School of Nursing Handbook

Welcome to the Ponce Health Science University (PHSU) School of Nursing (SON) Student Handbook!

This handbook is your comprehensive guide to the policies, procedures, and resources available throughout your academic journey. We are committed to providing a supportive and challenging learning environment that prepares you to become a skilled, compassionate, and ethical registered nurse.

At PHSU SON, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of nursing education, as reflected in our unwavering commitment to the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation standards, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice, the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, and the National League for Nursing (NLN) principles of excellence in nursing education.

Our program fosters professional growth, promotes critical thinking, and cultivates your ability to provide safe, effective, and culturally sensitive care to diverse patient populations. We are proud to offer a learning environment that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing each student’s vital role in enriching our community. We encourage you to explore this handbook thoroughly and contact our faculty and staff if you have any questions. We look forward to partnering with you on your path to becoming a successful and impactful nurse.

Dean’s Message:

On behalf of the faculty and staff of the Ponce Health Science University (PHSU) School of Nursing (SON), I extend a warm welcome to each of you. As Dean and Chief Nurse Administrator, I welcome you to our vibrant and challenging academic community.

Your decision to pursue a nursing education at PHSU marks the beginning of an exciting and transformative journey. Throughout your time here, you will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as a registered nurse and develop the critical thinking, leadership qualities, and compassionate approach to care that defines the PHSU SON graduate. Our rigorous curriculum, grounded in the CCNE, AACN, ANA, and NLN principles, is designed to prepare you to meet the complex and evolving demands of the modern healthcare landscape.

We are committed to fostering a learning environment that values holism, where students feel supported, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Our dedicated faculty are experts in their respective fields, and enthusiastic educators committed to your success. They are eager to collaborate with you, mentor your growth, and guide you through this enriching experience.

This handbook is your comprehensive guide to the policies, procedures, and resources available to support you throughout your academic journey. Please review it carefully, and do not hesitate to contact our faculty or staff if you have any questions or require assistance.

We are deeply honored to have you as part of the PHSU SON family, and we look forward to celebrating your accomplishments as you embark upon this extraordinary chapter in your life.

Sincerely,
Dr. Aziza Mahmud Pérez,
Dean and Chief Nurse Administrator
PHSU School of Nursing

Purpose

The purpose of the Ponce Health Science University (PHSU) School of Nursing Student Handbook is to provide a comprehensive and readily accessible resource for all nursing students. It serves as a guide to the policies, procedures, expectations, and resources that govern student life and academic progress within the School of Nursing. This handbook aims to:
• Clearly articulate program policies and expectations: This includes academic regulations, attendance policies, conduct standards, and clinical requirements, ensuring that all students have a clear understanding of their responsibilities.
• Provide essential information about academic and support services: The handbook outlines the various resources available to students, such as academic advising, tutoring, counseling services, and career development resources, facilitating student success.
• Outline the processes and procedures for various academic and administrative matters: This includes guidance on registration, financial aid, course selection, grade appeals, and other essential administrative tasks.
• Foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment: The handbook reflects the PHSU SON’s commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and respected.
• Ensure transparency and consistency: By centralizing valuable information, this handbook promotes fairness and equitable treatment for all students and ensures consistency in the application of policies and procedures.
• Promote student success: This handbook aims to empower students by providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive academically and professionally.