Informal Complaints/Informal Grievances
BHSN defines a "complaint" as a verbal expression of dissatisfaction. Open and appropriate channels of communication among students, faculty and administration are encouraged.
If a situation occurs that results in disagreement or difficulty between a student and a faculty/staff member, a thorough exploration of all possibilities for resolution or compromise should occur. To ensure proper channels of communication, BHSN recommends that the student follow these steps:
- The student first discusses the issue with the involved person rather than uninvolved faculty members or administration.
- If resolution is unsuccessful, the student is encouraged to meet with the appropriate Program Coordinator or Associate Director.
- If the student still feels the need to discuss the situation further, the next step is to meet with the Director of BHSN for final resolution.
For questions or concerns directly related to a course, the nursing student is expected to discuss the issue with the course leader. The nursing student will meet with the level Associate Director if the course leader determines it necessary or the student does not feel the issue was resolved. Sterile processing students meet with the Program Coordinator for questions, concerns, or resolution of issues and if unsolved, then the Associate Director.
For any questions or concerns directly related to Program dissatisfaction, all students should directly meet with the appropriate Program Coordinator or Associate Director. When the student still feels the need to discuss the situation further, the next step is to meet with the Director of BHSN for final resolution.
Formal Grievance
BHSN defines a "grievance" as a written (letter, survey, fax, or email) dissatisfaction. It is the policy of BHSN to identify and address causes of student dissatisfaction and to ensure that all students receive fair and equitable treatment. In accordance with this policy, BHSN adopted grievance procedures which students may use to seek a solution to problems involving academic, clinical, discipline, dismissal or any other situation that the student feels to be an unfair application of BHSN policies and procedures.
Grievance Procedure
When issues involving academic, clinical, discipline, dismissal or any other situation that cannot be resolve through the established channels of communication, the student may use the formal grievance procedure. The student initiates the grievance process as follows:
- The student should meet formally with the appropriate Associate Director to seek resolution; a written grievance is recommended.*
- If a student is dismissed and continues the grievance process, the student must submit a written request to meet with the Director of BHSN within 48 hours following dismissal. The student may be allowed to return to class and clinical only with permission from the Director. The student may bring a support person to the meeting. This person, however, is not allowed to participate in the discussion. After considering background material and facts, the Director's decision is presented to the student in writing within 5 business days.
- A student's appeal of the Director's decision must be submitted in a formal letter to the Sr. Vice President (VP) for Patient Care Operations within 48 hours of the decision or the student loses the right to appeal. The Sr. VP for Patient Care Operations then makes the decision in writing. This decision shall be final.
* When the Associate Director is not available, the initial resolution process will start with the appropriate committee, e.g. for curriculum issues, the Curriculum Committee; for admission issues, the Admissions Committee.
Official Complaints/Inquiries Regarding Program Operation
BHSN does not prohibit any student from filing an inquiry or complaint regarding the Program's operation. Students should meet with the appropriate Program Coordinator or Associate Director for questions, concerns or resolution of issues.
After following appropriate channels of communication and/or the school's grievance policy, sterile processing students would direct inquiries with the Executive Director of the Office of Higher Education 39 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT 06105. (860) 947-1816. www.ctohe.org
Nursing students would direct inquiries regarding program dissatisfaction (program quality and non-compliance with accreditation standards) to the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (formerly NLNAC), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia 30326. (404) 975-5000. www.acenursing.org (at website refer to Accreditation Manual/Policies/#20, Complaints Against an Accredited Program)