National Background Check Policy

Most of the clinical sites where Indiana University Northwest School of Nursing students complete their hands-on clinical experiences (such as hospitals, clinics, and other agencies) require a national criminal background check before students can be placed in their organization.  Based on the requirements of these agencies, as well as state and federal regulations, all students in the School of Nursing must undergo a national background check prior to admission and annually thereafter (more information will be given on admission).  The background check includes the following: residency history for the past year and county/counties of residence criminal records. The results of a student's background check may impact his or her admission status in the School of Nursing, preclude students from attending clinical, and/or affect ability to obtain licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in the state of Indiana and other states.

Per the School of Nursing's clinical affiliation agreements, all background checks that are other than negative will be sent to the student's clinical agency/agencies for review. If a clinical agency refuses to allow a student to participate in a clinical at the agency, the student may not be allowed to progress in the nursing program.

If an incident occurs that would change your background check, you are required to notify the School of Nursing immediately. You may be required to pay for a background re-check.

Failure to adhere to the above policy will result in dismissal from the program. The student will not be able to re-register until this requirement is met.  The student will be responsible for any late registration fees incurred. If clinical time is missed, the student is subject to the clinical absence policy.

Health Requirements

All nursing students at IU Northwest must show proof that they have met the immunization, physical examination, and laboratory examination requirements of hospitals and other health agencies used for clinical experiences, as well as health care provider CPR certification. Specific instructions will be distributed prior to clinical assignment. Failure to meet those health requirements will make the student ineligible for clinical classes. Annual OSHA training related to blood-borne pathogens is required of all students. Students will be notified of training dates and times. The School of Nursing faculty and administrators strongly encourage students to carry personal health insurance. The school will not be liable for any health problems requiring medical treatment for students enrolled in programs.

Drug Screen Policy

Some clinical sites require a drug screen. In addition, faculty reserve the right to require a drug screen, at the student's expense, if the situation warrants. Failure to comply immediately will result in dismissal from the nursing program.

Dress Code

Nursing students wear the designated uniform of the school. All students wear the designated photo identification badge. For experience in community nursing, all students wear the uniform designated by agency policy. Students not appropriately attired may be asked to leave the clinical area by their instructor. Such an occurrence constitutes an absence.

Application Ineligiblity

A student shall be ineligible for the nursing program if, by the second completed attempt, he/she fails to earn a minimum grade of C (2.0) in any required general-education course. Students may repeat no more than three required general-education courses. Of the three courses, no more than two sciences may be repeated. A pattern of course withdrawals may reduce the student's chances of admission to the undergraduate nursing program. Students must meet minimum cumulative and pre-nursing GPA requirements.

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 Indiana Professional Licensing Agency written evidence, verified by oath, that he/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 there from; and
• 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. (Note: Convictions include the possession and use of drugs or controlled substances.)  Most states, including Indiana, require a national criminal background check.  

Rules and regulations governing licensing in Indiana are available from the Indiana State Board of Nursing.

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 licensing examination.

Application for National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)

The School of Nursing will make available the necessary forms to take the examination 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 process and meet the mailing and payment deadlines for taking the NCLEX (state board examination for licensure).

School of Nursing Dean's List

Full-time undergraduate students in the School of Nursing will be placed on the School of Nursing Dean's List each semester that they receive a GPA of 3.5 or above. Part-time students will be honored after they have had consecutive fall and spring semesters (during the same academic year) on a part-time basis and they have accumulated 12 credit hours or more.

Repeating Courses 

See School of Nursing Policy on repeat of Nursing courses.