CON Emotional Health Guidelines

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UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER COLLEGE OF NURSING
Emotional Health Guidelines	Subsection: Appendix I
Section - Information	Originating Date: February, 2008
Responsible Reviewing Agency: Executive Council	Reviewed: November, 2012
J:/RESOURCE MANUAL/Table of Contents College of Nursing Resource Manual

GUIDELINES:

 

I.		VOLUNTARY STUDENT COUNSELING SERVICES. Students with psychological, emotional, or behavioral problem(s) are encouraged to seek voluntary assistance through Student Counseling Services or other appropriate counseling services.
II.		MANDATORY STUDENT COUNSELING SERVICES.
		A.   Students may be identified for MANDATORY referral to Student Counseling Services. A mandatory referral will be initiated only after the involved faculty member, respective Program Directors (BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD) and the designated Dean have (1) discussed the observed behaviors with the student; (2) provided the student with the opportunity to respond; and (3) made a determination that a mandatory referral is required. Students exhibiting the following behaviors will be considered for MANDATORY referral: A pattern of poor clinical or academic performance, which suggests the student is experiencing psychological, emotional, or behavioral problem(s) which may interfere with the student's ability to complete the course of study. Disciplinary problems, which suggest the student is experiencing psychological, emotional, or behavioral problem(s) which interfere with the student's ability to complete the course of study. Behaviors which disrupt the educational process for the student or others. Behaviors which endanger the well-being of the student or others.
		B.   Faculty awareness of student behaviors outlined in paragraph A above shall be reported as soon as possible to the designated Program Director, Department Chair/Division Assistant Dean, and Associate Dean for Academic Programs. Questions about the appropriate course of action should be directed to Student Counseling.
		C.   When faculty members become aware of behaviors that impair academic or clinical performance (listed in paragraph A), they should document the performance or behaviors in anecdotal notes or the student's clinical evaluation record. These anecdotal notes may either be stored safely and disposed of when no longer needed to evaluate the student, or given to the designated Dean when a mandatory referral is made. Information should be shared with other faculty members only if it is necessary either to assist the student to succeed in the course or to protect the safety of the student and others.
		D.   When a student is posing an immediate danger to self or others, the faculty member/administrator may follow the guidelines outlined below: REMOVE the student from the academic or clinical setting as quietly a possible. INFORM the student of the behaviors observed and that he/she will not be allowed to remain on the premises due to these behaviors. REFER the student to Student Health (or the appropriate Emergency Department) for appropriate evaluation and testing and inform the physician on duty of the behaviors exhibited by the student. DOCUMENT the incident and actions taken. REFUSAL TO COMPLY. If the student who poses an immediate threat to self or others refuses to comply with the college official's requests, appropriate action should be taken to protect the student and others from harm. Security officers or local police may be called if needed.
		E.   The designated Dean and involved faculty member may initiate contract agreements to facilitate the student's referral to counseling services for mental health assessment, treatment, and aftercare. Written contracts should state reasons for referral and any additional conditions students must satisfy. Failure to comply with contract requirements may result in academic dismissal.
		F.   The College records, including any releases and contracts, related to the mandatory referral shall be kept in a separate confidential file in a safe location in the Dean's office with only authorized persons having access to the records. The records will be kept while the student is in his/her academic program. Only official reports of academic or disciplinary proceedings, if any, will be kept in the student's permanent academic record. Specific releases and records of the student's mental health assessment, treatment, and contracts will be maintained by the Student Counseling office.
		G.   The student's progress will be monitored by Student Counseling or other appropriate counseling services and communicated to the designated Program Director and/or Dean to assess fitness to continue in the academic program.
		H.   The student may be asked to provide written evidence that they have initiated treatment, appropriate follow through and readiness for return or continuance in the academic program.
		I.   Re-entry into the classroom/clinical setting following a student's absence for treatment, or continuation of an academic program during treatment, will be determined by the involved Program Director and Dean. A re-entry letter from the student's therapist or primary care provider indicating the student is ready to safely resume classroom and clinical activities will be required.
		J.   Relapse episodes will be treated similarly to initial impairment. When it becomes evident that the student is in relapse or reason exists to believe he/she is not complying with treatment protocols, he/she will be subject to further evaluation, treatment, and aftercare agreements. Behaviors which interfere with the student's ability to participate in the academic program may result in dismissal.
		K.   Responsibility for any costs of evaluation, treatment, or aftercare shall be borne by the student.
		L.   All Student Counseling records are kept confidential as required by law. Student Counseling records will not become part of a student's permanent academic record. Information from these records may be released only if the individual authorizes such release by signing a "Permission to Exchange Information" form, or as required by law. With a signed release, Student Counseling will provide progress reports to college administrators that are limited to the individual's compliance, an expert opinion regarding their progress in rehabilitation, and recommendations for continuing in school.

 

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Student Assessment Agreement

Student Treatment Agreement