The nursing program is tailored to meet the needs of beginning students as well as experienced nurses returning to complete a BSN. The nursing program provides a robust background for students in practice and for future graduate study. The curriculum is based on the AACN Essentials of Baccalaureate Nursing Practice (2013), the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses, and the Indiana State Nurse Practice Act.

Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Indiana University Kokomo is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, (https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE).

Scholarships and Financial Aid
Pre-nursing and nursing students are eligible for scholarships and financial aid offered to IU Kokomo students. Information may be found in the “Scholarships and Financial Aid” section of this bulletin. Information can also be obtained by contacting the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Kelley Student Center.

Sigma Theta Tau
The School of Nursing at IU Kokomo is a proud member of the Alpha Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing. The mission of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International is dedicated to support the learning, knowledge and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide. Membership is by invitation to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, and to nurse leaders exhibiting exceptional achievements in nursing.

Health Insurance
Students are required to have health insurance once admitted to the major and should carry their card with them during each clinical course. Should an incident necessitating student treatment occur while in the clinical setting, associated costs will be the responsibility of the student and billed to the student’s insurance provider.  Failure to maintain health insurance is grounds for dismissal from the program.

Health Requirements
All nursing students must provide evidence of compliance with health and safety requirements (immunizations, drug and TB testing, physical examination, background check, CPR, and orientation requirements). Failure to adhere to the policy as posted in the Student Handbook may lead to serious consequences, up to and including course failure and program dismissal. Requirements are subject to change at the discretion of healthcare agencies. Evidence of student compliance with each of the requirements will be provided to the clinical agency upon request. Notification of requirement changes will be forwarded as soon as they are communicated to the school. Submission of this documentation is a requirement of the healthcare agencies. Failure to submit the documentation will result in non-placement for clinical courses, and thus prohibit the student from progressing in the nursing major.

Clinical Attendance
Missing 20% or more of the clinical hours for a course will constitute failure in that course. Students are expected to attend every scheduled clinical, excepting illness or approved absence. Further guidance may be found in the BSN Student Handbook.

Inappropriate Behavior in Clinical Setting
If at any time, in the judgment of an IU Kokomo School of Nursing faculty member, a student appears to be unable to perform clinical responsibilities safely or in any way compromises safe client care, the student will be dismissed from clinical for that day and may not return until the situation is resolved to the satisfaction of the School of Nursing. If a representative of the clinical facility and/or faculty member requests the student have a drug screen prior to leaving the facility, the student must comply (at the student’s expense) or face dismissal from the nursing program. Further guidance may be found in the BSN Student Handbook.

Standardized Testing
Students in the pre-licensure nursing major will be required to take standardized competency tests pertaining to each of the major content areas throughout the curriculum, as well as at program entry and near graduation. These exams may be scheduled at times other than course meeting times. Further guidance may be found in the BSN Student Handbook.

Dosage Calculation Testing
Students must pass a medication administration proficiency exam at 90% in the sophomore 2 semester in order to progress to the junior year. Medication calculation questions may appear on any or all core nursing exams, even if such calculation was not a part of the material taught directly in that course.

Dress Code
While in clinical and laboratory experiences, nursing students are expected to wear professional attire and the approved photo identification badge in compliance with the BSN Student Handbook. Students not appropriately attired may be asked to leave the clinical area by their instructor. BSN students admitted to the nursing major are required to purchase the official Indiana University nursing uniform bearing the Indiana University logo. The IU Kokomo crimson scrub uniform is to only be worn when the student is in clinical or laboratory or other activities in which the student is representing the School of Nursing. While in uniform, students are expected to behave in a professional manner.

Eligibility for Licensure
Those who apply for licensure examination as a registered nurse in the state of Indiana are required to submit to the Indiana State Board of Nursing written evidence, verified by oath, that they (1) have not been convicted of any act that would constitute grounds for disciplinary sanction under the State Board rules and regulations, or any felony that has direct bearing on their ability to practice competently (note that convictions include the possession and use of alcohol, drugs or controlled substances); have completed an approved high school course of study or its equivalent, as approved by the appropriate educational agency; (3) have completed all graduation requirements at a state-accredited school of nursing; (4) have completed a criminal background check; and (5) fingerprinting. It is each student’s responsibility to meet licensure application deadlines. Students wishing to take the licensure examination in another state must contact that state’s board of nursing directly. International students and graduates of foreign nursing programs should contact the Indiana State Board of Nursing for specific licensure requirements.