BSN Program Extra-Curricular Requirements, Parameters, and Policies 

Immunizations due August preceding sophomore, junior, and senior year

• All immunizations due on admission to Nursing
• Documentation of TB skin test or screening must be submitted annually

CPR due August preceding sophomore, junior and senior year

• Basic Life Support for Healthcare providers. Topics include infant, child, adult, and two-rescuer basic life support and use of Automated External Defibrillator. Certification must be current (not expired) throughout the nursing program. It is the student’s responsibility to renew CPR before the expiration date.

• Background checks are due annually. 
• Sophomores – National background check
• Juniors and Seniors – Indiana and Kentucky background checks
• RN-BSN students must submit verification of Indiana  licensure that is in good standing.  Documentation must be received in the nursing office prior to admission to the Nursing cohort and annually each November.  If the license is under investigation, on probation or revoked due to action by the Board of Nursing, the student’s standing in the program may be jeopardized.

Transcript Review with Academic Advisor due Sophomore year and/or Junior year 

• Order through the Nursing office

• Call 941-2283 to make appointment or see secretary in the nursing office.

Lab Supplies/ Bags due Spring semester of sophomore year

• Order through the Nursing office

• February with application to program - Preliminary Assessment
• Spring of Junior year - Mid-curricular Exam
• Spring of Senior year - Exit Exam
• May of Senior year - HESI Review

Uniforms due Spring of sophomore year

• Faculty will review guidelines.

Drug Screening due August preceding sophomore, junior and senior year

• Minimum screening (5 Panel) will test for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates and phencyclidine (PCP). Additional testing may be required.

 Drug Screening

1. IU Southeast nursing students are expected to comply with drug screening as requested.  Requirements are subject to change at any time during the program.
2. Students entering the fifth semester (junior year) of the nursing program will obtain the required screen and submit documentation of results to the nursing office by the specified date.
3. Minimum screening (5 Panel) will test for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates and phencyclidine (PCP).  Additional testing may be required if indicated by laboratory results, presenting symptoms or suspected impairment that has the potential to cause harm to patients and/or peers.
4. Any student with positive results  for  illicit or performance altering drugs  will be reviewed by the Admission, Progression, Graduation (APG) committee to determine if further  action is indicated.  These actions may include referral, additional testing and/or dismissal from the program.
5. Students who do not submit documentation of drug screening may be subject to dismissal from the program.

Immunization Guidelines/Infectious Disease Prevention

Documentation (a physician statement or copy of the medical record) of immunizations and tuberculosis screening is required to be submitted by all students on admission to the nursing program.

1. TB skin test (PPD): Obtain a PPD tuberculin skin test or present documentation of chest x-ray or symptom screening.  Students must be tested annually thereafter or submit documentation of symptom screening annually.
2. MMR vaccine: Provide proof that they have received the MMR vaccine since 1980, or antibody titer.  This does not need to be repeated.
3. TETANUS AND DIPTHERIA: Immunized within the last ten years.
4. POLIOMYELITIS: If the immunization record is not available, student or parents memory of receipt of primary series with booster may serve as adequate proof of immunization.  If immunization status cannot be documented, a primary series must be initiated.
5. VARICELLA: History of prior varicella or *varicella-zoster antibody as determined by a certified laboratory must be provided.
6. HEPATITIS B VACCINE: Proof of receipt of Hepatitis B vaccine series must be provided.  The student must have had the first injection in the series before the first day of class.
7. INFLUENZA: Influenza vaccine is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED annually.

OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is the basis for infection control for the School of Nursing.  Basic BSN students receive instruction and a printed copy of the Standard  upon entry to the nursing program.  BSN and RN-BSN students are expected to use standard/universal precautions appropriately. 

Academic Policies

Academic Standing

Good Standing - Students who maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 and earn a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in all required general education and didactic courses and a grade of “S” in all required practicum/clinical courses will be considered in good standing.

Academic Probation 

A student will be placed on probation when any of the following conditions exist:

1. The cumulative GPA falls below “C” (2.0).
2. The semester GPA falls below “C” (2).
3. A grade below “C” (2.0) has been received in a required didactic course or a grade of “F” has bee earned in a required practicum/clinical course.

Academic probation will be removed when all of the following conditions exist:

1. The cumulative GPA is “C” (2.0) or higher.
2. The semester GPA is “C” (2.0) or higher.
3. A minimum grade of “C” (2.0) has been received in the required didactic courses completed, and a grade of “S” has been earned in the required practicum/clinical courses completed.
4. All other specific conditions, if required, have been met.

Academically At-Risk Students

Objective:  To provide early intervention for students who are not meeting or who are minimally meeting expectations in the classroom and clinical setting.

Classroom

1. Students who consistently score below 80% on quizzes, tests and papers in the classroom will be notified at mid-term by the instructor or course leader. 
2. The student will be asked to complete a study plan  designed to improve progress and successfully complete the course.  The plan will be submitted to the instructor with follow-up discussion as needed.
3. Students are encouraged to meet with the instructor  to help improve academic performance early-on.

Practicum/Clinical

1. Students whose clinical performance is marginal or does not meet expectations will be counseled by faculty as issues arise.
2. If the student’s performance is consistently below expectations, the clinical instructor will initiate a written contract to identify performance problems and make recommendations for improvement.  The instructor and student will discuss the clinical contract, then sign and date the document.    Clinical contracts are binding and failure to meet expectations can result in course failure.

Admission and Readmission to the Nursing program

Objective:  To identify practices in the BSN and RN-BSN programs for admission and readmission of pre-nursing and nursing students.

1.   Students admitted to the BSN and RN-BSN nursing major must formally accept or decline admission in writing prior to beginning of the semester to which the student has been admitted.

• Students who have been accepted to the BSN program but decline acceptance for any reason must reapply to the program and compete with the applicant pool for the semester in which they request admission for the second time.
• BSN students have only two opportunities to decline admission in writing prior to losing their eligibility to apply.
• Students who have been accepted to the RN-BSN program but decline acceptance for any reason must declare a new admission target date. 

2.   Students admitted to the BSN program who withdraw from course work within the first semester must reapply for admission.

• Students who withdraw from course work within the first semester will have one opportunity for readmission.
• Reapplication must be within the time frame that would allow the student timely completion of the program.
• cStudents must adhere to the published dates for application.

3.   Students who have failed to register for each sequential semester once accepted into either the BSN or RN-BSN program will be seen as having interrupted their academic progress.

• Students must have completed one semester of study in the nursing program to be considered out of sequence students.
• Students who have interrupted their program of study for any reason must submit a written request to return at least one semester in advance of their return.  The request is submitted to the Admission, Progression, Graduation committee for deliberation.
• Students who are considered out of sequence* will be placed back in their required course work based on transcript evaluation, review of non-academic performance (i.e. Essential Abilities, Student Code of Conduct, etc)  and space availability.

 *A student in the nursing program is considered out of sequence when their academic progress has been interrupted for any reason and the student fails to register for each sequential semester.

Approval of Undistributed Courses

Students may progress toward the BSN degree by applying undistributed course work toward General Education or Nursing course credit.  The Admission, Progression, Graduation (APG) committee reviews the student request to approve or deny credit as appropriate. 

1.   The student submits a packet to the academic advisor for the APG committee that includes:

• A written request to the APG committee to approve the undistributed course, specifically noting the general education or nursing requirement the course is to meet.
• The course syllabus with goals and objectives or course description from an official website our college bulletin from the transferring academic institution.

2.   The APG committee responds to the student in writing.  If approved, the academic advisor applies the course to the student’s degree plan.

*Undistributed courses are courses transferred from another academic institution that are not IU Southeast  equivalent courses, however, the student is granted credit for the course on the credit transfer report.

Course Time Limit

• Knowledge and competencies developed in courses that fulfill the requirements for anatomy, physiology, microbiology, statistics and life span development are considered to be time-limited for individuals pursuing an undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.  If any of these courses were taken more than seven (7) years prior to admission to the nursing undergraduate degree, the program applicant must validate the related knowledge and competencies through testing, portfolio, or repeating the course to be eligible for admission and/or progression. 
• The Registered Nurse student pursuing a BSN degree is exempt from this policy.
• 

Withdrawal from Nursing Courses

Withdrawals (grade of W) from nursing courses will be issued to students wishing to withdraw from any or all courses in accordance with the University’s withdrawal policies and procedures.

1. Students withdrawing from nursing course work must complete the course prior to progression in the program.
2. Students who withdraw from the nursing major in the first semester must seek readmission to the program.  Readmission is subject to competitive review.
3. Students withdrawing from required nursing course work will be considered out-of-sequence students.  Students who have failed to register for each sequential semester once accepted into the program will be seen as having interrupted their academic progress and out of sequence.  The date of graduation for out of sequence students is not guaranteed.
4. Withdrawal from a didactic course requires an automatic withdrawal from the corresponding co-requisite courses. If a student withdraws from a didactic course that requires an automatic withdrawal from a co-requisite practicum, this withdrawal from the two courses will be counted as one withdrawal.
5. More than three academic withdrawals in a semester is considered lack of progress toward the degree. A pattern of withdrawals may influence a request for consideration of reinstatement to the nursing program.
6. Withdrawal from nursing program courses constitutes a disruption in progression and requires that a student seek reinstatement to the program. Students must submit a formal written request to the Admission, Progression, and Graduation (APG) Committee at least one semester in advance of wishing to return.
7. 

Dismissal from the Nursing Program

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

Failure to:

1. Achieve a 2.0 semester grade point average in any two consecutive semesters.
2. Earn a grade of C (2.0) or S (satisfactory) in any two required nursing courses (didactic or practicum/clinical) on the first attempt.
3. Achieve a minimum grade of C (2.0) in any required nursing didactic course or S (Satisfactory) in any required nursing practicum/clinical course by the second attempt.
4. Achieve a grade of C in three (3) or more general education courses required for the BSN degree.  Of the three courses, only two (2) failures will be allowed in science course work.  Any grade below a “C” is considered unsatisfactory (failing).
5. Meet Indiana University Southeast essential abilities expectations.
6. Meet expectations of the  IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct.

Plagiarism: cheating on an examination, quiz, or any other assignment; and falsifications of records or reports are causes for dismissal (See IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct).

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

The dismissal of any student is contingent upon review by the Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee.  Student dismissal is subject to the IU Southeast appeal process.

Reinstatement to the Nursing Major

• Students who have interrupted their course of study for any reason may request to be reinstated to the nursing program through the Admission, Progression, Graduation (APG) committee.
• Students who fail a nursing or pre-requisite course (that precludes progression in the curriculum) or withdraw from nursing courses in the first semester of the nursing program are not eligible for reinstatement.  These students must reapply to the program. Readmission is subject to competitive review.

Procedure

1. To be reinstated to the nursing program the student  must  meet with the academic advisor  before submitting the request for reinstatement to the Admission, Progression, Graduation (APG) committee.
2. The student submits a written request for reinstatement to the academic advisor who forwards it to the APG committee for consideration.  The committee reviews documentation from the student file and the written request to support or deny reinstatement.
3. The student will appear before the APG committee only at the request of the committee.
4. Additional documentation may be requested by the committee in order to make a decision about reinstatement.
5. The student will be notified in writing of the committee’s decision.  The Committee’s decision to reinstate does not guarantee a seat for the student since reinstatement may depend upon the availability of space in the class.

Grievance Process

• Students in the School of Nursing are expected to meet the standards of conduct as defined in the IU Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities and Conduct, the American Nurses Association’s Standards of Professional Performance, and the IU Southeast Essential Abilities. 
• Students are encouraged to consult with  nursing faculty associated with the problem/issue as the first step towards resolution.
• It is expected that the course faculty will discuss with students any issues/problems that violate standards of conduct.  First is a verbal discussion, and if inadequate response, progresses to a written warning.  If the behavior is serious enough to warrant a written clinical contract , the faculty will  identify the detrimental behavior and outline steps for improvement.
• If not resolved in the School of Nursing or if the behavior violates the IU Southeast Student Code of conduct, the student/faculty will follow the  IU Southeast grievance process.
• Plagiarism, cheating, etc. will be handled through the Office of Student Affairs and the dean of the School of Nursing.
• Violation of academic and/or conduct standards may be cause for dismissal from the nursing program.

Senior Recognition Awards

Senior awards provide a mechanism for recognizing graduates for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and competency achievements. The School of Nursing recognizes outstanding graduates annually at the baccalaureate ceremony.  Awards include:

1. Outstanding BSN student: Superior academic achievement
2. Outstanding RN student: Superior academic achievement
3. Lillian Yeager Leadership Award: Established by Dr. Lillian Martin Yeager, Dean from 2000-2006.  Recognizes a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the nursing program.  A monetary award will be presented during the annual Nursing Baccalaureate ceremony by Michelle Yeager (daughter) or Dean of the School of Nursing.
4. Other categories to recognize excellence as determined by faculty

Graduation Requirements

1. 123-127 credit hours of course completed course work in the nursing curriculum
2. Grade point average of 2.0 (C) or above
3. Grade of C or above in each required course and satisfactory (S) in all practica
4. Incomplete, deferred grades removed from the transcript
5. Special credit courses on transcript (RN-BSN students only)*
6. Course work completed within six years of enrollment in nursing courses

*Thirty five credit hours applied to the student’s transcript that count toward the BSN degree for basic nursing courses completed in the Associate of Science in Nursing program (after specified fees have been paid).

RN to BSN Policies

Admission to the RN-BSN Mobility Nursing Cohort

• Registered nurses seeking admission to the Indiana University School of Nursing must apply to the office of Admissions at IU Southeast.  With exception of admission to the nursing cohort, all School of Nursing policies pertinent to BSN program majors also apply to registered nurse undergraduate students.
• Admission to the Nursing cohort is not competitive.  RN students who have successfully completed general education requirements and maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and 2.7 nursing GPA are eligible to start the nursing cohort.

 Portfolio Review-RN/BSN Mobility Program

To establish a mechanism for assessing, validating and evaluating prior learning in order to award course credit or exemption for undergraduate nursing courses.   The portfolio provides evidence that students have acquired the content and skills through prior learning and/or practice experiences.  

1. Students may validate prior learning (academic work or professional experience) by preparing a portfolio to demonstrate acquisition of content and skills commensurate with outcomes, competencies or objectives of a specific course.
2. The portfolio option may be used for a course(s)  as long as it does not interfere with other university or school course/credit hour policies related to progression or graduation. 
3. Portfolio courses are graded as satisfactory (S) or Failure (F).  Students who are successful in the portfolio process will be awarded “special credit” for the course in question through the Indiana University Special Credit process.
4. To receive portfolio credit, students must be in good academic standing and demonstrate satisfactory progression toward degree requirements.
5. Undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours on the campus awarding the degree.  Courses/credits which are reviewed for portfolio credit do not count toward undergraduate residency requirements.
6. Faculty reserve the right to determine if the student is eligible for the Portfolio alternative.  This option will not be entertained when, in the faculty’s expert judgment, student learning might be compromised.
7. The success of the portfolio depends on the students’ ability to present sufficient related materials  that meet course objectives/competencies and critical learning experiences.  

Special Credit/Advanced Standing

Credit for foundational courses from the Associate Degree or Diploma program will be applied towards the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree for the RN-BSN student.  

1. RN students who successfully complete the RN to BSN Transition courses and successfully complete all pre and co-requisite course work may receive advanced standing via special credit in the RN-BSN program. 

2. Special credit will be awarded for the following nursing courses once the Professional Nursing Seminars are completed and students have paid any specified credit hour special fees:

• B 230 Developmental Issues and Health     4 cr.
• B 248 Science and Technology of Nursing     2 cr.
• B 249 Science and Technology of Nursing Practicum     2 cr.
• H 351 Alterations in Neuro-Psychological Health     3 cr.
• H 352 Alterations in Neuro-Psychological Health Practicum     2 cr.
• H 353 Alterations in Health I       3 cr.
• H 354 Alterations in Health I: Practicum     2 cr.
• H 361 Alterations in Health II      3 cr.
• H 362 Alterations in Health II: Practicum     2 cr.
• H 363 The Developing Family and Child     5 cr.
• H 364 The Developing Family and Child: Practicum     4 cr.
• S 470 Restorative Health Related to Multi-System Failures     4 cr.
• S 471 Restoratie Health Related to Multi-System Failures: Practicum     2 cr.

TOTAL     35 cr.

3. A grade of S (Satisfactory) will be recorded on the student’s transcript for the above courses according to criteria determined by faculty.

4. Special credit does not count toward residency credit.

Scholarships

*Financial Aid Office, US-105, (812) 941-2246, www.ius.edu/FinancialAid/