May 08, 2024

Policy & Procedure Manual

Section 11: Nursing and Health Education

11.1 Scholarship
11.2 Academic Standards
11.3 Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy for Programs with a Clinical Practicum*
11.4 Student Background Check Policy
11.5 Clinical Disqualification and Non Progression Policy
11.6 Expected Code of Conduct Regarding Incivility and Bullying
11.7 Flu Infection Control Policy
11.8 Compliance Requirements for Programs Utilizing Healthcare Agencies

The economy of Meridian and Lauderdale County is very reliant on the medical field and Meridian Community College depends on the support of the medical community. The three local hospitals, Anderson Regional Medical Center, Riley Hospital, and Rush Foundation Hospital, rely on Meridian Community College to provide well educated employees. In an effort to meet the needs of the community, MCC offers a comprehensive nursing and health education program.

The Nursing and Health Education Programs offered at MCC include both Associate of Applied Science Degree Programs and Certificate Programs as listed below.

Associate of Applied Science Degree Programs

Associate Degree Nursing
Associate Degree Nursing Accelerated Program for Licensed Practical Nurses and Paramedics
Dental Hygiene Technology
Health Information Technology
Medical Laboratory Technology
Physical Therapist Assistant
Radiologic Technology
Respiratory Care Practitioner
Surgical Technology

Certificate Programs

Practical Nursing
Dental Assisting
Health Care Assistant
Health Information - Medical Coding Certificate

Admission Requirements for each program can be found in the current catalog.

11.1 Scholarship

MCC endorses Boyer’s definition of scholarship which focuses on four dimensions - the scholarship of discovery, the scholarship of teaching, the scholarship of application, and the scholarship of integration. Emphasis for the college is primarily in the areas of teaching, application, and integration.

11.2 Academic Standards

Suspension/Dismissal for Academic Deficiencies (Health Education and Associate Degree Nursing Programs)

The current catalog, admission packets and/or faculty handouts are provided to an applicant or student admitted to a Health Education or Associate Degree Nursing program offered by Meridian Community College. In these publications, admission requirements to the program are stated along with what academic requirements must be maintained by the student to continue in the program.

Should the student fall below the minimum requirements, he/she will be notified by a member of the faculty as to what action will be taken. If he/she is dismissed from a program for academic deficiencies stated in any of the above publications, a faculty member will explain the reason behind the dismissal; but an appeal of the decision by the program faculty will not be accorded. However, if the student feels he/she has been treated arbitrarily or capriciously, he/she is entitled to a review. The student requests this review by contacting the Dean of Student Services.

Nursing Program Readmissions (Associate Degree Nursing and Licensed Practical Nursing)

The MCC Board of Trustees authorizes the Dean of Nursing to establish criteria through which Associate Degree (ADN) and Licensed Practical (PN) Nursing students who have academically failed to progress may be “readmitted” on a space available basis. The criteria for readmission to the ADN and PN programs will be established by the Dean as related to the specific pool of candidates under consideration, meaning there may be some variances in the criteria from one year to the next based on factors such as the size of the pool of candidates and their past academic performance. As an example, there could be a slight variation on the minimum grade point average required for candidacy for readmission for one year to the next. The Dean is further authorized to appoint a faculty committee to assist in the establishment of the aforementioned criteria and to evaluate candidates. Students not in good standing due to a “disqualifying event,” such as a behavioral or background check issue or having been barred from clinical participation by an MCC affiliate will not be considered for readmission.

The college makes no guarantee that a readmission pool will be considered each year for the ADN or PN programs. First-time candidates who have met all program eligibility requirements will be admitted to the programs before the Dean makes a determination that the total program capacity will allow for a readmission pool to be considered.

Readmission to an MCC nursing program, just as in the case of first-time enrollment, is a competitive process. A finite number of readmission slots will be filled in accordance with the selection criteria established by the Dean and Readmission Committee. The student with the highest score in accordance with the criteria will be offered the first available slot, and so-on and so-forth until all available slots are filled.

11.3 Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy for Programs with a Clinical Practicum*

Meridian Community College seeks to maintain an environment free from the effects of intoxicants or other behavior-affecting substances. This environment is one that will benefit both students and employees of MCC as well as the surrounding community. The use of illegal/designer drugs or the abuse of alcohol, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter drugs may pose serious safety and health risks not only to the user, but also to all people coming in contact with the user.

Meridian Community College recognizes that substance abuse, chemical dependency and other medical/behavioral conditions are complex problems, which under most circumstances can be successfully treated.

A chemically impaired person is one who is under the influence of a substance that interferes with mood, perception, or consciousness resulting in physiological and/or behavioral characteristics. This impairment affects the individual’s ability to meet standards of performance, computing, and safety in clinical settings, skill labs, classrooms, and office settings.

It is the student’s responsibility to self-disclose clinical prohibition prior to admission or immediately upon occurrence. In addition, the student is responsible to have the clinical site communicate with the program division chair/coordinator when the clinical prohibition is removed.

*Includes all programs with a clinical practicum: Nursing, Health Education programs, EMS-Paramedic, EMS-Basic, Pharmacy Technology, IV Therapy, and Phlebotomy.

11.3.1 Policy and Program Objectives*

By creating this policy, all MCC programs that require a clinical practicum strive to

provide a safe, healthful and efficient environment for students and employees;
reduce accidents and injuries to persons and to protect the College property, students, employees, clinic patients and the general public;
protect the reputation of Meridian Community College as one of the preeminent community colleges in the state;
make confidential recommendations concerning appropriate evaluation and/or treatment for students; and
provide program readmission guidelines for students with an identified substance abuse problem to those programs that require a clinical practicum.

*Includes all programs with a clinical practicum: Nursing, Health Education programs, EMS-Paramedic, EMS-Basic, Pharmacy Technology, IV Therapy, and Phlebotomy.

11.3.2 Procedure for Drug and Alcohol Screening for Programs with a Clinical Practicum

To ensure a drug and alcohol free environment, the following procedures will be followed to screen students in programs that require a clinical practicum for drug and alcohol usage.

All students enrolled in programs that require a clinical practicum will be screened prior to entering the clinical setting. If enrolled in a two-year program, students will be screened at least one additional time during their educational experience.
On the day designated for students to be drug or alcohol screened, the Program Coordinator will fax a list containing the students’ names and student ID’s to the selected testing agency. The Program Coordinator will include a list of students expected to be present for the screening (for example, by 3:00 PM). In addition, the Program Coordinator’s name and phone number will be noted to facilitate any follow-up concerning student test results.
Students will be given a letter on the day of drug or alcohol screening which states they must report within TWO hours to the testing agency with photo identification for drug/alcohol screening. In the letter, students will be told that failure to be present for this screening within the allocated two hour time period will be interpreted as a positive drug/alcohol screen and will result in dismissal from the program.
Each testing agency will notify the Program Coordinator if individuals on the list fail to present.
The day after the drug/alcohol screening, the Associate Dean of Student Services will be given a list of the students who were screened. The purpose of this list is to verify billing.

11.3.3 Pre-clinical Testing

Pre-clinical drug screening (on urine samples) will be required of each student admitted to programs that require a clinical practicum at the applicant’s expense.

After a student has been accepted into a program that requires a clinical practicum and prior to entering a clinical setting, he/she must submit to a urine drug screen. The testing must be done at the selected testing agency and must be completed by the date indicated. Testing will be done for amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and THC (marijuana). The student is assessed a fee to cover the cost of this test.
If test results are positive, immediate confirmation testing will be done on the original specimen.
The results of the test will be made known to the Associate Dean of Student Services. In the event of a positive result, the Associate Dean of Student Services will notify the Chair, Health Education Division; Dean, Nursing; or appropriate administrator. A confidential meeting with any student testing positive will be arranged.
Any student who presents positive test results (other than for a legally obtained prescription drug) will be dismissed from the clinical practicum and program. [Note: A legal prescription is one that is written within a six month time period. Use of the medication after the six month time frame is considered inappropriate and results in a positive drug screen result.] The student will be notified in writing and may apply for readmission into another class at a later date. Readmission, however, will not be considered until the completed “Agreement of Readmission” with attached documentation of evaluation, treatment, and counseling has been received.
If the student questions the validity of the results, the student may submit a written appeal to the Dean, Nursing; Division Chair, Health Education; or the appropriate administrator within 24 hours of being notified of a positive drug screen. In the appeal, the student must agree to hair follicle analysis. The student will have one working day to schedule the hair follicle sample collected at a facility determined by the College. The student will not be allowed to participate in clinical experiences until the hair follicle analysis is determined to be negative. If the hair follicle analysis is negative, the College will be responsible for the cost. If the hair follicle analysis is positive, the student will be responsible for the cost.

11.3.4 Post-enrollment Testing

All students enrolled in a program that requires a clinical practicum at Meridian Community College will be required to submit to an annual drug screen. Post-enrollment testing will follow the following guidelines.

This screening (on urine samples) will be done at the student’s expense and will be coordinated by the Chair, Health Education; Dean, Nursing; or appropriate administrator. Testing will be done at the selected testing agency.
Testing will be done for amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and THC (marijuana). Testing will be done by program/class groups without prior notice. Any student taking a prescription drug, which might affect behavior, should notify the Program Coordinator.
If test results are positive, immediate confirmation testing will be done on the original specimen at the student’s expense.
The results of the test will be made known to the Associate Dean of Student Services. In the event of a positive result, the Associate Dean of Student Services will notify the Chair, Health Education Division (for Health Education students) or the Dean, Nursing (for nursing students) or appropriate administrator. A confidential meeting with any student testing positive will then be arranged.
Any Meridian Community College student who presents positive test results (other than for a properly administered prescription drug) will be dismissed from the clinical practicum and program. [Note: A legal prescription is one that is written within a six month time period. Use of the medication after the six month time frame is considered inappropriate and results in a positive drug screen result.] The student will be notified in writing and may apply for readmission into another class at a later date. Readmission, however, will not be considered until the completed “Agreement of Readmission” with attached documentation of evaluation, treatment, and counseling has been received.
If the student questions the validity of the results, the student may submit a written appeal to the Dean, Nursing; Division Chair, Health Education; or the appropriate administrator within 24 hours of being notified of a positive drug screen. In the appeal, the student must agree to hair follicle analysis. The student will have one working day to schedule the hair follicle sample collected at a facility determined by the College. The student will not be allowed to participate in clinical experiences until the hair follicle analysis is determined to be negative. If the hair follicle analysis is negative, the College will be responsible for the cost. If the hair follicle analysis is positive, the student will be responsible for the cost.
Students may not use any legally prescribed medication which will alter the student’s ability to cognitively or physically care for patients or clients. Impairment will result in “Reasonable Suspicion” testing and may lead to program dismissal. Students must disclose to the Program Director medication(s) used. Disclosure includes long=term and short-term use of medications, as well as any new prescription the student may acquire. The Program Director will monitor the student’s performance and if safety becomes an issue, a review of the medication or student’s performance will be initiated to insure safety and best interests of the patient or client.

11.3.5 Reasonable Suspicion Testing

If a student exhibits behavior that, in the opinion of the instructor, is considered to be consistent with the use of drugs and/or alcohol, he/she will be required to submit to a urine and/or blood test. The following guidelines should be followed:

The instructor will remove the student to a private area and discuss with the student observed signs and symptoms. The student will be allowed to provide a verbal explanation of the suspicious behavior;
The instructor will request immediate urine and/or blood testing if deemed appropriate. Refusal by the student to submit to testing will be grounds for dismissal from the program. All testing for reasonable suspicion will be done at the college’s expense;
The student will be dismissed from class or clinical practicum and the Program Coordinator will arrange immediate transportation for the student to the testing laboratory following the Student Transportation Protocol;
Any Meridian Community College student who presents positive test results (other than for a prescription drug*) will not be allowed to continue in the nursing/health education program. The student will be notified in writing and may apply for readmission into another class at a later date. Readmission, however, will not be considered until the completed “Agreement of Readmission” with attached documentation of evaluation, treatment, and counseling has been received;
If the student questions the validity of the results, the student may submit a written appeal to the Dean, Nursing; Division Chair, Health Education; or the appropriate administrator within 24 hours of being notified of a positive drug screen. In the appeal, the student must agree to hair follicle analysis. The student will have one working day to schedule the hair follicle sample collected at a facility determined by the College. The student will not be allowed to participate in clinical experiences until the hair follicle analysis is determined to be negative. If the hair follicle analysis is negative, the College will be responsible for the cost. If the hair follicle analysis is positive, the student will be responsible for the cost.

*The student should be aware that providing clinical care will not be allowed even with use of a legally prescribed medication if, in the professional judgment of the instructor, a student is impaired and cannot safely deliver the required care. Impairment will result in “Reasonable Suspicion” testing and may lead to program dismissal.

11.3.5.1 Student Transportation Protocol

For reasonable suspicion testing, students will be transported to either Rush Workforce Wellness or Anderson Regional Health System.

Directions: Use Rush Workforce Wellness for nursing students and Anderson Regional Health System for health education students, EMS students, Pharmacy Technology, IV Therapy, Phlebotomy and for alcohol/drug testing after 4 pm.

The student is held in the appropriate holding room until transported.
Note: Rush Workforce Wellness hours of operation: 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m., Monday - Friday;
*Anderson Regional Health System hours of operation are 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
*Use Anderson Regional Health System for student drug testing after 4 p.m. and on Saturday’s.
Call Campus Police at 601-484-8620, 601-938-0072, or 601-938-0074. Inform the campus police officer you have a student that needs to be transported to Rush Workforce Wellness or Anderson Regional Health System.
The MCC campus police officer will transport the student to Rush Workforce Wellness or Anderson Regional Health System (see hours of operation). In addition, a completed MCC “Reasonable Suspicion Testing” form will be completed, signed, and dated by the appropriate program official.
Directions to Laboratory:
Rush Workforce Wellness Directions: The campus police officer escorts the student into Rush Emergency Room (ER). In the ER, there are two doors to the left; enter through the second door. Report and check-in the student at Workforce Wellness for an “Extended Drug [or alcohol] Panel.”*

Anderson Regional Health System Directions: The laboratory will take individual cases seven days a week, around the clock [24/7]. Come through “ER Admissions,” check the student in at admissions, and then escort the student to the laboratory testing area. Notify Laboratory personnel the student is there for an “Extended Drug [or alcohol] Panel.”*

*Extended Drug Panel is a 7-Panel Drug Screen.

Important Note: The MCC campus police reports the student to be tested is a “priority” with Rush Workforce Wellness or Anderson Regional Health System because a campus police officer is waiting. The “Reasonable Suspicion Testing” form is shared with the testing laboratory.
After the specimen is collected, the campus police officer brings the “Reasonable Suspicion Testing” form and the student back to campus. The student can attend class, sit in class for theoretical content, but cannot participate in laboratory or clinical activities pending the outcome of the drug or alcohol test results.

11.3.6 Handling of Test Results

The Associate Dean of Student Services will maintain all student test results under lock and key. All test results will be destroyed when the student graduates.

11.4 Student Background Check Policy

11.4.1 Applicability

This “Health Education, Nursing, and Emergency Medical Science Technology (EMST) Programs Student Background Check Policy” applies to all students enrolled in Health Education, Nursing, EMST educational programs at Meridian Community College (MCC) that include, or may include at a future date, assignment to a clinical health care facility. Presently, MCC programs that require a criminal background check include:*

Associate Degree Nursing
Cosmetology
Dental Assisting
Dental Hygiene
Emergency Medical Science - Paramedic
Emergency Medical Technology
Health Care Assistant
Health Information Technology
I.V. Therapy
Medical Assisting Technology
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Management
Phlebotomy
Practical Nursing
Physical Therapist Assistant
Respiratory Care Practitioner
Radiologic Technology
Surgical Technology

*Early Childhood Education Technology also requires a criminal background check not applicable to this policy since it does not include a clinical practicum.

11.4.2 Policy

All Health Education, Nursing, Cosmetology, I. V. Therapy, Phlebotomy and EMST students must submit to and satisfactorily complete a criminal background check. Admission may be rescinded and reversed based on review of the student’s criminal background check.

A student who refuses to submit to a criminal background check or does not pass the criminal background check review will be dismissed from the program. A student who is dismissed from a Health Education, Nursing, or EMST program may seek admission into another educational program that does not have a clinical component requirement in its curriculum.

11.4.3 Rationale

Health care providers are entrusted with the health, safety and welfare of patients, have access to controlled substances and confidential information, and operate in settings that require good judgment and ethical behavior. Thus, an assessment of a student’s suitability to function in such a setting is imperative to promote the highest level of integrity in health care services.
Clinical facilities are increasingly required by accreditation agencies, such as “The Joint Commission,” or “DNV Healthcare, Inc.” to conduct background checks for security purposes on individuals who provide services within the facility and especially those who supervise care and render treatment. To facilitate this requirement, MCC will conduct criminal background checks for students [and faculty].
Clinical rotations are an essential element in certain curriculum programs. Students who cannot participate in clinical rotations due to criminal or other “disqualifying events as defined in state law” revealed in a background check are unable to fulfill program requirements. Additionally, most healthcare licensing agencies require individuals to pass a criminal background check as a condition of licensure or employment. Therefore, it is in everyone’s interest to resolve these issues prior to a commitment of resources by the student or MCC.
MCC is obligated to meet contractual requirements contained in affiliation agreements between the college and various healthcare facilities.
MCC is obligated to meet Mississippi State Law as stated in §43-11-13, Mississippi Code Annotated:
“If the fingerprinting or criminal history record checks disclose a felony conviction, guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere to a felony of possession or sale of drugs, murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, rape, sexual battery, sex offense listed in Section 45-33-23(g), child abuse, arson, grand larceny, burglary, gratification of lust or aggravated assault, or felonious abuses and/or battery of a vulnerable adult that has not been reversed on appeal or for which a pardon has not been granted, the student shall not be eligible to be admitted to the health care professional/vocational technical academic program of study.”

11.4.4 Background Check Report

11.4.4.1 Obtaining a Background Check Report

MCC will conduct criminal background checks through the Mississippi Department of Health (MDH). Program students will first complete a “fingerprint information form” with other descriptive information (i.e., name, social security number, hair color, etc.). This information along with student’s fingerprints rolled on the “i3M FingerPro Live Scanner” are submitted electronically to the Mississippi Department of Health. MDH will report back to MCC’s Office of Workforce Solutions, “No disqualifying events” or “The student may have a disqualifying event.” If a student’s letter states that a “disqualifying event” is apparent, the student must submit a “rap sheet” report to the Vice President for Workforce Solutions with full explanation of the conviction(s) or disposition of charge(s). Nursing and Health Education students who complete the criminal background check with no disqualifying event(s) or no exclusion(s) identified by MDH will receive a two-year, notarized letter from the Vice President for Workforce Solutions.

Background check results from an agency other than the Mississippi Department of Health will not be accepted. All students will be required to have a criminal background check, including students currently employed in local and regional clinical affiliates. Students are responsible for payment of all fees charged for the background check service.

11.4.4.2 Scope of Criminal Background Check

A comprehensive criminal history search will be conducted of all state and federal databases. Noted will be all convictions, deferred adjudications or judgments, expunged criminal records, and pending criminal charges. The student will be responsible to provide any necessary documentation showing disposition of charges.

11.4.4.3 Student Right of Review

Students have the right to review information reported by the Mississippi Department of Health for accuracy and completeness. Prior to making a final determination that will adversely affect the student, the student will have the opportunity to provide any supporting documentation in disposition of the conviction(s) and/or charge(s).

11.4.5 Procedure

If the criminal background check [the rap sheet] reveals a “Disqualifying Event” as outlined in State Code § 43-11-13, Mississippi Code Annotated, the student will be dismissed from the health education or nursing program of study. Also, local clinical affiliates have identified other exclusions (e.g., shoplifting, forgery, etc.) in addition to named “Disqualifying Events.” Any “exclusion(s)” or any questionable rap sheet reports other than those identified in state code will be reviewed by the “Review Standards Committee.” The Review Standards Committee is composed of the Vice President for Workforce Solutions, Associate Vice President of Nursing and Healthcare Education, Dean of Workforce Education, Division Chair for Health Education programs, and Administrative Assistant for Workforce Solutions.

The criminal background check “Rap Sheet” report will be submitted to the Review Standards Committee. If the report does not contain any negative findings as determined by the committee, the student will be allowed to participate in clinical rotations. If the report contains negative findings, the Review Standards Committee will request that the student submit additional information relating to the negative finding(s), such as a written explanation, court documents and police reports. The Review Standards Committee will review all information available to it and determine whether the student should be permitted to participate in clinical rotations or be dismissed from the program.
When appropriate and necessary, the student in question may be asked to meet with the Review Standards Committee.
If the Review Standards Committee determines that a student will not be allowed to participate in the clinical setting, the decision is final and is the final level of appeal.
In reviewing the background check report and any information submitted, the Review Standards Committee will consider the following factors in making its determinations: the nature and seriousness of the offense or event, the circumstances surrounding the offense or event, the relationship between the duties to be performed as part of the educational program and the offense committed, the age of the person when the offense or event occurred, whether the offense or event was an isolated or repeated incident, the length of time that has passed since the offense or event, past employment and history of academic or disciplinary misconduct, whether the offense may cause a disruption of the academic process and learning environment, evidence of successful rehabilitation, and the accuracy of the information provided by the applicant or student in the application materials, disclosure forms or other materials. The committee will keep in mind both the safety interests of the patient and the workplace, as well as the educational interest of the student. In reviewing background checks and supplementary information, advice may be obtained from MCC’s college counsel or law enforcement agencies. Pending charges may result in program dismissal or denied entry. Students dismissed with pending charges or denied entry will be eligible to be considered for readmission/admission when able to provide disposition of charges

11.4.6 Confidentiality and Recordkeeping

Background check reports and other submitted information are confidential and may only be reviewed by college officials and affiliated clinical facilities in accordance with the Family Educational Records and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Students. Background check reports and other submitted information of students will be maintained by compliance personnel in the Office of Workforce Solutions.

11.4.7 Other Provisions

Compliance personnel in the Office of Workforce Solutions will inform the students who have negative findings in their background check report. The Review Standards Committee will consider and evaluate all criminal history findings using Mississippi State Law Code, § 43-11-13, Mississippi Code Annotated, as a guide. However, there are other “local exclusions” that may negate a student from participating at local/regional clinical affiliates. Noteworthy is, even though the student may be allowed to progress in the chosen Health Education or Nursing program, local licensure agencies and state boards may not permit or accept an individual for registration, permit or licensure. Employability is not guaranteed in the chosen health education or nursing program.
A background check will be honored for two years of enrollment if the student is continuously enrolled. A student who has a break in enrollment or begins a new program is required to complete a new background check. A break in enrollment is defined as non-enrollment of at least one semester in the approved curriculum of the certificate or degree program.
Dual Enrollment (Practical Nursing) Background Check. High school students who participate in dual enrollment Practical Nursing (PN) program will submit to a criminal background check if of age 18 or older. Students less than 18 years of age will sign an official notarized affidavit. On the 18th birthday, these students must submit to a criminal background check.
Falsification of information, including omission of relevant information, will result in dismissal from the Health Education, Nursing, Cosmetology, I. V. Therapy, Phlebotomy and EMST program. Falsification of information, including omission of relevant information, raises questions about the student’s truthfulness and character (MCC College Catalog, Student Behavior Code).
Expunged or sealed offenses, arrests, tickets, or citations is the student’s responsibility to ensure the offense, arrest, ticket or citation has, in fact, been expunged or sealed. The student will be required to submit a copy of the Court Order expunging or sealing the record in question to the Office of Workforce Solutions. Failure to reveal an offense, arrest, ticket or citation raises questions related to the student’s truthfulness and character (MCC College Catalog, Student Behavior Code).
Criminal activity that occurs while a student is in attendance at MCC will result in disciplinary action, including program dismissal, and will be addressed through the college’s academic or disciplinary policies.
Any currently enrolled student convicted of a felony or a “drug related” infraction, or misdemeanor must report the offense to MCC’s Vice President for Workforce Solutions within 30 days of conviction. Conviction includes plea agreements, guilty pleas, etc.

(Revised 09/15/2020)

11.5 Clinical Disqualification and Non Progression Policy

Meridian Community College (MCC) and clinical affiliates are mutual partners and associates in education of MCC’s students. Therefore Nursing, Health Education, Cosmetology, I. V. Therapy, Phlebotomy and Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic (EMS-Paramedic) program students must adhere to college rules and regulations as well as clinical rules, regulations, and expectations. MCC’s health programs operate in a true symbiotic relationship with clinical affiliates providing a platform of learning and healthcare experiences for students.

Clinical practicums and experiences are fundamental courses that must be completed in Nursing, Health Education, and EMS-Paramedic programs of study. These clinical classes, and their satisfactory completion, are of utmost importance to graduate a competent healthcare provider or practitioner.

11.5.1 Disqualification

If an applicant to Nursing, Health Education, or EMS-Paramedic programs is prohibited from participating in clinical experiences by a clinical affiliate of Meridian Community College (e.g., a disqualifying event as defined in a Criminal Background Check or other identified exclusions, etc.,), then the applicant will be ineligible for admission. If a student currently enrolled in Nursing, Health Education, I. V. Therapy, Phlebotomy or EMS-Paramedic programs is prohibited from participating in clinical experiences by any clinical affiliate of Meridian Community College (e.g., positive drug screen, egregious behavior, violation of patient safety, non-compliance with the college’s “Student Behavior Code”, etc.,), then the student will be dismissed from the program of study.* The student is not eligible for program readmission unless the clinical restriction is removed. It is the student’s responsibility to self-disclose clinical prohibition prior to admission or immediately upon occurrence. In addition, the student is responsible to have the clinical site communicate with the program division chair/coordinator when the clinical prohibition is removed.

11.5.2 Non Progression

Students enrolled in Nursing, Health Education, Cosmetology, I. V. Therapy, Phlebotomy and EMS-Paramedic programs must complete the course of study, or program courses/modules, in an orderly sequence at a minimal competency level established by the program director/instructor based on program accreditation standards and good practice. Patient safety is always of paramount importance and is of the utmost concern. If a student does not satisfactorily complete the “defined sequence of progression through assigned tasks, program courses, or modules” then the student will not be able to progress and to interact and to care for clinical patients. Therefore, the student will not be able to earn a passing grade in this particular course of study and will be dismissed from the program of study.* The student may re-apply for program re-admission [re-admission is competitively based and not guaranteed.]

*Cosmetology students will not be dismissed from the program of study but will not be allowed clinical community service activities.

(Revised 2020)

11.6 Expected Code of Conduct Regarding Incivility and Bullying

Meridian Community College Associate Degree Nursing Program Does Not Tolerate Incivility or Bullying.

11.6.1 Definitions

Incivility is defined as rude/disruptive behaviors that result in psychological/physiologic distress. Incivility can progress to threatening situations and injury/illness.

Disruptive behaviors in class/clinical that would be classified as uncivil include but is not limited to:

Rude comments, engaging in side conversations, dominating class
Cell phone, texting, inappropriate computer use in class
Late to class and leaving early
Sleeping in class
Nonverbal innuendo (Eye rolling, raising of eyebrows, face-making)
Demeaning / sarcastic remarks
Abrupt or loud responses
Excluding or isolating others
Refusal to follow directions or being uncooperative
Bickering with peers
Backstabbing (complaining to others about an individual and not speaking directly to that individual).
Failure to respect privacy.

Bullying is defined as a consistent pattern of inappropriate abusive/aggressive behavior toward another individual that is designed to:

Intimidate, Diminish, Devalue, and Disrespect another.

Behaviors that would be classified as bullying include but are not limited to:

Persistent/unreasonable criticism
Rumor spreading/gossip/personal slander
Threatening/hostile verbal attacks
Intentionally withholding helpful information
Setting another person up to fail.

(Approved 06/26/2017)

11.6.2 Expected Student Behaviors

Expected Student Behaviors include, but are not limited to:

Be prepared, respectful, and engaged in your learning.
Do not speak in a negative, derogatory manner openly about other STUDENTS, FACULTY or the nursing PROGRAM.
Abiding consistently by the standards of student conduct outlined in the Student Handbook.
Be cooperative in class and clinical.
Work cooperatively despite possible feelings of dislike for someone.

Failure to abide by this policy may result in a student being reprimanded, up to dismissal from the program.

11.7 Flu Infection Control Policy

Because of the nature of patient care experiences, an increasing number of clinical affiliates now require the influenza vaccine or wearing a face mask during flu season. Therefore, Meridian Community College (MCC) students and faculty who are engaged in any level of clinical participation must conform to the requirements of MCC’s clinical affiliates.

Currently, not all clinical agencies require flu vaccine or face mask wearing. It is the responsibility of individual faculty and students to ensure prior to entering the specific clinical setting that they are aware of the policy for that particular agency and that they fully adhere to that policy. Also, be aware that some clinical agencies will only accept vaccine declinations based on documented medical or religious reasons. See Program Coordinator for more specific information.

Obtaining the flu vaccine will be at the student/faculty’s own expense.

If the student/faculty chooses to decline and are in clinical agencies that allow declinations, the student/faculty must agree to wear a mask at all times while in any capacity as an MCC student/faculty except when actively eating or drinking within the time frame established by the agency (typically October 1 to March 31). The expectation is that the mask will be placed on upon entry into the clinical facility and will not be removed until the student/faculty exits the facility. Be aware that clinical agencies require the names of all students/faculty opting to wear a mask and clinical administrators have communicated they will observe these persons to ensure compliance with wearing a face mask.

Summarily, to satisfy this option, the student or faculty member must agree:

to wear a mask at all times while in any clinical agency that allows declinations except when actively eating or drinking; and
that dismissal from the program of study (or employment) may occur if I fail to comply with these expectations.

11.8 Compliance Requirements for Programs Utilizing Healthcare Agencies

Students and faculty utilizing healthcare agencies for clinical experience must meet all clinical requirements with compliance, including vaccinations. MCC cannot guarantee clinical placement for students who fail to comply with clinical agency requirements.