| School of Nursing General Policies
Equal Educational Opportunity
It is the policy of Washburn University to assure equal educational and
employment opportunity to qualified individuals without regard to race,
color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, gender, marital
or parental status, or sexual orientation.
HIPAA Requirements
Students will receive HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act) training prior to attending clinical. This training is mandatory
for all nursing students.
Completion of Prerequisite Courses
All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of
C or better before beginning the upper division clinical nursing courses.
Clinical Placement
Students are reminded that pre-enrollment does not guarantee clinical
placement in exact section. Changes in the schedule may need to be made
based on student numbers, clinical agency availability and faculty availability.
With increased class size, it is expected that students will travel to
clinical experiences outside Topeka.
Retention and Progression in the Major
Following admission to the nursing major, a student's
progress is evaluated by the Admission, Progression, and Retention (APR)
Committee upon completion of each nursing course for both scholastic and
clinical nursing performance. The School of Nursing follows the University
policy of requiring attainment of a minimum grade of C in all required
nursing courses.
Repeating Nursing Courses
A student who does not receive a minimum grade of C in nursing courses
may receive one of three courses of action determined by the APR Committee.
- The first time a student receives a final grade of D or F in a nursing
course, or withdraws from a course, or demonstrates a pattern of non-attendance
in a course, the student will receive a letter of Academic Warning from
the APR Committee Chairperson. The student may then be allowed to repeat
the course under the following conditions (all must apply):
- it is the first time a grade of D or F or a withdrawal was received
in a nursing course;
- approval is granted by the APR committee and notice is given
to the student;
- the instructor grants permission for the student to repeat the
course;
- space is available in the course.
- The second time a student receives a grade of D or F in a repeated
nursing course, other nursing course, withdraws from any nursing course
a second time, or continues to demonstrate a pattern of non-attendance,
he/she will receive a letter from the APR Chairperson stating that the
student has been placed on Academic Suspension. The student may not
repeat the course or enroll in any further nursing courses unless approved
by the APR Committee. If, in semesters with multiple clinical courses
(2 or 3), a D or F is received in the first (or second) clinical course
of the sequence, the student may not continue in subsequent clinical
courses for that semester. To be considered for continuation in the
major, the student must write a letter of petition requesting reinstatement.
The letter must be submitted to the committee chairperson by the first
day of the month of the next enrollment period. The letter must address
the following:
- the student’s explanation for the situation in which the
D or F grade or the withdrawal occurred
- rationale for continuing in the program
- plan of action for preventing a similar situation in the future
The request will be reviewed by the APR Committee and determination
made as to whether the student should: 1) be allowed to repeat the course;
2) counseled to withdraw from the program; or 3) be dismissed from the
program.
- The third time a student receives a grade of D or F in a nursing
course or withdraws from a nursing course a third time, or does not
attend class or clinical, he/she will receive a letter of Academic Dismissal
from the Dean. At that point, the student may not progress further in
the nursing major.
Withdrawal from the Nursing Major
A student who wishes to withdraw from the nursing major should present
to the Dean of the School of Nursing a written statement of intent to
withdraw. An official University withdrawal form must be signed by the
Dean or Nursing Advisor and filed with the Registrar’s Office. Re-application
to the School of Nursing will be necessary should the student desire to
re-enter the nursing program.
Readmission to the School
Following interruption of the nursing sequence and withdrawal from the
nursing major, a letter requesting readmission to the School of Nursing
must be submitted to the Dean at least one month in advance of the desired
admission date. Applicants must meet the current admission requirements
of the School of Nursing. Requests for readmission are reviewed by the
Admission, Retention and Progression Committee.
Consideration will be given to the length of absence, the student's ability
to achieve, and the available spaces in the clinical courses in which
the student will enroll. If readmission is granted, the remaining program
requirements will be re-projected according to the student's needs and
the current curriculum.
Appeal Procedure for Students Denied Admission/Readmission to
the Nursing Major
A student who has been denied admission or readmission to the Nursing
major and who wishes to appeal the decision of the Admission, Progression
and Retention (APR)Committee of the School, may seek recourse through
the following procedure:
- The student should state in writing to the Chairperson of the APR
Committee the student's reasons for disagreement with the decision of
the committee and should request reconsideration.
- If the result of the request for reconsideration by the APR Committee
proves unsatisfactory to the student, the student may then seek mediation
by the Dean of the School of Nursing.
- Should the student still feel dissatisfied with the results of these
actions, he/she may request a review of the School of Nursing Faculty
as a whole. The decision of that body is final.
Attendance
Regular attendance at all classes and clinical experiences is expected
as a part of professional responsibility and is required of all nursing
majors. Students are expected to notify the nursing course instructor
in advance when there is need to be absent from class or clinical laboratory.
Students are required to make up missed clinical laboratory time. Students
who have missed an excessive portion of a given course may be withdrawn
from the course or receive a failing grade.
Health Clearance Requirements
A health examination, together with prescribed laboratory tests and immunizations,
including Hepatitis B vaccine (or signed waiver), is a requirement for
entrance into the nursing major. The completion of this requirement is
each student’s responsibility. Under no circumstances will a student
engage in clinical study in nursing without a record of health clearance
filed in the School of Nursing. Health clearance is valid for one calendar
year. The student is responsible for renewing this annually, by August
5 or January 5 (corresponding to the initial admission date to the nursing
major), with his/her personal physician or through the University Health
Service. Forms for the Annual Health Examination are available in the
Nursing Office. Any expenses associated with health examinations or incurred
during the course of study in the nursing major are borne by the student.
All nursing students are required to carry personal health insurance
and to show verification of health insurance policy. A low cost group
health insurance program is available to all students on an annual basis.
All foreign students, unless they have evidence of other health insurance,
must participate in the University sponsored insurance program which is
available at each registration period. The cost of the health insurance
is the student’s responsibility.
CPR Certification
Current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR for the Professional
Rescuer) is required for all nursing students. Students are responsible
for completing the CPR requirement prior to entering the nursing major
and for keeping the certification current throughout the nursing program.
Student Liability Insurance
A group liability insurance policy is provided through Washburn University
at no cost to students admitted to the nursing major. The policy protects
nursing students only when they are engaged in clinical learning experiences
under Washburn nursing faculty supervision.
Background Checks
A criminal background check will be completed by students admitted to
the School of Nursing prior to onset of first semester. Students must
complete the process with the company designated by Washburn University
and are responsible for all costs related to completing the background
checks. Background clearance must be completed and available to the School
of Nursing by August 5 in the fall semester and January 5 in the spring
semester. Students who have not been cleared by this date will not be
permitted to begin the semester, regardless of the outcome of the background
check.
Nursing Students Employed by Clinical Agencies
Students working for clinical agencies must understand that when they
work for pay in a clinical agency, they do not represent the University,
and therefore must not wear anything that designates them as a Washburn
student (such as caps, uniforms, name tags, or arm patches). Students
are cautioned to perform only those duties outlined in the job descriptions
for which they are prepared and which are within the legal confines of
a non-professional position. Washburn University liability insurance does
not cover nursing students under employment conditions.
Policy Statement on Chemical Dependency
The School of Nursing, as a unit within Washburn University, prohibits
the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol
by students on university property or as part of any School of Nursing
activities on or off campus. The School of Nursing faculty will follow
federal, state and local laws as indicated in the Washburn University
Student Disciplinary Code and Drug Free Workplace policy. Violators will
be subject to disciplinary action by the University in accordance with
University policies and procedures.
The School of Nursing faculty will require students applying for admission
to the School of Nursing to disclose any current chemical dependency and
the nature of treatment being received. The faculty will communicate to
students the requirements of the Kansas State Board of Nursing for chemically
dependent students who apply for licensure.
The School of Nursing faculty define chemical dependency as an illness
in which alcohol and/or drug use interferes with the person's ability
to function safely and affects the person's physical, emotional and social
health. Chemical dependency is characterized by physical and psychologic
dependence on drugs/alcohol and if untreated causes health, social and
legal problems, and possibly death. The School of Nursing faculty believe
they have a professional and ethical responsibility to students and their
clients to provide a safe teaching and learning environment.
The School of Nursing faculty will confront students who show signs
of chemical dependency, or in whom there is suspicion of chemical dependency,
and direct them into further assessment and evaluation. Drug screening
is required of all students in certain clinical settings and may also
be required at any time if suspicion of alcohol and/or drug use exists.
When there is evidence of chemical dependency, students will be directed
into a treatment program. Continuation of chemically dependent students
in the School of Nursing depends on compliance with the treatment program
and with the terms of a contract initiated by the Dean of the School with
the student. The faculty will maintain a supportive attitude toward chemically
dependent students during their treatment program and in the follow-up
period. The faculty believe that students who comply with treatment and
remain drug free can become safe practicing nurses.
Student Academic Integrity Policy
Academic integrity is essential for maintaining a standard of professional
behavior expected of all students enrolled in the School of Nursing. Becoming
a member of the School of Nursing obligates implicit and explicit adherence
to academic integrity.
Academic integrity implies honesty in all aspects of the educational
process and is essential for promotion of an optimum learning environment,
and for the development of personal and professional responsibility and
accountability in nursing students. Students in the School of Nursing
are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner according
to the ANA Code for Nurses (see Student Handbook) and to adhere to all
School of Nursing and University policies in any endeavor associated with
School of Nursing activities, either on or off campus. Dishonesty, disruption
of learning experiences, or any other form of academic impropriety or
misconduct will not be tolerated. A partial list of proscribed behaviors
pertaining to academic misconduct in the School of Nursing is included
below. See also the University Student Disciplinary code (included in
the School of Nursing Student Handbook) and the Washburn University Academic
Impropriety Policy (available in the School of Nursing office).
A student shall be subject to disciplinary action or sanction upon violation
of any of the following conduct proscriptions:
- Disruption and disorderly conduct which interferes with the rights
and opportunities of other students to pursue their academic studies.
- Academic impropriety including, but not limited to:
- Cheating on tests.
- Copying from another student's test paper.
- Using materials during a test not authorized by the person giving
the test.
- Collaboration with any other person during a test without authorization
- Attempting to obtain, or knowingly obtaining, using, buying,
selling, transporting or soliciting in whole or in part the contents
of an unreleased test or information about an unreleased test.
- Bribing any other person to obtain an unreleased test or information
about an unreleased test.
- Substituting for another student or permitting any other person
to substitute for oneself to take a test.
- “Plagiarism,” which means the appropriation of any
other person’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of
that work in one’s own work offered for credit.
- Submitting the same work for more than one course, unless authorized
to do so by the instructors of all the courses in question.
- “Collusion,” which means the unauthorized collaboration
with any other person in preparing work offered for credit
- Filing a formal complaint with the Coordinator of Student Discipline
with the intention of falsely accusing another with having violated
a provision of this code.
- Furnishing false information to the Coordinator of Student Discipline
with the intent to deceive, the intimidation of witnesses, the destruction
of evidence with the intent to deny its presentation to the Coordinator
or the Disciplinary Appeal Board.
- Forgery, alteration, unauthorized destruction, unauthorized use,
or misuse of university documents, records, identification cards, identification
cards or computer services.
- Physically abusing, harassing, or intentionally inflicting severe
emotional distress upon a member of the University community on or off
campus; or physically abusing, harassing or intentionally inflicting
severe emotional distress upon a non-member of the university community
on campus or while engaged in university activities off campus.
- Intentional disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration,
disciplinary proceedings, or other university activities or programs
whether occurring on or off campus or of activities or programs authorized
or permitted by the university to be conducted on campus.
- Unauthorized entry upon the property of the university or in to a
university facility or any portion thereof, including a computer file,
which has been reserved, restricted in use, or placed off limits; unauthorized
presence in any university facility after closing hours; or unauthorized
possession or use of a key to any university facility.
- Violation on campus of any state or federal law or violation of any
state or federal law off campus while participating in any university
sponsored activity, including but not limited to sex offenses and/or
sexual assault as defined by the laws for the State of Kansas.
Financial Information
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are established by the University Board of Regents and
are subject to change at any time. Nursing students pay the same tuition
and fees as other undergraduate students in the University.
Other Expenses
Nursing students should anticipate additional costs for physical examinations,
laboratory tests, and immunizations; health insurance; CPR certification;
laboratory supplies, textbooks, course syllabi, uniforms, transportation
to clinical agencies, R.N. licensing fees, nursing pin, and graduation
fees. Nursing students are also expected to have a watch with a second
hand, a pocket scissors, stethoscope, and other laboratory equipment.
Laboratory packets are required to be purchased for each technology or
lab course.
Assessment Testing
Students admitted Fall 2003 and after will be required to take nationally
normed tests throughout the curriculum and to make a satisfactory score
on such tests. Students will complete two exams, one after the completion
of NU 387 and the second during the last semester of nursing coursework.
The assessment policy is as follows:
Custom Exam (C2)
1. The exam will be given at the beginning of the semester the student
takes NU 473. The student must achieve a score of 700 to document mastery
of the completed curriculum.
2. If the student does not achieve a score of 700 on their first attempt
he or she will be provided materials for self-remediation (Success Plan).
3. The student will have until the 8th week of the semester to prepare
and retake the exam.
4. If the student does not achieve a score of at least 700 they will have
a 5% reduction in their NU 473 grade.
Exit Exam (E2)
1. The exam will be administered during the 8th week of the student’s
last semester. The student must achieve a normative score of 800 to document
mastery of the completed curriculum.
2. If the student does not achieve a score of 800 on their first attempt,
he or she will be provided a handout for self-remediation. Additional
remediation materials will be available for purchase in the bookstore.
3. The student will retest two weeks before graduation at their own expense.
4. If the student still fails to achieve a score of 800 after the second
attempt, the following will occur:
a. The student will receive an incomplete for NU 490.
b. The student will be allowed to walk through graduation.
c. The student must provide the School of Nursing with a self-study plan
for continued remediation.
d. The student will follow the University’s time frame Guidelines
for completion of an incomplete course.
e. Completion of the course will require the achievement of a normative
score of 800 on the E2 exam.
Action taken at SON APC 05/09/03.
Scholarships, Grants, and Loans
Students who have been admitted to the School of Nursing and have above
average academic records and/or a demonstrated financial need may apply
for nursing scholarships/loans/grants through the University Financial
Aid Office and the School of Nursing. See the General Information section
of the Catalog. Application forms are available in the Financial Aid Office
and are submitted directly to the Financial Aid Office. Nursing endowed
scholarships are awarded by the Financial Aid Office upon recommendation
of the School of Nursing.
The recipients and the amount of the awards are determined following the
policies and guidelines of the Washburn University Financial Aid Committee
and the stipulations of the donors. Some scholarships and grants require
a demonstration of need as indicated by an approved needs analysis system
and a minimum grade point standard. All nursing scholarships require a
separate application process through the School of Nursing. Deadlines
for application for Fall & Spring Scholarships are February 15 and
October 15, respectively.
Organizations and Activities
Nursing Student Organization
S.N.O.W. (Student Nurses of Washburn) is an organization of nursing and
pre-nursing students at Washburn. It is a local chapter of the National
Student Nurses Association (NSNA) and the Kansas Association of Nursing
Students (KANS). The organization meets monthly.
Membership in SNOW provides opportunity for students to promote health
education on campus, to exercise their talents and leadership skills,
as well as to develop or improve their communication and health care skills.
Opportunities include organizing and participating in health fairs, blood
pressure screening clinics, seminars, conventions, newsletters, fund raising
projects, legislative work and membership recruitment.
Nursing Honor Society: Sigma Theta Tau International
The Washburn University Honor Society of Nursing was established
in 1980. The organization received its official charter as the Eta Kappa
Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing,
in the Spring of 1984. It was re-chartered as Eta Kappa Chapter at-Large
in April 1998. The purposes of Sigma Theta Tau are to:
- Recognize superior achievement.
- Recognize the development of leadership qualities.
- Foster high professional standards.
- Encourage creative work.
- Strengthen commitment of individuals to the ideals and purposes of
the profession of nursing.
Criteria for invitation to membership in Sigma Theta Tau include superior
scholastic achievement, evidence of professional leadership potential
and/or marked achievement in the field of nursing. Candidates shall be
elected from students who have completed at least one-half of the required
nursing component of the baccalaureate curriculum and have achieved a
cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a four-point scale, or its equivalent.
A qualifying grade point average in nursing courses and rank in the upper
35 percent of their class in scholarship is required. The number of students
from one class shall not exceed one-third of the total number expected
to graduate from that class.
Honors
The School of Nursing recognizes undergraduate students who achieve academic
excellence. The Honor designation is received at the time of graduation
with approval by Faculty Consensus Commendation. Two honors categories
are awarded: School of Nursing Honors and School of Nursing Scholar.
School of Nursing Honors
- Students must:
- Achieve a grade point average of 3.75 or above at the completion
of all nursing courses.
- Meet the following criteria for Faculty Consensus Commendation:
- Consistent adherence to the Code of Professional Conduct
for Nursing Students throughout the course of study in the School
of Nursing.
- Consistent adherence to the Academic Integrity Policy throughout
the course of study in the School of Nursing.
- Complete a non-credit independent nursing project. The project
is to be approved by the School of Nursing Honors Committee. The
completed project will be evaluated by the Honors Committee and
the Faculty for determination of Honors.
- Project guidelines
- At the completion of NU 385, students who have a GPA of 3.75
or above in all nursing courses will be notified by the Honors Committee
that they may be eligible for the School of Nursing Honors. Qualified
students will meet with Honors Committee members to discuss the
development of their projects. At that time, students may select
a faculty member as their Honors Project Advisor.
- Projects would be designed that will either (1) add to the knowledge
of nursing or (2) respond to an identified community need.
- Projects are to be the work of an individual student and are
independent of all other course work. They will be conducted in
consultation with the Honors Project Advisor.
- At the beginning of the next semester, students will submit the
following information about their Honors Project to the Honors Committee:
- Statement of the problem
- Purpose for the project or a research question
- A conceptual framework or rationale
- A review of the literature pertinent to the project
- Methods showing how the project will be conducted
- Students will submit the completed project to the Honors Committee
by the end of the tenth (10th) week of the final semester of the
major. The final paper will include in addition to the above:
- Results or outcomes of the project
- Evaluation, discussion, or conclusions
- The paper will follow the latest edition of APA format.
- Students will orally present their project to faculty and students
when it is completed.
- Recommendations of the Honors Committee will be forwarded to
the School of Nursing faculty for final review and action.
- Students will be notified of the Honors Committee’s decision
prior to graduation
School of Nursing Scholar
- Graduating Seniors will receive the designation "School of Nursing
Scholar" if they meet Criteria 1a and b as stated above.
- The independent nursing project is NOT a criteria for this honors
designation.
*Code of Professional Conduct for Nursing Students and the Academic
Integrity Policy are available in the School of Nursing Handbook.
Graduating seniors will receive the designation "School of Nursing
Scholar" if they meet the above criteria, with the exception of
the independent nursing project. The independent nursing project is
not a criterion for this honors designation.
Graduation Awards
Members of each graduating class are eligible to be nominated and selected
by the faculty for the following School of Nursing Awards. The recipients’
names are placed on a permanent plaque in the School of Nursing.
Aletha J. Cushinberry Professionalism in Nursing Award
The Professionalism in Nursing Award is named for
Dr. Aletha J. Cushinberry, Faculty Emerita, and former Associate Professor
in the School of Nursing, 1974-1993. The award is given at the Nursing
Graduation Recognition Ceremony to a nurse graduate who embodies professionalism
in nursing in an outstanding way and who has:
- demonstrated responsibility and accountability as a caregiver
- been an advocate for individuals and families receiving health care
- demonstrated utilization of scientific principles in the practice
of nursing
- given high quality care to patients/clients
- as a student, promoted the ideals and goals of the profession of
nursing.
Alice Jensen Award
The Alice Jensen Award is given each year to a student who has demonstrated
outstanding nursing performance during the course of the program. The
award was established in May 1976, in recognition of Alice Jensen, Director
of Nursing of the Topeka-Shawnee County Health Department, upon her retirement
and for her efforts and support of baccalaureate nursing education. It
is given annually to a nursing graduate who demonstrates outstanding nursing
performance.
Spirit of Nursing Award
The “Spirit of Nursing” award for outstanding commitment,
leadership, and enthusiasm for the profession of Nursing, is bestowed
upon a graduate who has demonstrated commitment to nursing through active
participation in the nursing student organizations at the local and state
levels. The leadership skills of this graduate shall have motivated others
to excel within nursing and to be a creative problem solver and strong
advocate for clients, families, and nursing students.
Dean’s Honor Roll
Students whose grade point average for the semester is equivalent to 3.40
or better are honored by having
their names placed upon the Dean’s Honor Roll and they are so notified
by the Dean of the School of Nursing.
President’s Honor Roll
Students whose grade point average for the semester is 4.00 are honored
by having their names placed upon the President’s Honor Roll and
they are so notified by the President.
ROTC Programs
Army ROTC Program for Nursing Students
The University of Kansas Army ROTC Unit offers a cross-town enrollment
program for nursing students interested in obtaining a commission in the
U.S. Army Nurse Corps. Military Science courses are offered at the Lawrence
campus. On a case-by-case basis they may be offered at Washburn if a scheduling
conflict exists. Washburn School of Nursing is also a member of the Partnership
in Nursing Education (PNE) program with the U.S. Army ROTC that provides
excellent 4-year scholarships for pre-nursing students and upper division
nursing scholarships for nursing majors who qualify. For more information
contact the Nursing Advisor in the School of Nursing.
Naval ROTC Program for Nursing Students
The University of Kansas Naval ROTC Unit offers a cross-town enrollment
program for nursing students interested in obtaining a commission in the
U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. All Naval Science courses include both practical
and theoretical instruction in subjects pertaining to the Navy. These
courses are only offered at the Lawrence campus. On a case-by-case basis
they may be offered at Washburn if a scheduling conflict exists. For more
information contact the Nursing Advisor in the School of Nursing.
Air Force ROTC Program for Nursing Students
Kansas State University Air Force ROTC Unit offers a cross-town enrollment
program for nursing students interested in obtaining a commission in the
U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps. Military Science courses are offered on the
Kansas State University campus in Manhattan. On a case-by-case basis they
may be offered at Washburn if a scheduling conflict exists. For more information
contact the Nursing Advisor in the School of Nursing.
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