Academic Policies

RRNA
The term "RRNA" (Resident Registered Nurse Anesthetist) refers to a student enrolled in the Texas Wesleyan University Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia. RRNA appears to be a more acceptable term than "student" when in a patient care setting. The term "Student" may be substituted at clinical training sites where a conflict over terms exists.

AANA ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
Associate membership in the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists is required. Attendance at locally held meetings is STRONGLY recommended and may be required.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The student has the right to:

-Expect quality, appropriate education
-Be represented in the educational process
-Be regarded as a professional member of the health care community
-Receive fair, objective, confidential evaluations
-Exercise due process of appeal

In addition, the RRNA has the responsibility to:

-Demonstrate a professional manner at all times
-Adhere to regulations and policies as set forth in the policy manuals and student handbook of Texas Wesleyan University and affiliating clinical settings.

PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVES
Professionalism includes, but is not necessarily limited to the following. The RRNA demonstrates:

1. Courtesy
2. Honesty
3. Punctuality
4. Enthusiasm
5. Appropriate Language/Communication skills
6. Positive Attitude
7. Personal Cleanliness/Grooming
8. Analytical/Evaluation Skills
9. Willingness to Follow Instructions

10. Willingness to Learn/Work Hard
11. Proper Wearing of Operating Room Attire
12. Vigilance/Awareness
13. Organization/Neatness of Anesthesia Area

TIME COMMITMENT
The student's time commitment is approximately 60 hours during a seven-day week. This time commitment includes study time. One hour of classroom time generates two hours or more of study time. The student should expect a rotating schedule during Phase II.

EMPLOYMENT
Student employment is not encouraged. Students gain more from their academic and clinical experiences without the additional burden of work commitments. If student employment is absolutely necessary, the student may work as long as there is no conflict in time between their job and program responsibilities. Clinical students/RRNAs may not work the shift prior to anesthesia committed time during Phase II. Under no circumstances may an RRNA be employed to practice anesthesia in either title or function.

MINIMUM CASE REQUIREMENTS
The Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia exceeds the general requirements as set forth by the Council on Accreditation as stated in the Standards and Guidelines for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs/Schools. Each RRNA is required to complete a minimum of 650 cases. The RRNA's level of preparation is a factor, which determines case assignments.

GRADING
The graduate program at Texas Wesleyan University requires a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 for the student to progress from Phase I to Phase II and to graduate.

A course grade of no less than "B" will be acceptable in the following:

6603 Principles of Anesthesia Practice I
6605 Principles of Anesthesia Practice II
6422 Medical Pharmacology II
6642 Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology II

A course grade of less than "C" will not be acceptable in any course.
No more than a total of two course grades of "C" will be acceptable.
A grade of no less than a "B" will be accepted in a course that is repeated.

A grade is assigned for each Phase II Clinical Practicum.
S Satisfactory 0.0*
U Unsatisfactory 0.0*
*Not counted in calculating grade point average (GPA)
The Director of the Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia retains the right to dismiss a student from the program for grave offenses to the Code of Conduct.

PROBATION
A RRNA may be placed on probation during the program for administrative, professional or clinical reasons.

DISMISSAL
An RRNA may be dismissed from the Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia for failure to:

• satisfactorily complete Phase I within the allotted time frame as outlined in the Program's curriculum
• meet minimum grade requirements
• meet any Phase II probation objectives
• failure to meet professional objectives
• unsatisfactory clinical practice which places a patient at an unnecessary risk

APPEAL
The Texas Wesleyan University appeal mechanisms are the University Academic and Judicial Boards. These boards serve as a student's appeals committee. Board membership is determined by Texas Wesleyan University. The appeal process and procedures are detailed in the Texas Wesleyan University Graduate Catalog and Student Handbook.

SICK LEAVE
Texas Wesleyan class attendance policy states that regular and punctual attendance at all scheduled classes is expected of all students.

University regulations authorize necessary absences with the instructor's prior approval. Unauthorized absences may be excused when caused by illness or other emergencies and should be reported as soon as possible to the instructor and school office.

Each RRNA is allowed 16 "absent days" during Phase II. From this 16-day allotment the RRNA subtracts his/her sick and vacation days. A “black-out period” is enforced during rotations away from a clinical student’s primary clinical site and during the final month of clinical training. No vacation days/sick days may be taken during these rotations. If an emergency occurs during a rotation, the student must notify the clinical coordinator at the rotation site as well as the clinical coordinator at his/her primary site and the nurse anesthesia office at Texas Wesleyan. All absences due to illness will require a doctor's statement confirming the illness. Failure to comply may result in the RRNAs dismissal from the program. The program reserves the right to monitor unexcused absences that follow a pattern and evaluate the cause.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE
During the program, students must notify the Director of the Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia if a leave of absence becomes necessary. A request for leave of absence is subject to approval by the Program Director. The Director may set conditions which the student must meet in order to remain in school.

HOLIDAYS
All university holiday and semester break periods to include:

VACATION
During Phase I, there are appropriate semester/summer session breaks, and these are recognized as vacation time. For Phase II, please refer to the section concerning "Sick Leave."

TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to and from the hospital/university is to be provided at the student's own expense.

FINANCIAL AID
Funds are available for students. Inquiries should be directed to the Financial Aid Officer for the Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia at (817) 531-4406. Our program is recognized by the Veterans Administration for financial assistance to eligible students. Stipends may be available at select clinical sites.

HEALTH CARE INSURANCE
During Phase I, students are advised to purchase their own health insurance as the university provides only minimal health care. During Phase II, students must provide their own health insurance. Proof of coverage will be required. Students are not hospital employees and are not covered by Worker's Compensation. Failure to comply with the insurance coverage requirement will result in dismissal from the program.

REPEATING STUDENTS

It is the intent and hope of the administration of the Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia that all students are successful in their attempt to complete the program. However, history tells us that this is not the case and that we have an approximate 10-12% attrition rate during Phase I of the program. Although the offer is not guaranteed, any student who is unsuccessful in Phase I of the program may seek readmission. In order for the offer to be extended, the student must request the opportunity to repeat Phase I, and obtain approval from the Program Director and Admission’s Committee. The attrition rate during Phase II of the program is small. Students that are unsuccessful in Phase II will not be allowed to repeat. This policy statement is for reference only and not complete. The student must refer to the complete policy in the Handbook of Didactic and Clinical Practice and Procedures manual that is given to the accepted students on the first day of class.