Washington State University College of Nursing RN-BSN students have entered a profession in which commitment to full participation in the learning environment is essential. Attendance and active participation in lab and practicum courses are critical components of the RN-BSN curriculum. These experiential learning activities support the development of professional competencies aligned with the AACN (2021) Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education and are required for successful course and program completion.
Course-supported learning experiences may include, but are not limited to, laboratory activities, practicum experiences, faculty meetings, simulations, presentations, and other activities designed to assist students in meeting course objectives and demonstrating competency attainment.
Absences or failure to participate in required learning activities may limit a student’s ability to achieve course outcomes, demonstrate competency, and successfully complete course requirements.
Mandatory Participation and Required Faculty Meetings
Students are expected to attend and actively participate in all required lab and practicum experiences. These experiences are integral to achieving course outcomes and demonstrating competency across the AACN Essentials domains.
Practicum courses NURS 465 and NURS 495 each require a minimum of two (2) faculty meetings. These meetings are mandatory and must be completed to satisfy practicum course requirements. Completion of all required practicum hours, including faculty meeting participation, is necessary to demonstrate achievement of course and program-level competencies.
Required faculty meetings must be completed within the course timeline to meet practicum requirements. Failure to complete required meetings may result in unmet practicum hour requirements and failure to demonstrate required competencies.
Students are accountable for:
- Scheduling and attending all required faculty meetings.
- Tracking and accurately documenting practicum hours, including faculty meeting time.
- Engaging in reflective dialogue and professional development activities.
- Demonstrating progression in competency-based outcomes aligned with the AACN Essentials.
- Communicating with course faculty regarding circumstances that may impact participation in required practicum activities or faculty meetings.
Absences from Required Practicum Activities
If illness, emergency, or other significant circumstances prevent participation in a required practicum activity or faculty meeting, students are responsible for notifying the course faculty as soon as reasonably possible.
Faculty will review absences on a case-by-case basis to determine whether course outcomes and competency expectations can still be achieved within the course timeline. Any alternative learning activities, when permitted, will be determined by faculty and are not guaranteed.
Special circumstances will be reviewed by the RN-BSN Program Director and the Director of the Center for Student Excellence on a case-by-case basis. Decisions regarding accommodations or alternative requirements will be communicated to the student.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Students who fail to meet attendance and participation requirements, including completion of required faculty meetings, may incur:
- Incomplete practicum hours.
- Inability to meet course learning outcomes.
- Inability to demonstrate AACN competency expectations.
- An incomplete grade, when appropriate.
- Course failure.
- Delayed progression in the RN-BSN program.
Failure to meet these requirements jeopardizes successful course and program completion.
Professional Accountability
As licensed registered nurses, RN-BSN students are expected to demonstrate professional responsibility, accountability, timely communication, and engagement in all course-supported learning experiences. Professional accountability includes attending required meetings, completing practicum requirements within established timelines, and communicating proactively with faculty regarding barriers to participation.
| Policy Title | RN-BSN Attendance Policy |
| Policy Inception Date | 08/2026 |
| Policy Applicable Party | College of Nursing RN-BSN Students |
| Date of Last Change | 08/2026 |
| Responsible Party, Level I (to create and review) | Center for Student Excellence |
| Responsible Party, Level II (to approve) | CON Faculty |
| Responsible Party, Level III (to implement) | Center for Student Excellence |