General Information
General Policies
Clinical Regulations
Complementary Health Minor
B.S.N. Bachelor of Science in Nursing
R.N. Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program for Registered Nurses

General Information

The IUSB campus offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) and B.S.N. options for R.N.’s. Graduate courses are offered at sites throughout the state over distance education.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program is accredited by the Indiana State Board of Nursing and by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Membership

The School of Nursing is an agency member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

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General Policies

Program Planning

Students in the School of Nursing are responsible for planning their own programs and for meeting degree requirements. Academic advisors are available from the Office of Student Services to assist students in understanding degree requirements. It is important for students to acquaint themselves with all regulations and to remain properly informed throughout their studies.

All provisions of this Campus Bulletin are in effect as soon as a nursing student begins the nursing program. This includes both prenursing students newly admitted to IUSB and those changing their major to nursing.

Students interrupting their studies, students pursuing part-time study, or full-time students who take more than two years to complete prerequisite requirements are subject to policy and curriculum changes as they occur. Curriculum changes during progress toward the degree may result in revision of degree requirements.

The Code of Ethics for Nurses

Students who are preparing to enter the profession of nursing are expected to follow the Code of Ethics for Nurses. Each person, upon entering the profession, inherits a measure of responsibility and trust in the profession and the corresponding obligation to adhere to standards of ethical practice and conduct set by the profession. The code was adopted by the American Nurses’ Association in 1950 and most recently revised in 2001.

It is the student’s responsibility to know, understand, and follow the Code of Ethics for Nurses.

1. The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems.
2. The nurse's primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, or community.
3. The nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient.
4. The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse's obligation to provide optimal patient care.
5. The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to preserve integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth.
6. The nurse participates in establishing, maintaining, and improving healthcare environments and conditions of employment conducive to the provision of quality healthcare and consistent with the values of the profession through individual and collective action.
7. The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through contributions to practice, education, administration, and knowledge development.
8. The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public in promoting community, national, and international efforts to meet health needs.
9. The profession of nursing, as represented by associations and their members, is responsible for articulating nursing values, for maintaining the integrity of the profession and its practice, and for shaping social policy.

Statement of Essential Abilities

Approved by the Indiana University School of Nursing, University Council of Nursing Faculty, April 26, 1993.

"The School of Nursing faculty has specified essential abilities (technical standards) critical to the success of students in any Indiana University nursing program. Students must demonstrate these essential abilities in order to succeed in their program of study. Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria, and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these essential abilities with or without reasonable accommodations.

1. Essential judgment skills to include: ability to identify, assess, and comprehend conditions surrounding patient situations for the purpose of problem solving around patient conditions and coming to appropriate conclusions and/or course of actions.
2. Essential neurological functions to include: ability to use the senses of seeing, hearing, touch, and smell to make correct judgments regarding patient conditions for the purpose of demonstrating competence to safely engage in the practice of nursing. Behaviors that demonstrate essential neurological functions include, but are not limited to, observation, listening, understanding relationships, writing, and psycho-motor abilities.
3. Essential communication skills to include: ability to communicate effectively with fellow students, faculty, patients, and all members of the health care team. Skills include verbal, written, and non-verbal abilities consistent with effective communication.
4. Essential emotional coping skills: ability to demonstrate the mental health necessary to safely engage in the practice of nursing as determined by professional standards of practice.
5. Essential intellectual/conceptual skills to include: ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to engage competently in the safe practice of nursing.
6. Other essential behavioral attributes: ability to engage in activities consistent with safe nursing practice without demonstrated behaviors of addiction to, abuse of, or dependence on alcohol or other drugs that may impair behavior or judgment. The student must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions as a student in the School of Nursing and as a developing professional nurse."

Failure to meet one or more of the Essential Abilities may hinder progression or result in dismissal from the nursing program. Any student who is questioning their ability to meet one or more of the Essential Abilities should contact the adaptive services officer at (574) 520-4479 prior to enrollment in nursing courses. Documentation of any requested accommodation must be submitted to the Admission, Progression and Graduation Committee in the School of Nursing for review prior to matriculation into the nursing major.

Students with Disabilities

The university is committed to helping temporarily and permanently disabled students make the transition to student life. Students with physical, mental, or learning impairments are encouraged to consult with advisors from the School of Nursing and the Office of Disabled Student Services for assistance in meeting degree requirements.

Students with disabilities must meet all academic and technical skill requirements as outlined in the Statement of Essential Abilities and any other standards related to professional licensure. Modifications in the learning environment to assist students in meeting these requirements will be made in accordance with federal and university guidelines and in consideration of individual needs. The Office of Disabled Student Services is located in the Administration Building, first floor.

Eligibility for Licensure

Any person who makes application for examination and registration as a registered nurse in the state of Indiana shall submit to the Indiana State Board of Nursing at the Health Professions Service Bureau written evidence, verified by oath, that he or she:

• Has completed an approved high school course of study or the equivalent as approved by the appropriate educational agency.
• Has completed the prescribed curriculum in a state-accredited school of nursing and holds a diploma or certificate therefrom.
• Has not been convicted of any act that would constitute a ground for disciplinary sanction under the state board rules and regulations or of any felony that has direct bearing on the individual’s ability to practice competently.

International students and graduates of schools of nursing that are outside the United States must meet the requirements of the Indiana State Board of Nursing for eligibility to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX).

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Clinical Regulations

Clinical Handbook

All nursing students will be provided with a Clinical Handbook at the Clinical Orientation beginning with Sophomore One semester. This document is updated at least annually to reflect ongoing changes in clinical and program requirements and policies. The School of Nursing will provide these updates but it is the student's responsibility to maintain the currency of the handbook and refer to the most current regulations.

CPR Requirement

All nursing major students enrolled in clinical classes must present evidence of current healthcare provider certification prior to the beginning of each semester. Two options are available: American Heart Association's Healthcare Provider level (preferred), or, American Red Cross CPR AD for the professional rescuer.

OSHA Regulations

Health Requirements and OSHA regulations include annual education on blood borne pathogens. See Clinical Handbook for annual regulatory requirements. Clinical agencies may have additional requirements which need to be met.

Health Requirements

All nursing students must show annual proof that they have met the immunization, physical examination, and laboratory examination requirements of hospitals and other health agencies used for clinical experiences. Specific instructions will be distributed prior to clinical assignment. Special circumstances may arise which require additional action. Failure to meet those health requirements and their deadlines will make the student ineligible for clinical classes, and the student will be administratively withdrawn from all nursing courses. The student will then be considered out-of-progression in the nursing program.

Criminal Checks

Federal mandates for clinical agencies may require criminal checks through the Indiana State Police. Students are responsible for applying for the criminal check and all fees associated with the check.

New Admission to the Nursing Program

When a nursing student is first admitted to the clinical nursing courses, the student receives information regarding the need for proper immunization verification (including Hepatitis B series, DPT booster, MMR, and Varicella), a health evaluation (history and physical examination) completed by a primary care provider, CPR (Level C) certification and Tuberculosis (PPD or X-ray) screening. Every student must provide written verification of a history of chicken pox or a Varicella Zoster Titer before entering clinicals. Newly admitted nursing students must provide written documentation of the above stated items in advance of beginning the semester. For students who are enrolled in clinical nursing courses in the fall semester, the above materials must be filed with the School of Nursing's student services secretary by August 1. For students who will begin their clinical nursing courses in the spring semester, the above materials must be filed by December 1. Failure to do so will result in the student being automatically withdrawn from all clinical nursing courses for which they are registered, and the student will be considered out-of-progression in the nursing program. Students who come to class and are in non-compliance, will not be allowed to enter the clinical setting.

Students who are admitted late to the nursing program will be handled on a case-by-case basis. However, those applicants who are on a waiting list or alternate list are encouraged to begin gathering the necessary documentation so as to avoid delays. Even students who are admitted late must have all documentation on file with the School of Nursing prior to beginning the clinical nursing courses. Failure to do so will result in the student being automatically withdrawn from all clinical nursing courses for which they are registered, and the student will be considered out-of-progression in the nursing program.

Continuing Nursing Students

Nursing students are responsible for making sure they receive annual TB screening (PPD or X-ray), and annual CPR recertification. In addition, immunization status must be updated as necessary. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor the status of these and to submit proper documentation to the School of Nursing in a timely manner. If any of these items will expire during the course of the semester, certification must occur before the student can enroll in any clinical courses that semester.

Documentation of annual TB screening, annual CPR recertification, and up-to-date immunization status need to be submitted to the School of Nursing, student services secretary’s office no later than August 1 for students enrolled in clinical nursing courses in the fall semester. If the student is enrolled in clinical nursing courses during fall semester, documentation of CPR recertification, TB screening, and immunizations must be valid through December 20. If the student is enrolled for the spring semester, CPR recertification, immunizations, and TB screening documentation must be submitted to the School of Nursing, student services secretary no later than December 1 and must be valid through May 15. (For example, if a student’s CPR certification expired on March 1, 2003, the student must successfully complete CPR recertification before he/she would be allowed to begin spring 2003 semester classes). Students who come to class and are in non-compliance will not be allowed to enter the clinical setting

For students enrolled in clinical nursing courses during the summer sessions, TB screening, immunizations, and CPR certification must be valid through the final day of the summer session in which the student is enrolled.

For students who are finishing an incomplete grade in a nursing course with a clinical component, the CPR recertification, immunizations, and TB screening must be valid until the course requirements are completed.

Student Injuries

If a student is injured in a clinical agency, the student should report to the clinical instructor and follow the policy of the agency where the injury occurred. Students should also contact their primary care provider. Follow-up care may be required from the student’s primary care provider.

Uniforms

Strict uniform and dress code regulations are enforced throughout the student's clinical experience. Guidelines for uniforms, agency dress codes, and professional appearance are located and outlined in the Clinical Handbook.

Name Pin/IUSB Patch

Name pins are required for all clinical experiences along with individual agency requirements for personal identification. Along with personal identification students will be identified as an IUSB student by a patch to be worn on their uniform. Additional information can be found in the Clinical Handbook.

Health Insurance

The School of Nursing encourages students to carry health insurance and is not liable for any health problems requiring medical treatment. Health insurance information is available upon request.

Professional Liability Insurance

All students in the School of Nursing having patient/client contact will be covered under the malpractice contract for Indiana University. This liability insurance will not extend to employment outside of course-related activities. The student should be aware that failure to pay course and other fees will result in noncoverage under the malpractice contract of Indiana University. Such noncoverage makes the student ineligible to attend clinical classes.

APA Format

The most recent American Psychological Association (APA) format is the standard used for all written work in all nursing courses. Students should consult course syllabi for specific details.

Remedial Course Requirements

Applicants to the B.S.N. degree program must successfully complete all developmental courses in which they place including the following:

EDUC X100 Practical Reading and Study for Self Improvement
EDUC X101 Techniques in Textbook Reading
ENG W031 Pre-Composition
ENG W130 Principles of Composition
MATH M004 Introduction to Algebra
MATH M014 Basic Algebra (4 cr.)
MATH M107 College Algebra

Students interested in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program should complete courses in mathematics as early as possible to facilitate completion of science prerequisite courses.

Correspondence/Independent Study Courses

All required and elective courses for the nursing major, other than public speaking, available through the Independent Study Program of Indiana University must be taken for credit. Students should contact a School of Nursing academic advisor before enrollment. Students are required to have the academic advisor’s signature for all correspondence courses which will be used to satisfy degree requirements. Correspondence courses with nursing numbers do not satisfy residency requirements. Final examinations in all correspondence courses must be taken no later than six weeks prior to the expected graduation date.

Nursing students shall have completed any correspondence or independent study courses prior to enrollment in their final semester of the program or register for the on-campus course in that final semester.

Portfolio Option

The portfolio review process is available to all undergraduate and graduate students who believe that they can meet the learning objectives/competencies required of a specific nursing course within their program of study, subject to faculty approval. The portfolio is a mechanism used to validate the acquisition of knowledge and skills congruent with course expectations and student learning outcomes.

Students may exercise the portfolio option for all B.S.N. major courses listed for the degree as long as it does not interfere with other standing university or school course/credit hour policies related to progression or graduation. Please note that undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours on the campus awarding the degree. Courses/credit hours which are reviewed for portfolio credit do not count toward undergraduate residency requirements. Please contact the School of Nursing for portfolio guidelines.

Satisfactory/Fail Option

The School of Nursing in grading undergraduate clinical nursing courses uses the satisfactory/fail option. Grades are recorded as S or F. Students must demonstrate a satisfactory level of clinical competence and skill to receive a satisfactory grade in these courses. Satisfactory performance standards are stated in each course syllabus, and faculty evaluate the quality of student clinical performances by these standards. Inability to receive a grade of S constitutes failure. An S indicates a grade of A, B, or C (2.0). Students cannot progress in their nursing program until this deficiency is corrected

Note: This is a School of Nursing policy and is not IUSB policy which is the pass/fail option located in the beginning of this Campus Bulletin.

Residency Requirements

A student must complete a minimum of 30 upper-division credit hours in the Indiana University School of Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program to be eligible for graduation. A maximum of 6 lower-division nursing credit hours may apply toward this residency requirement. Students must petition the appropriate academic officer to apply those lower-division nursing credit hours toward the residency requirement. Credit for correspondence courses and advanced standing by the validation process may not be used to meet residency requirements.

A.S.N. Program Articulation

Students wishing to pursue an associate in nursing have several local options. IUSB and IVY Tech State College in South Bend work closely to provide seamless educational choices. Ivy Tech State College in South Bend can be contacted at (574) 289-7001, ext. 5721, for additional information.

IUSB School of Nursing and Southwestern Michigan College have also agreed to work together to make the transfer process as smooth as possible. Students may complete prerequisite courses at IUSB, transfer to Southwestern Michigan for the associate nursing degree, and return to IUSB for their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students interested in this option should contact Elaine Foster at Southwestern Michigan College, (269) 782-1237.

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Minor in Complementary Health

While lay and professional discourse surrounding complementary therapies abounds, consumers are seeking out and using these therapies. Therefore, it is critical that all interested students, particularly future health care providers, be given the academic opportunity to learn about and explore complementary therapies and the issues surrounding their use. Students achieving a minor in complementary health will gain a thorough understanding of a number of complementary therapies. This understanding involves exploring the foundational belief systems of these therapies and the cultures from which they are derived. Students will critically examine complementary therapies in light of the disease processes for which they are prescribed as well as explore the inherent political, economic, and ethical issues surrounding these therapies.

Any interested IUSB student may complete a minor in complementary health. Students interested in pursuing a minor must register their intentions with the School of Nursing and consult with a faculty advisor prior to enrollment in required core courses.

The minor in complementary health consists of 15 credit hours and will be awarded by the School of Nursing on the IUSB campus. Students will be required to take a core of two required courses for a total of 6 credit hours and a 1 credit hour capstone. The two required courses may be taken in any order to facilitate student completion of the minor. However, it is recommended that students take NURS K301 The Art and Science of Complementary Health before NURS K401 Integrative Health Care: Blending the Traditional and Non-Traditional Integrative Health.

Students may select a total of 8 elective credit hours to fulfill the requirements of the minor. Elective courses enable the student to expand and build upon knowledge acquired in the core courses. Selection of electives permits the student to personalize the minor in a way that will prove most helpful in their chosen field. Acceptance of elective courses for credit toward the minor will be granted by the IUSB School of Nursing Admission, Progression and Graduation (APG) Committee.

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

Required Core Courses

NURS K301 The Art and Science of Complementary Health
NURS K401 Integrative Health Care: Blending the Traditional and Non-Traditional Integrative Health
NURS K490 Clinical Nursing Elective: Capstone in Complementary Health (1 cr.)

Electives

ANTH E320 Indians of North America
NURS K300 Transcultural Health Care
NURS K421 American Health Care: International Experience (2-3 cr.)
NURS Z492 Individual Study in Nursing (1-6 cr.)
NURS Z490 Clinical Experience in Nursing (1-6 cr.)

One of the following:
NURS W221 Native Use of Herbs (1 cr.)
WOST W221 Native Use of Herbs (1 cr.)

Additional courses dealing with complementary health related issues may be reviewed and considered (aroma-therapy, nutrition, healing touch, etc). Courses on Asian cultures or other non-Western cultures would be particularly helpful, since most complementary therapies are derived from teachings indigenous to those cultures.

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Program

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program strives to offer a creative curriculum for the education of professional nurses competent in meeting the current and future health needs of society. The curriculum prepares a generalist in professional nursing and serves as a basis for graduate study.

The B.S.N. degree program is a systemwide program offered at several Indiana University campuses. All campuses share the same admission standards, program outcomes, and courses. However, additional admission and transfer policies are set by individual campuses and course sequencing may vary.

The purpose of the bachelor’s program is to produce graduates who are critical thinkers, culturally competent, coordinators of community resources, politically aware, ethically and legally competent, effective communicators, competent providers of health care, professional role models and responsible managers. The curriculum focuses on health and wellness as well as alterations in states of wellness, viewing persons as part of their environments.

Bachelor’s Program Outcomes

• A critical thinker who is able to demonstrate intellectual curiosity, rational inquiry, problem-solving skills, and creativity in framing problems.
• A culturally competent person who provides holistic nursing care to a variety of individuals, families, and communities.
• A knowledgeable coordinator of community resources who facilitates individual, family and community access to resources necessary to meet health care needs.
• A politically aware individual who participates in the profession and the practice of nursing with a global perspective.
• An individual who practices within an ethical and legal framework for the nursing profession.
• An effective communicator who is able to share accurate information.
• A competent provider of health care who assumes the multiple role dimensions in structured and semi-structured health care settings.
• A professional role model who promotes a positive public image of nursing.
• A responsible manager who balances human, fiscal, and material resources to achieve quality health care outcomes.

Academic Policies

Students admitted to the clinical nursing major should consult the current bulletin, Clinical Handbook and School of Nursing Policy Updates for additional policies governing their academic standing.

Admission, Progression and Graduation (APG) Committee

Comprised of nursing faculty, the Admission, Progression and Graduation (APG) Committee addresses student concerns and issues related to admission, progression through, and graduation from the programs offered by the School of Nursing.

Academic Distinction

To graduate with academic distinction, bachelor’s degree candidates must have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours at Indiana University. Academic distinction is conferred on graduates of the B.S.N, and is based on grades earned through the eighth semester.

Academic Distinction
Highest Distinction 3.83-4.00 GPA
High Distinction 3.66-3.82 GPA
Distinction 3.50-3.65 GPA

Academic Standing of Prenursing Students

The following academic standards apply regarding retention, probation, and dismissal. Students are responsible for knowing about university academic standards (found under the section entitled Academic Regulations and Policies located in the beginning of this Campus Bulletin), and their current status in relation to these standards.

Academic Standing

The following academic standards apply regarding retention, probation, and dismissal in accordance with the Indiana University School of Nursing. These standards differ from the prenursing standards which are IUSB campus academic standards. Students enrolled in the B.S.N. degree program must follow the guidelines set forth by the Indiana University School of Nursing. Students are responsible for knowing about these academic standards and their current status in relation to these standards.

Good Standing

In order to remain in good standing, nursing and prenursing students must:

1. Maintain a grade of C (2.0) or above in each course required for the degree including all general education prerequisite courses without more than one repeat in any course.
2. Not declare a pass/fail in any prerequisite general education course requirement.
3. Maintain a grade of C (2.0) or above or an S (satisfactory) in each nursing major course.
4. Maintain a CGPA of 2.0 or above.
5. Not be on probation and/or not be dismissed.

Grade Point Averages

Admission Grade Point Average
Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) is a calculation of the minimum set of all work completed which meets application requirements. The AGPA includes grades earned in initial and repeat enrollment (excluding FX grades according to policy) that apply toward the requirements of appropriate programs.

Cumulative Grade Point Average
Cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is a reflection of all work completed at Indiana University. Courses transferred from another institution are not used in calculating this average. (Transfer course GPA is calculated if used on B.S.N. application for admission. See B.S.N. degree program admission.)

Nursing Grade Point Average
Nursing grade point average (NGPA) is a reflection of all work completed, including grades earned in initial and repeat enrollment (excluding FX grades according to policy) that apply toward the requirements of appropriate programs. Courses transferred from other institutions are included in calculating this average.

Students must maintain a 2.3 CGPA and a 2.5 AGPA for the B.S.N. degree program, or admission status will be revoked. If the admission status is revoked, reapplication for admission is required.

Probation

Academic Probation
A prenursing student will be placed on academic probation according to the policies of IUSB. A nursing student will be placed on academic probation when the cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Academic probation will be removed following the semester in which the cumulative and semester grade point averages are 2.0 or higher. Nursing students should also see progression policies listed under Clinical Progression in the School of Nursing program.

Disciplinary Probation
Disciplinary probation is administered under the Indiana University Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct, the Statement of Essential Abilities and Code of Ethics for Nurses.

Dismissal
A prenursing student will be dismissed based upon the dismissal policies of IUSB, found earlier in this Campus Bulletin.

A nursing student will be dismissed from the program when, in the judgement of the APG Committee on the campus of enrollment, there is a lack of progress toward the degree. Lack of progress will include, but not be limited to the following:

• Failure to achieve a 2.0 semester grade point average in any two consecutive semesters.
• Failure to achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in any two semesters.
• Failure to achieve a minimum grade of C (2.0) or S (satisfactory) in any one nursing course (didactic, or practicum/ clinical) by the second attempt or any two nursing courses (didactic or practicum/clinical) on the first attempt.
• Failure to meet Indiana University School of Nursing Essential Abilities expectations (refer to the Statement of Essential Abilities listed under Academic Policies of the School of Nursing in this section of this Campus Bulletin).

Dismissal may occur without prior probation.

Any student who is academically dismissed at one Indiana University campus is also in dismissal status at all other Indiana University campuses. Falsification of records and reports, plagiarism, or cheating on an examination, quiz, or any other assignment is cause for dismissal (see Indiana University Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct).

The faculty reserves the right to dismiss any nursing student whose personal integrity, health, or conduct demonstrate unfitness to continue preparation for the profession of nursing. Integrity and conduct will be judged according to the standards of the most recent Code of Ethics for Nurses as adopted by the American Nurses’ Association.

The dismissal of any nursing student is contingent upon review by the APG Committee on the campus of enrollment. Nursing student dismissal is subject to the appeal process on the campus of enrollment.

Reinstatement

Students who have been dismissed and desire reinstatement must submit to the APG Committee a written request for reinstatement. Prenursing students must submit this written request at least five weeks prior to the term they plan to attend. Nursing students must submit this written request by July 1 for fall reinstatement, October 1 for spring reinstatement, and February 1 for summer session reinstatement. This request requires a list of the specific courses in which the student wishes to enroll and, as appropriate, an explanation of any extenuating circumstances that may have hindered academic performance, and/or a Plan for Success addressing areas of deficiency. All requests for reentry will be evaluated by the APG Committee, on the basis of available resources, and, if appropriate, on the satisfactory completion of any conditions and/or faculty recommendations existing at the time of dismissal.

Reinstatement requests will be evaluated individually by the APG Committee on the basis of academic standing, potential for progress toward the degree, availability of resources, and satisfactory completion of any conditions and/or faculty recommendations existing at the time of dismissal. Reinstatement to the School of Nursing is not automatic.

Appeals for immediate reinstatement are not considered except as warranted by extraordinary circumstances. In such cases, students who are reinstated by the APG Committee will have prescribed standards of performance for the semester for which they are reinstated. Failure to meet these standards will result in an irrevocable dismissal.

Students who are reinstated must adhere to policies in effect at the time of reinstatement. (See Clinical Handbook, Campus Bulletin, and Policy Updates.)

A nursing student will be reinstated only one time. A reinstated nursing student will be dismissed from the School of Nursing upon failure of one additional nursing course, breach of the Code of Ethics for Nurses, the Statement of Essential Abilities, or Indiana University Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct. (See dismissal policy.) For reinstatement priority, refer to Clinical Progression in the nursing program section of this Campus Bulletin.

Program Admission

Prerequisite courses may be taken at any Indiana University campus or may be accepted as transfer credits from other accredited institutions. However, admission is campus-specific and priority consideration will be given to those students completing the majority of their course work on the campus to which they are applying. Please contact a student services advisor for more information.

Specific admission requirements vary from campus to campus of Indiana University. When choosing courses to meet general education requirements, students who begin their prenursing course work on one campus of Indiana University but plan to apply for admission on another campus of Indiana University should be in close contact with the School of Nursing advisor on the campus to which they plan to apply.

Students offered admission to the B.S.N. degree program must enroll in nursing course work at a time designated by the School of Nursing. Failure to enroll in nursing course work in the designated semester necessitates reapplying to the program.

Admission to the university as a prenursing student and successful completion of the prerequisite course work do not guarantee admission to the B.S.N. degree program. The number of admitted students is limited to those who can be accommodated given available resources. Any student who fails to accept an offer of admission twice is no longer eligible for consideration for admission to the clinical program.

Application and admission are valid only for the semester designated. Application and admission for a specific semester will be considered when the following requirements are met:

• Admission to Indiana University as a degree-seeking student.
• Maintenance of a cumulative grade point average of no less than 2.3 on a 4.0 scale.
• Maintenance of an admission GPA of no less that 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. (Although a 2.5 AGPA is the minimum required for application, admission is competitive and a higher AGPA may be required in a given application pool.)
• Completion of chemistry (a one year high school course or CHEM C101-CHEM C121 equivalent) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
• Completion of CHEM C102 Elementary Chemistry II.
• Completion of the following required courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better by the second attempt:

ENG W131 Elementary Composition
PHSL P261 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (5 cr.)
PSY P103 General Psychology
SOC S161 Principles of Sociology

One of the following:
MICR M250 Microbial Cell Biology with MICR M255 Microbiology: Laboratory (2 cr.)
PHSL P262 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (5 cr.)

Completion of the following number of general education elective credit hours with a grade of C (2.0) or better in each course: a total of 3 credit hours from the cultural diversity or the social competence clusters; and a total of at least 6 credit hours from the communication and/or humanistic appreciation clusters. For more information, please refer to the Repeat Policy listed later in this section of the Campus Bulletin.

Students admitted to the bachelor’s degree program must formally accept or decline admission in writing to the program prior to the beginning of the semester to which they have been admitted. Students who have been accepted to the program but decline acceptance must reapply to the program of choice and compete with the applicant pool for the semester in which they request entrance. Students will only have two opportunities to decline admission in writing prior to losing their eligibility to apply.

Submission of an official credit transfer report (CTR) to the School of Nursing for all work being transferred from another university by established deadlines. To obtain an official CTR, the student must request an official transcript from the other institution(s) to be forwarded to the IUSB Office of Admissions for evaluation.

Students certified to the B.S.N. degree program who withdraw from course work within the first semester must reapply for admission to the program. These students will have one opportunity for readmission, must reapply within a time frame that would allow the student timely completion of the program considering the 10-year limit of specific courses, and must adhere to the published dates for application on their campuses.

Ineligibility to Pursue B.S.N. Degree

A student will be dismissed from the program when, in the judgment of the APG Committee, there is lack of progress toward the degree. Lack of progress will include, but not be limited to the following:

Failure of more than three general education courses required for the B.S.N. degree. Of the three courses, only two failures will be allowed in science course work. Any grade below a grade of C is considered unsatisfactory (failing).

Repeat Policy

The School of Nursing policy requires students to achieve a grade of C (2.0) in each required general education course. Students who earn a grade of less than C (2.0) in a required general education course must earn a grade of C by the second completed attempt. Students who earn a grade of less than C in a required general education course are strongly suggested to successfully complete the course in the next semester of enrollment, providing the course is offered.

Both prenursing and nursing students who do not successfully complete all required general education courses with a minimum grade of C by the second completed attempt will be ineligible for admission to the nursing program or will be dismissed from the School of Nursing.

Students may repeat only three courses or a maximum of 11 credit hours of required general education courses in order to achieve a C or better in each course. (Two science or three general education electives.)

Ten-year Limit

Courses in life span development and required sciences must have been completed within 10 years prior to the semester in which a student begins the nursing major. Two options are offered to a student who completed these courses more than 10 years prior to enrollment:

1. Repeat the course, or
2. Take a challenge examination if examination is available.

This policy does not apply to CHEM C101-CHEM C121 chemistry requirement. This policy does not apply to registered nurse students.

Transfers Between Campuses

Intercampus Transfer
Nursing students in good academic standing may seek intercampus transfer by petitioning the APG Committee at least one semester in advance of the requested transfer. Due to the difference in course sequencing, students seeking an intercampus transfer should do so only at the completion of all nursing courses required in the sophomore or junior year. Intercampus transfer requests submitted to the APG that ask for mid-year transfer consideration is discouraged. Students wishing to transfer within an academic year may be required to complete supplemental course work due to course sequencing differences.

Intercampus transfer requests will be evaluated individually on the basis of the student’s academic record and the availability of space in the required courses; faculty and facility resources to meet the student’s needs and program outcomes and competencies.

Nursing students who wish to transfer between campuses must submit a written request for intercampus transfer to the APG Committee by July 1 for fall transfer, October 1 for spring transfer, and February 1 for summer session transfer.

Transfers from Non-Indiana University Nursing Program
Nursing students in good academic standing at another university who wish to transfer should contact the School of Nursing coordinator of student services. Nursing courses completed at other universities will need to be evaluated by the IUSB School of Nursing APG Committee for transfer equivalency and for student placement. Students must supply extensive documentation including copies of the syllabi for each nursing course completed at another university and a release of information form. These syllabi must be evaluated in comparison to the IUSB nursing courses. This process can take time. Therefore, students are encouraged to contact the IUSB School of Nursing at least three months prior to the semester they wish to begin at IUSB.

A.S.N./A.D.N. nursing courses are non-transferable to the B.S.N. degree program.

Dismissed Transfer Students
IUSB School of Nursing will not accept students into the nursing major if the student has been dismissed or has a failing record from another nursing program including Indiana University programs in the past five years. If the five years have been exceeded, an individual record review will occur.

Clinical Progression in the Nursing Program

After admission to the nursing program, placement in nursing courses will be based upon the following priority ranking:

1. Full-time, regularly progressing students.
2. Part-time, regularly progressing students.
3. Students who have interrupted their studies but are in good academic standing.
4. Students who have failed and successfully repeated one or more nursing courses.
5. Students who need to repeat one nursing course.
6. Students who have been dismissed and have been reinstated.
7. Intercampus transfers.
8. Transfers from other nursing programs according to APG guidelines.

If additional criteria are needed to determine placement, date of becoming out-of-progression and CGPA will be used.

Out-of-Progression

Nursing students who have withdrawn from the second sophomore semester, junior year, or senior year of course work in the B.S.N. degree program are considered out-of-progression. Those nursing students who withdraw from all or part of the first sophomore semester of the B.S.N. degree program must reapply to the program.

Reentry

Prenursing students who interrupt their studies and are in good standing may reenter at any time without prior approval of the School of Nursing. These students will be subject to the policies in effect at the time of reentry.

Prenursing and nursing students in poor standing (or dismissed) must request approval to continue from the APG Committee. Students must include in their request a Plan for Success addressing areas of deficiency.

Nursing students who wish to reenter must submit a written request for reentry to the APG Committee by July 1 for fall reinstatement, October 1 for spring reinstatement, and February 1 for summer session reinstatement. This request requires a list of the specific courses in which the student wishes to enroll and, as appropriate, an explanation of any extenuating circumstances that may have hindered academic performance, and/or a Plan for Success addressing areas of deficiency. All requests for reentry will be evaluated on the basis of available resources, and, if appropriate, on the satisfactory completion of any conditions and/or faculty recommendations existing at the time of withdrawal.

Students who reenter must adhere to the academic policies in effect at the time of reentry.

For reentry priority, refer to Clinical Progression on page 148 in the nursing program section of this Campus Bulletin.

Skills Validation Policy

Students who have interrupted their studies for longer than one semester will be required to demonstrate validation of clinical skills to reenter the clinical courses. Also, transfer students who have completed clinical courses in another program must successfully complete a clinical skills validation and mathematics proficiency examination prior to admission into clinical courses. (See Clinical Handbook for current skills validation requirements.)

Clinical Hours Requirements

Clinical hour requirements are carefully calculated to meet academic and accreditation standards. Therefore, all clinical hours are mandatory and all missed time must be made up. See the Clinical Handbook and/or course syllabus for specific clinical requirements. Insufficient clinical hours will result in course failure.

Withdrawal Policies

Withdrawals (grade of W) are issued to students wishing to withdraw from any or all courses if the official withdrawal forms are completed by the deadline dates printed in the Schedule of Classes for each semester. A grade of W will appear on student transcripts when students complete the official withdrawal forms and obtain the appropriate signature(s).

• Students enrolled in a modular (half-semester) nursing course must withdraw from that course before the course meets for the sixth time.
• After the ninth week of a sixteen week course, the grade awarded shall be an F unless the student petitions the faculty for an exception to the policy. An exception may be granted only if the student has a didactic grade of at least C (2.0) or a clinical grade of S (satisfactory), and has compelling reasons for withdrawing. The faculty and campus dean (or designee) will determine if the grade of W will be issued.
• A grade of F will be recorded on the official transcript if a student stops attending but does not officially withdraw from a class.
• Students may be withdrawn from (a) nursing course(s) until a required prerequisite general education course is satisfactorily completed.
• Students withdrawing from nursing course work must complete this work prior to progression in the program.
• Withdrawal from a required nursing didactic course requires withdrawal from corequisite nursing clinical course(s).

Students who withdraw from the nursing major in the first semester must seek readmission to the program. Admission is subject to competitive review.

Withdrawal from nursing program courses constitutes a disruption in progression and requires that a student seek reinstatement or reentry to the program. (Refer to Reinstatement and/or Reentry policies.)

Students withdrawing from required nursing course work will be considered out-of-progression students. The date of graduation for out-of-progression students is not guaranteed.

More than three academic withdrawals in a semester is considered lack of progress toward the degree. If a student withdraws from a didactic course that requires automatic withdraw from a corequisite course, this withdrawal from the two courses will be counted as one withdrawal. A pattern of withdrawals may influence a request for consideration of progression, reinstatement, or reentry to the nursing program.

Graduation Requirements for the B.S.N.

Students assume responsibility for meeting degree requirements and for filing an official application for a degree. Application for the degree must be made at the time of program planning for the final semester. The student must file the degree application with the School of Nursing recorder by September 1 for December graduation and by January 2 for May, June, or August graduation.

Students in the B.S.N. degree program are responsible for meeting the following degree requirements. Though the School of Nursing makes every attempt to provide students with academic advising and program planning assistance, students are accountable to complying with all published academic policies related to the B.S.N. degree program. To be eligible for graduation from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program students must:

• Complete a minimum of 123 credit hours with a grade of C or higher in each course required for the degree. Of the 123 credit hours, 63 credit hours must reflect nursing major courses. Credits earned in remedial learning skill courses and courses that have been repeated do not count in the 123 credit hour total or the 63 nursing credit hour total.
• Achieve a grade of C or higher in all didactic courses applied to the B.S.N. degree and an S (satisfactory) in all clinical/practicum courses.
• Achieve an Indiana University cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.0 (C). This includes all transfer course work applied to the degree.
• Complete at least 30 credit hours of required nursing major courses on the Indiana University campus awarding the B.S.N. degree.
• Complete all B.S.N. degree requirements within six years of enrolling in the first nursing course in the nursing major.
• Apply for degree candidacy the semester prior to completing all degree requirements following the published procedures on campus awarding degree.
• Non-licensed students are required to complete the NCLEX Readiness Examination.

Completion of Degree Requirements

The recorder must receive all removal of incompletes, deferred grades, special credit, and independent study grades no later than three weeks prior to the end of classes of the student’s last semester or summer session before graduation.

Application for Licensure Examination

The School of Nursing will make available the necessary forms to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in Indiana. Those students taking the examination in other states are responsible for obtaining the appropriate forms from those states. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the application procedure and meet the mailing and payment deadlines for taking the NCLEX.

The School of Nursing administers required assessment tools for preparation for the NCLEX in the last semester of the program. These are outlined in the current Clinical Handbook and/or the final semester courses.

Curriculum Design

Course work in the B.S.N. curriculum is divided into three separate areas: general education, nursing, and electives.

General Education Requirements

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

General education courses help lay the foundation for the nursing courses and also serve to provide the student with a well-rounded education. The general education portion of the B.S.N. curriculum consists of approximately 54 credit hours divided into five distinct clusters. Although many courses meet the requirements of more than one cluster, a single course can only be used to meet one requirement. A course may not be used to meet more than one requirement. All courses required for the degree must be taken for a grade.

Critical/Analytical Science Cluster (21 cr.)

Biological Sciences (18 cr.)
CHEM C102 Elementary Chemistry II
MICR M250 Microbial Cell Biology
MICR M255 Microbiology: Laboratory (2 cr.)
PHSL P261 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (5 cr.)
PHSL P262 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (5 cr.)

Statistics (3 cr.)
MATH K300 Statistical Techniques for Health Professions
NURS H355 Data Analysis in Clinical Practice and Health Care Research
PSY P354 Statistical Analysis in Psychology
SOC S351 Social Statistics

Communication Cluster (9 cr.)
ENG W131 Elementary Composition
SPCH S121 Public Speaking

One additional course chosen from the course distribution list available from the School of Nursing academic advisors.

Cultural Diversity Cluster (6 cr.)
Two courses chosen from the cultural diversity section of the course distribution list available from the School of Nursing academic advisors.

Social Competence Cluster (12 cr.)
PSY P103 General Psychology
PSY P216 Life Span Developmental Psychology
SOC S161 Principles of Sociology

One additional course chosen from the social competence cluster on the course distribution list available from the School of Nursing academic advisors.

Humanistic Cluster (6 cr.)
PHIL P393 Biomedical Ethics

One of the following:
PHIL P100 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL P105 Thinking and Reasoning
PHIL P140 Introduction to Ethics (R)

Note: General education courses taken to fulfill prerequisite requirements may not be taken as a pass/fail option.

Elective Requirements

Students must complete a total of 6 credit hours of elective courses. These may be courses from any discipline on campus including nursing. Core prerequisite requirements may also be used in this area.

Nursing Requirements

The program has 64 credit hours of required nursing courses. Students must be formally admitted to the B.S.N. degree program in order to enroll in nursing courses. Nursing courses will generally be completed in the order shown in the following sample plan-of-study. Nursing core courses begin with the sophomore one semester. Students will be required to successfully complete the entire set of courses which the School of Nursing designates each semester.

Sample Plan-of-Study

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

Freshman One (14 cr.)
ENG W131 Elementary Composition
PHSL P261 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (5 cr.)
SOC S161 Principles of Sociology
Cultural diversity elective

Freshman Two (17 cr.)
CHEM C102 Elementary Chemistry II
PHSL P262 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (5 cr.)
PSY P103 General Psychology
SPCH S121 Public Speaking
Social competence elective

Sophomore One (15 cr.)
MICR M250 Microbial Cell Biology
MICR M255 Microbiology: Laboratory (2 cr.)
NURS B232 Introduction to the Discipline of Nursing: Theory, Practice, Research
NURS B233 Health and Wellness (4 cr.)
PHIL P140 Introduction to Ethics

Sophomore Two (15 cr.)
NURS B244 Comprehensive Health Assessment (2 cr.)
NURS B245 Comprehensive Health Assessment: Practicum (2 cr.)
NURS B248 Science and Technology of Nursing (2 cr.)
NURS B249 Science and Technology of Nursing: Practicum (2 cr.)
NURS B251 Life Span Development Practicum (1 cr.)
PSY P216 Life Span Developmental Psychology
Cultural diversity elective

Junior One (17 cr.)
NURS H351 Alterations in Neuro-Psychological Health
NURS H352 Alterations in Neuro-Psychological Health: Practicum (2 cr.)
NURS H353 Alterations in Health I
NURS H354 Alterations in Health I: The Practicum (2 cr.)
Statistics requirement
Communications elective

Junior Two (14 cr.)
NURS H361 Alterations in Health II
NURS H362 Alterations in Health II: The Practicum (2 cr.)
NURS H363 The Developing Family and Child (4 cr.)
NURS H364 The Developing Family and Child: The Practicum (2-3 cr.)
NURS H365 Nursing Research

Senior One (16 cr.)
NURS S470 Restorative Health Related to Multi-System Failures
NURS S471 Restorative Health Related to Multi-System Failures: The Practicum (2 cr.)
NURS S472 A Multi-System Approach to the Health of the Community
NURS S473 A Multi-System Approach to the Health of the Community: The Practicum (2 cr.)
PHIL P393 Biomedical Ethics
Open elective

Senior Two (15 cr.)
NURS S481 Nursing Management (2 cr.)
NURS S482 Nursing Management: The Practicum
NURS S483 Clinical Nursing Practice Capstone
NURS S484 Research Utilization Seminar (1-2 cr.)
NURS S485 Professional Growth and Empowerment
Open elective

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program for Registered Nurses

The IUSB School of Nursing program for Registered Nurses (R.N.) continuing their education through a B.S.N. degree strives to involve the R.N.’s talents, experiences, and expertise in the curriculum. As such, the curriculum prepares a generalist in professional nursing and serves as the basis for graduate studies. The purpose of the bachelor’s degree program is to offer a creative curriculum for the education of professional nurses competent in meeting the current and future health needs of society.

For the R.N., the curriculum builds on the nurse’s basic preparation and is designed to maximize their completed formal education and experiences in nursing. A bachelor’s degree education begins with an ample foundation in the sciences and humanities in order to assist the graduate expand appreciation for and participation in the broader community and culture. These general education courses are typically offered in the traditional semester format in the evenings or during the day. The upper-division nursing courses prepare nurses for career enhancement and transitions in our changing health care system and world. Efforts are made to alternate these courses so that several courses are offered either on a single day or in the evenings. Interactions in the classroom and clinical sites with other B.S.N. students and faculty benefit everyone in their professional development.

Following a thorough self-assessment of past experiences, education and professional goals, the R.N. can design an individual course plan to best meet his or her needs and aspirations. (While every effort will be made to develop a plan to meet requirements in a timely manner, interruptions in study plans will not guarantee the courses for the initial plan or the graduation date.) Nurses with clinical and/or management work experience can exchange this background for clinical courses through special credits or the portfolio option. Nurses may also request course substitutions for content offered by other disciplines which may be a part of their career plans.

In order to help the R.N. meet the curriculum requirements in a flexible and individual manner, the R.N. faculty advisor will clarify curriculum requirements as well as assist with the progression assessment and plan of study.

Students must also meet the requirements for admission to IUSB.

Academic Requirements

• Full admission to Indiana University.
• Verification of a current registered nurse license in Indiana.
• Cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or greater.

General Education Requirements

A minimum of 58 credit hours in general education are required for the R.N. in the B.S.N. degree program. Courses in addition to the required courses can be selected from the cluster course list available from the R.N. faculty advisor. The requirements are divided into three categories of clusters:

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

Critical/Analytical/Science Courses (21 cr.)
Courses required include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and statistics. If anatomy, physiology and microbiology courses total less than 12 credit hours, a biologically-based science course is required.

Courses should be equivalent to:
MICR M250 Microbial Cell Biology
PHSL P261 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (5 cr.)
PHSL P262 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (5 cr.)

Statistics Elective
One of the following (or its equivalent):
MATH K300 Statistical Techniques for Health Professions
NURS H355 Data Analysis in Clinical Practice and Health Care Research
PSY P354 Statistical Analysis in Psychology
SOC S351 Social Statistics

Cultural/Social/Humanistic/Communication Courses (30 cr.)
A minimum of one course in the cultural diversity cluster is required. Requirements include:
ENG W131 Elementary Composition
PHIL P393 Biomedical Ethics
PSY P103 General Psychology
SOC S161 Principles of Sociology

One of the following
PHIL P140 Introduction to Ethics
Introductory philosophy course

Oral Communication Elective (3 cr.)
One of the following:
SPCH S121 Public Speaking
SPCH S122 Interpersonal Communication

Open Electives (7 cr.)

Nursing Course Requirements

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

A minimum of 30 credit hours required.

NURS B244 Comprehensive Health Assessment (2 cr.)
NURS B245 Comprehensive Health Assessment: Practicum (2 cr.)
NURS B304 Professional Nursing Seminar I
NURS B404 Professional Nursing Seminar II
NURS H365 Nursing Research
NURS S472 A Multi-System Approach to the Health of the Community
NURS S473 A Multi-System Approach to the Health of the Community: The Practicum (2 cr.)
NURS S481 Nursing Management (2 cr.)
NURS S482 Nursing Management: The Practicum
NURS S483 Clinical Nursing Practice Capstone
NURS S484 Research Utilization Seminar (1-2 cr.)
NURS S485 Professional Growth and Empowerment

Prior Learning Credits

Up to 34 credit hours are awarded for graduation from an accredited nursing program upon successful completion of NURS B404 Professional Nursing Seminar II. Additional special credits may be awarded for nursing certification. Consult with the R.N. faculty advisor for further information. (See portfolio options.)

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