Health care issues arising in the classroom, skills lab, and healthcare settings should first be discussed with the faculty immediately involved. Each faculty member is available by appointment to discuss issues affecting academic success. Office hours are posted online, in the course syllabus, and outside the faculty's office. Individual appointments may also be scheduled. Your nursing program counselor and the Director and Assistant Director of Nursing are also available to discuss issues or concerns after you have discussed them with the nursing faculty for your course.
All students who are hospitalized must provide a completed "Report of Health Care Provider" verifying fitness to resume coursework before returning to class(es).
Faculty may ask a student to see a healthcare provider for a physical check-up or re-evaluation of health status. If a health problem (physical or mental) interferes with a student's ability to perform effectively, the student may also be referred to the Director and/or Assistant Director of the Nursing department.
A student considering withdrawal from the FCC Nursing Program is required to make an appointment to discuss this decision with the Director of Nursing. An appointment should be scheduled with the nursing program counselor if required.
Psychological Services counselors are available on campus to assist with personal problems (e.g. exam anxiety, coping with stress, etc.). Make an appointment with Psychological Services office located above the FCC Campus Bookstore.
Antepartum
It is recommended that students notify their instructor(s) regarding their pregnancy as soon as it is confirmed. If there is a complication with the pregnancy a healthcare provider must complete the "Report of Examination by a Health Care Provider" form specifying the course work accommodation(s) necessary for mother and baby safety. The completed "Report of Health Examination by Health Care Provider" form must be submitted to the Director of Nursing and nursing instructor(s) before the next scheduled course meeting. Regardless of accommodation(s), the course outcomes must be met to pass the course(s).
Postpartum
All students who are hospitalized must provide a completed "Report of Health Care Provider" verifying fitness to resume coursework before returning to class(es).
If postpartum complications exist, the student must present a "Report of Health Examination by Health Care Provider" form indicating the specific accommodation(s) required to continue in nursing course(s). The "Report of Health Examination by Health Care Provider" form must be submitted to the Director of Nursing and nursing instructor(s) before the next scheduled course meeting. Regardless of accommodation(s), the course outcomes must be met to pass the course(s).
Lactation
Lactating students have the right to pump or breastfeed an infant in a private, comfortable space. Students should inform their instructor(s) if a lactation space is required. A breastfed infant may not remain with the lactating mother in a classroom or any campus or clinical setting other than the lactation room. If a care giver is bringing the infant to the lactating student on campus or at clinical for the purpose of breastfeeding, campus/clinical regulations for checking in and out must be followed.
Breastfeeding needs should be communicated to the instructor. Lactating students are encouraged to pump or breastfeed during class break time. If a lactating student must pump or breastfeed an infant at times other than during designated break times, it is the student's responsibility to follow up with the instructor regarding any content that may have been missed during their absence from class. Regardless of accommodation(s), the course outcomes must be met to pass the course(s).
Lactating students are responsible for providing and maintaining their own supplies.
The student must present a written clearance from a physician to the Director of Nursing on the specialized forms from the college. Those forms can be obtained from the Department of Nursing secretary. The physician must certify that the student is able to perform all the Essential Functions of a Registered Nurse prior to re-entry.
The student must be able to meet all weekly objectives to remain in good standing in the program.
The maximum absence college policy will apply.
The clearance letter from the physician must state that the student is able to return to the full and essential RN level of functioning as outlined in the ADA Registered Nursing Essential Job Functions.
If a student experiences a situation which interferes with successful progression through the program, it may be necessary to petition for a leave of absence. Valid reasons for requesting a leave of absence include medical emergencies, personal and/or family problems.
For Medical LOA, a letter from a health care provider supporting the medical basis and length of the request for the leave must be given to the Director of the Nursing program with the written request for a LOA. Approval of the leave of absence will be based on documentation received.
Students who have been on a Medical Leave will be required to submit a release signed by their health care provider, prior to returning.
The FCC policy for maximum absence will apply. The length of a medical leave will be determined according to individual circumstances and generally will not exceed one semester.
Personal or family issues may be discussed with a nursing counselor. A letter stating the need and timeframe for the leave should be given to the Director of Nursing.
Following the leave of absence, the student will return to the nursing program under provisions specified in the “Returning Students to the Nursing program.”
