Revised Attendance Policy

Revised Attendance Policy

by Kenneth Molczan -
Number of replies: 0

The revised Attendance Policy will be implemented as follows: Students in Classes 172 and 173 will follow the revised policy effective immediately. Students in Classes 167, 169, 170 and 171 will continue to follow the current attendance policy for the remainder of their present level and will transition to the updated policy at the start of their next nursing level.

This revision is intended to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, protect student eligibility for licensure, and support successful completion of the nursing program. The updated policy will help align us with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requirement that nursing programs provide a minimum of 1,500 program hours. Implementing the revised policy ensures that students remain in compliance with state regulations while maintaining the integrity of the program’s required clinical and classroom instructional hours.

Ken


Attendance Policy

Students are required to attend all scheduled classes and clinical experiences. As EASTERN’s program is accredited as a face-to-face program, consistent and punctual attendance is mandatory. Students must remain for the full duration of both classroom instruction and clinical sessions. Regular attendance demonstrates motivation, engagement, and personal responsibility—qualities essential for success in the nursing profession.

Because the program moves at an accelerated pace, new material is introduced daily and quickly applied in clinical practice and on examinations. Missing class may result in an academic disadvantage.

Students must complete the 1,500 minimum hours required by the State Board of Nursing under PA Code 21.158 and maintain eligibility for Title IV financial aid.

 

All missed time must be made up to complete the required program hours.

Please notify the Program Coordinator by email within two (2) weeks of any documented exceptional circumstance, including the following:

  • Contagious medical condition (physician’s note required)
  • Positive COVID-19 test result (quarantine may be required)
  • Student hospitalization (documentation required)
  • Death of a family member
  • Jury duty (report to the program office with your summons immediately upon receipt)
  • Court summons or subpoena
  • Activation for armed forces duty
  • U.S. citizenship naturalization ceremony
  • Observance of religious holidays

 

All approved exceptions require make-up time.

Note: Excused absences are limited; students are encouraged to use them responsibly.

Faculty will review extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis. All attendance matters are handled confidentially.

 

Theory Attendance Expectations

If a student is unable to attend classroom (theory) instruction:

  • The student must email the instructor directly to report the absence.
  • Do not call the clinical call-out line for classroom absences.
  • Class start time:

o   Daytime classes: 8:00AM

o   Evening classes: 5:30PM

  • Students are responsible for printing the lecture PowerPoint slides from Canvas prior to the scheduled class session and completing all objectives.

 

Students will be permitted theory absences as follows:

 

 

Level 1 A/B

4 Days (30 hours)

Level 2

3 Days (22.5 hours)

Level 3

1 Day (7.5 hours)

 

 

If the student accrues above the allowable number of days, they will be dismissed from the program.

 

 

Classroom Conduct and Testing Policy

  • Punctuality is mandatory. Instructors have the right to lock the classroom door once class begins. Students who arrive late must wait until the next scheduled break to enter.
  • If a student arrives late on a test day, they will be required to take the exam at a rescheduled time determined by the instructor. The "75/85 Rule" will apply (refer to the Examination Make-Up Policy for details).
  • If a student is going to be absent or late, they must call the appropriate instructor and leave a voicemail. Refer to the course calendar for the correct phone number.

 

Exam Review and Counseling

  • Once all students have completed a scheduled exam, a group exam review will be conducted in class.
  • Students who are absent during the group review are not eligible for individual exam counseling.
  • Students who miss an exam must refer to the Examination Make-Up Policy for further guidance.

Clinical Attendance Expectations

 

Clinical start time: 6:45AM (may vary based on clinical unit). Always follow the specific start/end times provided by your instructor for each course, clinical rotation, or unit.

 

Attendance and Tardiness

  • If you are absent or late, you must call 215-481-3228 by 6:00AM and leave a message.
  • Arriving after 6:45AM without notifying the instructor means you cannot attend clinical that day, will be sent home, receive 2 clinical points, and the day will be counted as a clinical absence.
  • Arriving after 6:45AM but notifying the instructor, and reaching the unit by 7:29AM, will result in 1 clinical point.
  • If you cannot be on the unit by 7:29AM, you will not be allowed to attend clinical, it will count as an absence day, and no points will be given.
  • No call, no show will result in 4 clinical points.
  • Tardiness can lead to points on the Clinical Point System.
  • Students must remain on the premises of the clinical facility during breaks and lunch until officially dismissed by the instructor.
  • Skills Labs are a crucial part of the curriculum and count as clinical time.

o   All Skills Labs must be attended; missing a Skills Lab will be counted as a clinical absence day.

  • Carpooling requests may be considered but are not guaranteed.
  • Students are responsible for their own learning:

o   Maintain your Clinical Skills Checklist

o   Communicate your educational needs and seek new learning opportunities by informing your instructor.

 

 

Students will be permitted clinical absences as follows:

 

Level

# of Absent Days

 

 

1 (A&B)

1 with require make-up at no cost

1 with require make-up at a cost of $100/day

3rd absent day results in Level failure

2

2 with required make up at no cost

2 with require make-up at a cost of $100/day

5th absent day results in Level failure

3

0 available at no cost

1 with require make-up at a cost of $100

2nd absent day results in Level failure

 

 

Additional Absence Guidelines

  • Leaving clinical early (prior to official dismissal) will be counted as ½ day absent.
  • If an absence prevents the student from attending a course Student Learning Outcome (SLO), a make-up day will be required. This may delay the student’s graduation date.
  • The student may be counseled by the instructor and/or asked to meet with faculty to address attendance concerns.
  • The Course Coordinator may issue a written notice to the student detailing the infraction and outlining possible consequences.
  • Excessive or unexcused absences may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:

o   Probation

o   Repetition of the level

o   Dismissal from the program

  • A doctor’s note is required for any absence lasting more than three (3) consecutive days.
  • In cases of extenuating circumstances, 2–3 consecutive days of absence may be counted as a single absence occurrence, at the discretion of faculty in conjunction with the Program Coordinator.

 

Religious Observance and Attendance

The Nursing Program respects and values the diverse religious practices of our students. We recognize that some religious holidays (such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and other faith-based observances) are not included in the academic calendar.  Students are supported in observing their faith traditions. At the same time, nursing education requires completion of all required clinical and theory hours to meet Board of Nursing and accreditation standards. The following guidelines are intended to balance both commitments.

 

 

Clinical Attendance

Clinical learning is an essential component of the Nursing Program. All required clinical hours must be completed to successfully pass the course.

  • When a clinical day is missed for approved religious observance, the make-up fee will be waived.

All clinical absences — including illness, emergency, or religious observance — count toward a maximum of four (4) days.

 

Students are responsible for completing all missed clinical hours using designated make-up days. If a student reaches the absence limit or exhausts available make-up days, the situation will be reviewed by the Nursing Program Coordinator and faculty to determine next steps. Decisions must align wi