Equal Educational Opportunity

It is the policy of Washburn University to assure equal educational and employment opportunity to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, gender, marital or parental status, or sexual orientation.

HIPAA Requirements

Students will receive HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) training prior to attending clinical. This training is mandatory for all nursing students.

Completion of Prerequisite Courses

All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of C or better before beginning the upper division nursing courses.

Clinical Placement

Students participate in a wide variety of clinical experiences. Clinical experiences may be during the week, on weekends, in the evenings, and outside the Topeka area. With increased class size, students should expect to travel to clinical agencies outside Topeka.

Retention and Progression in the Major

Following admission to the nursing major, a student’s progress is evaluated by the Undergraduate Admission, Progression, and Retention (UAPR) Committee upon completion of each nursing course. The School of Nursing follows the University policy of requiring attainment of a minimum grade of C in all required nursing courses.

Grades of Incomplete for Nursing Courses

Course grades of incomplete are given under specific conditions as outlined in the University catalog. In the event that a grade of incomplete has been awarded to a student, the student must complete course work in sufficient time so that a final course grade can be awarded one week prior to the next semester. Students may not progress to the next semester without special permission from the Dean.

Academic Warning and Dismissal

A minimum grade of C is considered a passing grade in all nursing courses.  

If a student receives a final grade of D or F in a nursing course the student will be placed on Academic Warning. Withdrawing from a course is considered a failing grade. The student may be allowed to repeat the course after approval by the UAPR committee and on a space-available basis. Students repeating courses should expect a delayed graduation date due to prerequisites required by each level. 

If a student has 2 failures in the same course the student will be dismissed from the program.  Students have 4 years to complete the BSN degree beginning once they start level 1 nursing courses.  

Non-Academic Dismissal

To remain in the BSN program at Washburn University students must:

• Adhere to the nursing profession’s Code of Ethics.
• Adhere to the School of Nursing Code of Professional Conduct for Nursing Students located in Student Handbook.
• Adhere to the professional conduct requirements outlined in the rules and regulations of the Kansas Nurse Practice Act.
• Adhere to Washburn University’s Student Conduct Code and academic impropriety policy as described in the Washburn University Catalog and Student Planner and Handbook.

Students are expected to exhibit professional behavior in the classroom, on campus, and in the practicum settings. Such behavior must reflect the values and ethics of the nursing profession. Should a student be able to perform academically and clinically, yet demonstrate behaviors, values, or attitudes inconsistent with professional nursing practice, non-academic dismissal from the BSN program will be considered. This decision is governed by specific criteria, policies, and procedures as published in the University Catalog and Student Planner and Handbook. The School of Nursing follows the reporting and disciplinary procedures as presented in the Washburn University Student Conduct Code.

Withdrawal from the Nursing Major

A student who wishes to withdraw from the nursing major should present to the Dean of the School of Nursing a written statement of intent to withdraw. An official University withdrawal must be completed in person at the Student One Stop in Morgan Hall Room 101A. Re-application to the School of Nursing will be necessary should the student desire to re-enter the nursing program.

Nursing Skills Competency Following an Absence

Students who have been absent from a baccalaureate nursing program for more than one semester must pass a skills competency examination. The competency exam must be successfully completed the week prior to the beginning of the semester. The student may access the Learning Center resources for review of skills. Students who do not pass the competency exam will be reviewed by the UAPR Committee for decisions regarding remediation or course placement.

Appeal Procedure for a Student Dismissed from the Nursing Major

The student must provide a written request to the Chairperson of the UAPR Committee regarding reconsideration and stating their reasons for disagreement with the decision of the Committee. The letter to the UAPR Committee should include the following: 

• an explanation for the situation surrounding the grades received, 
• rationale for continuing in the program, and 
• a plan of action for future academic success. 

The UAPR committee will review above, and the decision by the committee will be final. 

Attendance

Regular attendance (both in person and online) at all classes and clinical experiences is expected as a part of professional responsibility and is required of all nursing majors. Students are expected to notify the nursing course instructor in advance when there is need to be absent from a class or clinical experience. Students are required to make up missed clinical time. Students who have missed an excessive portion of a given course may be withdrawn from the course or receive a failing grade.

Health Clearance Requirements

A health examination, together with prescribed laboratory tests and immunizations, including Hepatitis B vaccine (or signed waiver), is a requirement for entrance into the nursing major. A flu immunization is required for all students. The completion of health clearance requirements is each student’s responsibility. The School of Nursing has partnered with Verified Credentials to track pre-licensure student health clearance records and to conduct pre-entrance background checks and drug screens. Students will be provided simple instructions on how to submit their health clearance documentation and will be assessed a fee upon signing up on the Verified Credentials website. Any questions or concerns regarding uploading documents should be directed to Verified Credentials via their website chat feature, email (clientservices@verifiedcredentials.com) or phone (800.938.6090). Nursing students must submit all health clearance requirements by July 1st for the Fall semester, and December 1st for the Spring semester. Students may not participate in any clinical practicums without being compliant with all their health clearance requirements. Failure to comply with health clearance deadlines may result in disenrollment from the program.

Many clinical sites used by the Washburn University School of Nursing of practical experiences are now requiring proof of the COVID-019 vaccination and/or testing for nursing students. The School of Nursing must follow each clinical partner's health clearance requirements.

The student is responsible for renewing health clearance information annually, by July 1 or December 1 (corresponding to the initial admission date to the nursing major), with his/her personal physician or through the University Student Health Service. Forms for the Annual Health Examination are available through Verified Credentials. Any expenses associated with health examinations or incurred during the course of study in the nursing major are borne by the student.

All nursing students are required to carry personal health insurance and to show verification of a health insurance policy. A group health insurance program is available to all students on an annual basis through the university. All international students, unless they have evidence of other health insurance, must participate in the University sponsored insurance program which is available at each registration period. The cost of the health insurance is the student’s responsibility.

CPR Certification

Current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR for the Professional Rescuer) is required for all nursing students. Students are responsible for completing the CPR requirement prior to entering the nursing major and for keeping the certification current throughout the nursing program.

Student Liability Insurance

A group liability insurance policy is provided through Washburn University at no cost to students admitted to the nursing major. The policy protects nursing students only when they are engaged in clinical learning experiences under Washburn nursing faculty supervision.

Background Checks and Drug Screen

A criminal background check and drug screen will be completed on students admitted to the School of Nursing prior to onset of first semester. Students must complete the process with the company designated by Washburn University and are responsible for all costs related to completing the background checks. Background clearance and drug screen must be completed and available to the School of Nursing by July 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester. Students who have not been cleared by this date will not be permitted to begin the semester, regardless of the outcome of the background check.

Nursing Students Employed by Clinical Agencies

Acknowledging the multiple roles in which students may function during their time in nursing school, it is important that role boundaries be maintained. Role boundaries may be applicable for students employed by the University as student workers, graduate students employed as School of Nursing faculty, as well as students who are employed by clinical agencies.

Students do not represent the University or the School of Nursing while working in an employment setting off campus. Students must maintain awareness of the boundaries that separate their performance and action as students from how they may function in roles outside of the SON educational setting.

Guidelines to demonstrate understanding of student versus employee roles include, but are not limited to the following

• Students shall not wear Washburn University scrubs and identification badges when employed in a clinical setting.
• Students shall not perform tasks or assume responsibilities in an employment setting not included in their job description.
• Students employed by Washburn University shall not share confidential or privileged information for which they may have access.
• Use of office equipment/materials is permitted, for faculty employment or tutoring services, but may not be used for personal assignments.

Students who demonstrate any role boundary problems will be counseled regarding these actions, which may result in sanctions by the either the Undergraduate Admissions, Progression and Retention Committee (UAPR) or the Graduate Admissions, Progression and Retention Committee. Washburn University liability insurance does not cover nursing students under employment conditions.

Policy Statement on Chemical Dependency

The School of Nursing, as a unit within Washburn University, prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students on University property or as part of any School of Nursing activities on or off campus. The School of Nursing faculty will follow federal, state and local laws as indicated in the Washburn University Student Disciplinary Code and Drug Free Workplace policy. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action by the University in accordance with University policies and procedures.

The School of Nursing will require students applying for admission to the School of Nursing to disclose any current chemical dependency and the nature of treatment being received. The School of Nursing will communicate to students the requirements of the Kansas State Board of Nursing for chemically dependent students who apply for licensure.

The School of Nursing defines chemical dependency as an illness in which alcohol and/or drug use interferes with the person’s ability to function safely and affects the person’s physical, emotional and social health. Chemical dependency is characterized by physical and psychological dependence on drugs/alcohol and if untreated causes health, social and legal problems, and possibly death. The School of Nursing faculty believes it has a professional and ethical responsibility to students and patients to provide a safe teaching and learning environment.

The School of Nursing faculty will confront students who show signs of chemical dependency, or in whom there is suspicion of chemical dependency, and direct them into further assessment and evaluation. Drug screening is required of all students in certain clinical settings and also may be required at any time if suspicion of alcohol and/or drug use exists. When there is evidence of chemical dependency, students will be directed into a treatment program. Continuation of chemically dependent students in the School of Nursing depends on compliance with the treatment program and with the terms of a contract initiated by the Dean of the School with the student. The faculty will maintain a supportive attitude toward chemically dependent students during their treatment program and in the follow-up period. The faculty believes that students who comply with treatment and remain drug free can become safe practicing nurses.

Student Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity is essential for maintaining a standard of professional behavior expected of all students enrolled in the School of Nursing. Becoming a member of the School of Nursing obligates implicit and explicit adherence to academic integrity.

Academic integrity implies honesty in all aspects of the educational process and is essential for promotion of an optimum learning environment, and for the development of personal and professional responsibility and accountability in nursing students. Students in the School of Nursing are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner according to the ANA Code for Nurses (see Student Handbook) and to adhere to all School of Nursing and University policies in any endeavor associated with School of Nursing activities, either on or off campus. Dishonesty, disruption of learning experiences, or any other form of academic impropriety or misconduct will not be tolerated. A partial list of proscribed behaviors pertaining to academic misconduct in the School of Nursing is included below. See also the University Student Disciplinary code (both of which are included in the University Catalog). A student shall be subject to disciplinary action or sanction upon violation of any of the following conduct proscriptions:

1. Disruption and disorderly conduct which interferes with the rights and opportunities of other students to pursue their academic studies.
2. Academic impropriety including, but not limited to:
   • Cheating on tests.
   • Copying from another student’s test paper.
   • Using materials during a test not authorized by the person giving the test.
   • Collaboration with any other person during a test without authorization.
   • Attempting to obtain, or knowingly obtaining, using, buying, selling, transporting or soliciting in whole or in part the contents of an unreleased test or information about an unreleased test.
   • Bribing another person to obtain a copy of an unreleased test or information about an unreleased test.
   • Substituting for another student or permitting any other person to substitute for oneself to take a test.
   • “Plagiarism,” which means the appropriation of any other person’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one’s own work offered for credit.
   • Submitting the same work for more than one course, unless authorized to do so by the instructors of all the courses in question.
   • “Collusion,” which means the unauthorized collaboration with any other person in preparing work offered for credit.
3. Filing a formal complaint with the Associate VP of Student Life, University Police or other University officials(s) with the intention of falsely accusing another with having violated a provision of this code.
4. Furnishing false information to the University with the intent to deceive, the intimidation of witnesses, the destruction of evidence with the intent to deny its presentation to University Officials.
5. Forgery, alteration, unauthorized destruction, unauthorized use or misuse of university documents, records, identification cards, or computer services.
6. Physically abusing, harassing, or intentionally inflicting severe emotional distress upon a member of the University community on or off campus; or physically abusing, harassing or intentionally inflicting severe emotional distress upon a non-member of the university community on campus or while engaged in university activities off campus.
7. Intentional disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other university activities or programs whether occurring on or off campus or of activities or programs authorized or permitted by the university to be conducted on campus.
8. Unauthorized entry upon the property of the university or into a university facility or any portion thereof, including a computer file, which has been reserved, restricted in use, or placed off limits; unauthorized presence in any university facility after closing hours; or unauthorized possession or use of a key to any university facility.
9. Violation on campus of any state or federal law or violation of any state or federal law off campus while participating in any university sponsored activity, including but not limited to sex offenses and/or sexual assault as defined by the laws for the State of Kansas.

Other Information

Program Expenses

Tuition and fees are established by the University Board of Regents and are subject to change at any time. Nursing courses are assessed at a higher per credit hour tuition rate than other undergraduate courses. Nursing students should anticipate additional costs for physical examinations, laboratory tests, immunizations, health insurance, CPR certification, laboratory supplies, textbooks, uniforms, transportation to clinical agencies, RN licensing fees, nursing pin, and graduation fees. Nursing students also are expected to have a bandage scissors, stethoscope, and other laboratory equipment. Laboratory packets are a required purchase. ATI - Assessment Technologies Institute is a product students are required to use for the duration of the Undergraduate nursing program. The cost for this product is billed at the beginning of each semester for four semesters to the student's account.

Nursing majors will be required to complete a comprehensive assessment and review program in preparation for registered nurse licensure. Students will receive curricular materials each semester and complete normative examinations in specific content areas in the second, third and fourth semesters of the curriculum. Students must pass the RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam to successfully complete NU 494 Capstone/Seminar. The minimum passing score on the RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam, as noted in the NU 494 syllabus, is subject to change as the exam is revised on a regular basis.

Scholarships, Grants and Loans

Students who have been admitted to the School of Nursing and have above average academic records and/or a demonstrated financial need may apply for nursing scholarships through the School of Nursing. The application form is available on the School of Nursing website: https://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/nursing/index.html. Nursing endowed scholarships are awarded by recommendation of the Dean of the School of Nursing. The Financial Aid Office disburses awards to student accounts. Deadlines for application for Fall and Spring Scholarships are February 15 and October 15 respectively. The Financial Aid Office has additional information on other types of financial assistance available.

Student Nursing Organization

Student Nurses of Washburn - SNOW (See description and membership eligibility in Pre-licensure BSN Student Handbook).

Honors for Graduating Seniors

Nursing students who demonstrate academic excellence are recognized at the completion of their course of study. Two Honors designations are recognized. Both designations require Faculty Consensus Commendation to receive either School of Nursing Honors or School of Nursing Scholar. See the School of Nursing Pre-licensure BSN Student Handbook for complete details.

Graduation Awards

Members of each graduating class are eligible to be nominated and selected by the faculty for School of Nursing Awards. Criteria for each award is detailed in the Pre-licensure BSN Student Handbook. The awards include the Aletha J. Cushinberry Professionalism in Nursing Award; the Alice Jensen Award, the Spirit of Nursing award, and the Alice Young Award.

Dean’s Honor Roll

Students whose grade point average for the semester is equivalent to 3.40 or better are honored by having their names placed upon the Dean’s Honor Roll.

President’s Honor Roll

Students whose grade point average for the semester is 4.00 are honored by having their names placed upon the President’s Honor Roll and they are so notified by the President.

ROTC Programs

The University of Kansas has an Army ROTC, Navy ROTC and Air Force/Space Force which offer a cross-town enrollment program for nursing students interested in obtaining a commission.