desired readmission.
5. Student requests for readmission following dismissal will be reviewed by the admissions committee on an individual basis.
6. Students must complete all required assessments as of the semester of dismissal and provide demonstrated proof of remediation for the end of the semester following dismissal.

An instructor may independently decide to remove a student from a clinical experience when necessary to protect patients. This suspension will be effective until the Dean of Nursing acts upon a recommendation for dismissal.

Glossary of Terms:

Academic Dismissal/Financial Aid Suspension – student failed to meet minimum standard by total withdraw in a semester and/or being on a warning status previously and/or reaching maximum time frame for Program of Study

Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) - prepared by the student’s instructor or academic advisor/counselor (or other pertinent LCN staff).

Academic Probation/Financial Aid Probation (Re-admitted Status) - the student has an approved Appeal for readmission to the College and reinstatement of Title IV and/or State student aid for one additional term unless an Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) is being met.

Academic Probation/Financial Aid Warning - the first time a student fails to meet the minimum standard in any one of the components. 

Good Standing – a student is meeting the minimum standards each enrollment period.

Minimum Standards - student has a Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 and is staying on pace with a success rate of completing all credit hours attempted and is completing (on pace) their program within the published time frames formatted in credit hours.

Program of Study - the educational program the student has indicated they are pursuing at the College. LCN has one program, the BSN Degree.

Quantitative Measure - the Pace at which the student must be completing their Program of Study which must be monitored for completion before maximum time allotted for program is reached. The Pace varies by level of enrollment each term but has set maximums.

Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) - a Federal requirement applied to all students who have Federal Student Aid funding (pending, actual or estimated awards). LCN has one policy that applies to all students.

Time of Completion - the Maximum timeframe is 150% completion of the published program timeframe. This calculation considers all cumulative credit hours attempted (not earned).

A student may withdraw for academic reasons or serious personal problems.  To withdraw from the College the student must complete a Withdrawal from the College Form obtained from the Registrar's Office.  If a student withdraws from the College by the official withdraw date a “W” will be posted on the student transcript (see SAP).  A student may not withdraw from the College or any courses after the official withdraw date.  Students who have been awarded financial aid must contact the Financial Aid Office prior to officially withdrawing from the College. A return of Title IV funds calculation may be required – refer to Financial Aid Implications (Return of Title IV Funds). All obligations to the College must be cleared at the time of withdrawal.

A student who withdraws from the College and wishes to return at a later time must go through the readmission process. If readmitted, the student will be accountable to the policies and procedures of the current handbook.

Late Withdrawal

In the case of extreme circumstances where the deadline to withdraw without academic penalty has passed, a student may petition the Dean of Nursing for a late withdrawal from all courses. If granted, the student would receive a grade of “W” for any course not completed in the semester.

Request to Withdraw from Program Due to Military Obligations

A student who withdraws from the program due to military obligations, must complete a Withdrawal Form must and attach an official copy of the military orders. The form and orders must be submitted to the Dean of Nursing. 

Lakeview College of Nursing does not have a Leave of Absence Policy.  Please refer to the Withdrawal policies and procedures and Tuition Refund Policies.

The Dean of Nursing has the authority to dismiss and/or to refuse readmission to any student at any time if circumstances of a legal, moral, health, social or academic nature are considered to justify such action. The dismissal may be a result of a probationary period (see SAP) or may be independent of probation.

A faculty member may recommend to the Dean of Nursing the dismissal of a student if it is inadvisable for the student to continue in the College. A recommendation for dismissal may be based upon observed problems in mental or physical health, conduct, attendance, quality of clinical performance and/or failure to meet academic requirements. The Dean of Nursing may make an immediate decision or take the recommendation to the Faculty Organization for further discussion. The student will be afforded due process.

Purpose of the Remediation and Academic Improvement Plan Procedure:

Lakeview College of Nursing actively promotes and supports student’s academic achievement through remediation.  Students are required to demonstrate ongoing remediation efforts to improve academic success. Remediation of content will be suggested by the course coordinator in the Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) for students failing to meet academic standards.

The student is responsible for the implementation of the AIP and the course expectations as directed in the course syllabus. 

For Insufficient Academic Progress:

1. The student will be notified by the course instructor when the student fails to meet the academic standard in the course by the online AIP via email.
2. A copy of the AIP will be emailed to: the academic advisor, and the record’s office.  A copy will be sent to the Skills Lab Coordinator and to the tutor as needed.   
3. The suggested remediation plan will be written out by the instructor for the student within the AIP. This may include all or any of the following recommendations or assignments:
   1. Review corresponding content in any of the course’s resources and develop a study plan.
   2. Take/repeat ATI focused review tests, online learning assignments, and/or other learning activities that correlate with the syllabus content.
   3. If AIP is related to skill performance, the student will make an appointment with the Skills Lab Coordinator to practice and demonstrate mastery.
   4. Make an appointment with the course instructor/coordinator, advisor, or tutor.

For Insufficient/ /Unsatisfactory Clinical Performance Remediation Plan:

1. The student will be notified by the course coordinator or clinical instructor when the student fails to meet the clinical performance standards in the course by the online AIP via email.
2. A copy of the AIP will be emailed to: the academic advisor, and the record’s office.  A copy will be sent to the Skills Lab Coordinator and to the tutor as needed.   
3. The student will meet with the course coordinator and/or clinical instructor to identify areas of weakness and expected level of performance.
4. The suggested remediation plan will be written out and discussed by the coordinator and/or clinical instructor for the student. This may include all or any of the following recommendations or assignments:
   1. Review corresponding content in any of the course’s resources and develop a study plan.
   2. Take/repeat additional ATI focused review tests, online learning assignments, and/or other learning activities that correlate with the syllabus content.
   3. If AIP is related to skill performance, the student will make an appointment with the Skills Lab Coordinator to practice and demonstrate mastery.
   4. Make an appointment with the course instructor/coordinator and advisor.

Unsafe Practice/Unprofessional Behavior Remediation Plan:

Unsafe practice and unprofessional clinical behavior may include abandonment, neglect, or actions that are outside of the student nurses’ scope of practice. Unprofessional clinical behavior may include violating any clinical policies, LCN policies, and/or professional codes of conduct.

1. The student will be notified by the course coordinator or clinical instructor of the failure when the student failure to meet the safe practice and/or professional behavior standards by the online AIP via email.
2. A copy of the AIP will be emailed to: the academic advisor, and the Record’s office.  A copy will be sent to the Skills Lab Coordinator as needed.
3. The student will meet with course coordinator and/or clinical instructor to identify the unacceptable behavior(s) and to develop an individual plan for remediation.
4. The suggested remediation plan will be written out and discussed by the coordinator and/or clinical instructor for the student. This may include all or any of the following recommendations or assignments:
   1. Review corresponding content in any of the course’s resources and develop a study plan.
   2. Take/repeat additional ATI focused review tests, online learning assignments, and/or other learning activities that correlate with the syllabus content.
   3. If AIP is related to skill performance, the student will make an appointment with the Skills Lab Coordinator to practice and demonstrate mastery.
   4. Make an appointment with the course instructor/coordinator, advisor, or tutor as needed.

Assessment Information

Assessment and program improvement efforts are expectations for accreditation of colleges and nursing programs.  LCN uses a systematic process to obtain relevant data for program effectiveness.   The process is inclusive of the campus community and is used to drive decision making.  The process is written, ongoing, comprehensive, and exists to evaluate achievement of program outcomes.

Student participation in assessment program is critical for program improvement.  Students participate in assessment upon admission to the college, during the program, and during post college experiences.  The following activities are designed to obtain student input into the academic experience at LCN. 

Admissions Testing
All students every semester:

• Course and clinical evaluations
• Student Forums
• Student suggestion boxes

All students biennially

• Noel Levitz

Students in 400 level courses

• EBI

Graduates

• Graduate survey [prior to graduation]
• Post graduate employment survey [6 months following graduation]

Fingerprinting & Background Check Requirement for NCLEX

All individuals applying for initial licensure as a registered nurse in Illinois must submit to a criminal background check and provide evidence of fingerprint processing from the Illinois State Police, or its designated agent. Lakeview College of Nursing senior students may contact a livescan-fingerprinting vendor, approved by the Illinois State Police, to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting. Fingerprinting may also be arranged by Lakeview College of Nursing. Each NCLEX-RN applicant will be provided a written receipt once they have been fingerprinted. This receipt must be submitted to the Department’s testing vendor along with the examination application and fee in order for the applicant to be scheduled for the examination. Fingerprints must be taken within 60 days prior to submission of the application for licensure. Any cost that is incurred is the responsibility of the student.

NCLEX-RN Procedures & Registered Nurse Licensure

The following describes the procedures for applying to sit for the NCLEX-RN Examination.

1. The Dean of Nursing requests a list of seniors from the Director of Enrollment/Registrar.
2. The Dean or designee will meet with seniors during the final semester to discuss the application procedures for registering to take the NCLEX-RN examination and applying for a RN licensure.
3. Students will register on line for the NCLEX-RN examination through Pearson Vue (http://www.personvue.com/). The application can be submitted on line with a credit card payment of $200 or downloaded and mailed in with a cashier’s check or money order. Students should maintain a copy of all applications sent on line or via certified mail.
4. State licensure forms must be completed by the student. This can be done by identifying the state board of nursing in the desired state for licensure, accessing the website, and applying online or downloading the application for licensure by examination. All states require a fee for submitting an application that can be paid form by credit card, cashier’s check, or money order. Some states require a background check as a part of the licensure process. Students must identify time limit set by the state for an acceptable background check. (The State of Illinois will only accept background checks done within 60 days from submission of the application for licensure).
5. Students are responsible for sending to the state agency processing their application for licensure their receipt of fingerprinting and background check by certified mail.
6. Transcripts and/or verification of graduation forms will not be sent until the student meets all of the requirements for graduation. All transcripts and/or verification forms will be sent by certified mail to the desired state of licensure, or when needed to the graduate.
7. Any information that is sent by mail for licensure or registration SHOULD be copied and sent by registered/certified mail.
8. The Dean of Nursing will be available for questions.

The Illinois Nurse Practice Act includes criteria for eligibility to apply for licensure to practice nursing, the definition of professional nursing and items related to grounds for licensure refusal, suspension or revocation. Specifics can be found in the publication, Illinois Nursing and Advanced Nursing Practice Act.

Upon successful completion of the baccalaureate program of study, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) is conferred. The responsibility for knowing and achieving these requirements rests with the student.

1. Successfully complete the prescribed curriculum of 120 semester hours:
   1. Complete all the related general education College course requirements. (60 semester credit hours) with a minimum GPA of a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
   2. Complete all required nursing courses (60 semester credit hours) with a minimum GPA of a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Earn a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of nursing coursework from Lakeview College of Nursing.
3. Complete 20 hours of service throughout the curriculum that includes a final project during the last semester. This service requirement will be implemented with students who start in the fall of 2018.
4. Attain a minimum required score on a standardized nursing assessment test.
5. Attend in person, three-day NCLEX-RN review class, offered by LCN, in the last semester of coursework.

Standardized Nursing Assessment Testing for Graduation
A passing score on the standardized nursing assessment test, ATI Comprehensive Predictor. The minimum required score on ATI Comprehensive Predictor will indicate that the graduate is 95% likely to pass the NCLEX-RN and is based on national norms. The assessment test is given before commencement.  If a student does not meet the minimum required score on the ATI Comprehensive Predictor on the first attempt, the student will be required to complete the Virtual ATI (VATI). When the VATI nurse educator determines that the student has achieved the benchmark score or a "green light" from VATI indicating a high likelihood of success on the NCLEX, the student's name will be released to the state and the student will be allowed to take the NCLEX-RN.

Attaining a passing score on the standardized nursing assessment test. If the passing score is not attained, then the student must complete a virtual remediation program before the student's name will be released to allow the student to register for the NCLEX-RN.

Graduation honors are based upon the student's cumulative Lakeview GPA one semester prior to meeting graduation requirements at LCN.  Students with GPAs of 3.6 and above earned at the College will be recognized and published according to the following:

• Summa Cum Laude - 3.95 or Higher
• Magna Cum Laude - 3.80 - 3.94
• Cum Laude - 3.6 - 3.799