WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

Associate Degree Nursing Program

Student Handbook

Revised December 1, 2010

VERIFICATION RECEIPT OF ADN STUDENT HANDBOOK

I have received a copy (either paper or electronic) of the ADN Student

Handbook and understand its contents. I agree to abide by the policies
within this handbook and take full responsibility for reviewing it at the
beginning of each semester for updates and/or changes. By signing this, I
agree to reveal any personal violations, as well known or suspected
violations of others, to the ADN Program Director immediately.

Name: _______________________________________________
(print name)

Name: _______________________________________________
(student signature)

Date: __________________

WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

Associate Degree Nursing Program

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Nursing Program Accredited by:

National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500
Atlanta, GA 30326
P. 404.975.5000
www.nlnac.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Welcome Letter ........................................................................................................................... 5
History of the Associate Degree Nursing Program ...................................................................... 6
ADN Mission & Philosophy ......................................................................................................... 7
ADN Educational Outcomes........................................................................................................ 9
ADN Required Curriculum ......................................................................................................... 10
Core Performance Standards.................................................................................................... 11
ADN Program Policies.13
Student Participation in Governance ......................................................................................... 13
Kentucky Association of Nursing Students (KANS) ................................................................... 13
Recognition of Student Achievement ........................................................................................ 13
Health & Safety Policies...14
Immunizations, Titers & Mantoux Policy..14
Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure Policy..15
Latex Sensitivity Policy.......16
Criminal Record Check Policy ................................................................................................... 16
Drug Screen Policy ................................................................................................................... 17
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) ...................................................................................... 17
Health Insurance ....................................................................................................................... 17
Liability Insurance ..................................................................................................................... 17
Professional Conduct Policies18
Confidential Information ............................................................................................................ 18
Classroom Audio Taping Policy ................................................................................................ 18
Audio/Video Taping Policy ........................................................................................................ 18
Cellular Phone and Pager Policy .............................................................................................. 18
Travel........................................................................................................................................ 18
Academic Policies..19
Test Confidentiality Policy ......................................................................................................... 19
Student Absence from Examinations/Tests ............................................................................... 19
Student Assistance for Success ................................................................................................ 19
Grades ...................................................................................................................................... 19
Promotion and Retention Policies ............................................................................................. 20
Nursing Corequisite Withdrawal Policy.21
Clinical Skills Check Off Policy...21
Evolve Reach Testing and Remediation Policy ......................................................................... 21
Attendance Policy ..................................................................................................................... 22
Guide for Written Papers........................................................................................................... 23
Guidelines for Nursing Care Plans .......................................................................................24-26
Uniform Guidelines/Dress Code ................................................................................................ 26
Continuing Education Credit for LPNS ...................................................................................... 27
National Student Nurses Association
Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct......................................................................... 28
Code of Professional Conduct ....................................................................................... 29
Student Employment30
Kentucky Board of Nursing
Applicants for Licensure with Criminal Convictions ....................................................... 31

WELCOME!

The nursing faculty wish to welcome students entering the Associate Degree Nursing
Program at Western Kentucky University. As faculty members, we will work with you to reach
your goals and are ready to assist you in any way we can. We want you to enjoy the University,
the Nursing Program, your studies and nursing practice. A variety of career opportunities are
available for you upon graduation.
Our goal is to prepare you for beginning staff nurse positions. You must complete the
requirements of the respective program satisfactorily. Upon graduation, the student nurse must
pass the National Council Licensing Examination in order to practice as a registered nurse.
The faculty has prepared this ADN Student Handbook for your use in order to present the
nursing curriculum, policies and guidelines which are specific only to this program. For general
university regulations you will need to refer to the WKU Student Handbook.
We wish you the best as you proceed with your program of studies. If we can be of
assistance, please do not hesitate to let us know. Our doors are open and we welcome the
opportunity to talk with you.

Sincerely,
Nursing Faculty

HISTORY OF THE ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM

University administrative officers and members of various health and community agencies in the
Bowling Green area identified a need for adequately prepared registered nurses in
Southwestern Kentucky. In 1962, the Board of Regents of Western Kentucky University
approved the establishment of a basic nursing program. In October 1962, the Kentucky Board
of Nursing Education and Nurse Registration granted approval to establish an Associate Degree
Program in Nursing at Western Kentucky University. The first students were admitted in the Fall
1964 and graduated in May 1966. The program was first granted initial accreditation by the
NLN Council of Associate Degree Board of Review in 1966 and has continued to be
reaccredited since that time, with the last reaccreditation being in 2007 by the National League
for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Fulfilling the responsibility of a regional university to meet the needs of students in the
designated WKU service area, the ADN Program started offering nursing courses at the
Glasgow Extended Campus Fall 1987. Since that time students have been able to obtain their
associate of science degree in nursing at either campus.
The physical relocation of the ADN Program to the WKU South Campus occurred Fall 1998.
The actual administrative move from WKU Ogden College of Science and Technology to WKU
Bowling Green Community College occurred Fall 1999.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE COMMONWEALTH SCHOOL

The WKU Board of Regents established the Bowling Green Community College (BGCC) in
1986 to expand the educational opportunities for the community and the region. In Fall of 2010,
the Community College became University College Commonwealth School. It is one of the six
undergraduate colleges within the University and provides access and opportunity for higher
education and training through a variety of certificate, transfer and associate degree programs.

Revised August 2010

ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM

Philosophy/Mission

Mission Statement
The faculty of the Associate Degree Nursing Program of Western Kentucky University ascribe to
the Universitys commitment to produce nationally and globally competitive graduates and to
provide continuing education opportunities for lifelong learning to our constituents. The mission
of the Associate Degree Nursing Program is to provide the educational resources to meet the
needs for registered nurses. The program prepares the graduate as a generalist to give nursing
care in a variety of health care settings and provides the knowledge base for career mobility.

Philosophy
The faculty believes that nursing is a professional discipline, an art and science, which applies
knowledge from the psychological, biological, physical, and social sciences to meet the needs of
clients within an ever-changing health care environment. Nursing practice encompasses the
application of nursing process, critical thinking skills, therapeutic communication and cultural
sensitivity in the delivery of nursing care in various health care settings. The goal of nursing
practice is to use caring behaviors and therapeutic nursing interventions to assist clients to
achieve an optimal level of health or to die with dignity within the environment. Nurses respect
the clients right to self-determination as it relates to health care decisions. The unique
interaction between the nurse and the client is the essence of nursing practice.
The faculty believes that education for associate degree nurses is built upon a balance of
knowledge from general education, sciences and nursing that occurs within institutions of higher
learning. Nursing education is a dynamic process that fosters the mutual exchange between
faculty and learner in the attainment and application of knowledge for nursing practice. It is a
process that fosters critical thinking, independence and a quest for life-long learning. The
learner is an active and responsible partner within the learning process. The faculty acts as a
facilitator and resource that directs the learner toward self-discovery.

Organizing Framework
The organizing framework reflects the philosophy of the Associate Degree Nursing Program and
identifies the basic structural components of the curriculum. The organizational framework of the
curriculum is based on the concepts of nursing, client, health, environment, and is guided by
theoretical principles including Maslow and Erikson.
Nursing practice encompasses the application of nursing process, critical thinking skills,
therapeutic communication and cultural sensitivity in the delivery of nursing care in various
health care settings. The role of the associate degree nursing graduate includes provider of
care, manager of care, and member within the discipline of nursing. Integrated concepts
inherent in these three roles focus on the nurse as caregiver, teacher, coordinator,
communicator, collaborator, and advocate. Professional nurses are accountable for their
practice within the ANAs Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, ANAs Code of Ethics for
Nurses, licensing laws, and established policies and procedures. The client is defined as an

individual, family, or group that is unique with intrinsic worth and dignity. Clients come from
diverse backgrounds that influence the delivery of nursing care. Health is a dynamic process
that reflects the clients optimal level of functioning which can be enhanced by therapeutic
nursing interventions. Health is influenced by biological, developmental and environmental
factors, client values, societal interactions, and health behaviors. The client is in constant
interaction with the environment. The environment consists of biological, cultural, economic,
psychosocial, and spiritual factors having the potential to influence the clients health.

Operational Definitions
Critical Thinking- In nursing, critical thinking for decision making is the ability to think in
a systematic and logical manner with an openness to question and reflect on reasoning
processes used to ensure safe nursing practice and quality client care (Heaslip, P.:
Critical thinking and intuition in nursing practice
Journal of Advanced Nursing 18 (21): 114119, 1993.)
Teaching- Teaching is an interactive process that promotes learning. It consists of a
conscious, deliberate set of actions that help individuals gain new knowledge, change
attitudes, adopt new behaviors, or perform new skills (Potter, P. & Perry, A. (2001)
Fundamentals of nursing (5th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby)
Therapeutic Communication- Therapeutic communication is an interpersonal interaction
between the nurse and client during which the nurse focuses on the clients specific
needs to promote an effective exchange of information (Videback, S. L. (2006).
Pyschiatric mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.)
Cultural Sensitivity- Cultural sensitivity means being aware that cultural differences and
similarities exist and have an effect on values, learning, and behaviors (Staffod,
Bowman, Eking, Hanna, & Lopoes-Defede, 1997).
Nursing Process- Nursing process is an organized, systematic approach used by
nurses to meet the individualized health care needs of their clients, families, and
communities (Ignatavicius, D. & Workman, M. L. (2006) Medical-surgical nursing:
critical thinking for collaborative care (5th ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders.) The
nursing process includes assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation, and
evaluation.
Caring- Caring is actions and an attitude that conveys physical care and emotional
concern for others (Ignatavicius, D. & Workman, M. L. (2006) Medical-surgical nursing:
critical thinking for collaborative care (5th ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders.)
Therapeutic Nursing Interventions- Therapeutic nursing interventions are actions based
on scientific rationale that are executed to benefit the client in a predicted way. These
interventions include psychomotor and psychosocial skills.

Educational Outcomes
The Graduate:
1. Functions within the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, licensing laws
and established policies and procedures.
2. Provides safe, competent care utilizing nursing process, critical thinking skills, therapeutic
communication and cultural sensitivity in a variety of settings.
3. Utilizes caring behaviors and therapeutic nursing interventions to assist clients to achieve an
optimal level of health or to die with dignity.
4. Uses organizational and priority-setting skills to effectively manage multiple nursing
demands.
5. Seeks appropriate resources when encountering situations beyond knowledge and
experience.
6. Demonstrates accountability for nursing care given by self and/or delegated to others.
7. Collaborates with other health care providers to coordinate care.
8. Provides the client with the information to make choices regarding health.
Effective Fall 2006

REQUIRED CURRICULUM FOR ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN NURSING

The supporting courses listed in each semester must be taken prior to or concurrent with the
Nursing Courses listed in the same semester. Students MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE
all courses listed in each semester before enrolling in the next nursing course.
First Semester
NUR 104
Calculations for Nursing
NUR 105
Fundamentals of Nursing
NUR 106
Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical*** 1.5
PSYC 199
Developmental Psychology
BIO 131
Anatomy & Physiology
**
Second Semester
NUR 155
Medical-Surgical Nursing I
NUR 156
Medical-Surgical Nursing I Clinical*** 3.5
NUR 165
Mental Health Nursing
NUR 166
Mental Health Nursing Clinical***
CHM 109
Chemistry for Health Science**
Third Semester
NUR 208
Medical-Surgical Nursing II
NUR 209
Medical-Surgical Nursing II Clinical***
NUR 215
Maternal-Newborn Nursing
NUR 216
Maternal-Newborn Nursing Clinical***
ENGL 100
Intro to College Writing
Bio 207
Microbiology**
3
Fourth Semester
NUR 254
Pediatric Nursing
NUR 255
Medical-Surgical Nursing III
NUR 256
Nursing Seminar
NUR 257
Nursing Practicum***
SOC 100
Sociology*
Category B
Humanities Elective*
Math 109
General Mathematics*
or
Math 116
College Algebra*

1
6.5
3
4

5.5
2.5
1.5
4

5
3
2.5
1.5
3

2
3
1
3
3
3

Total Program Hours

69

*Math 109 or 116, SOC 100 and the Category B Elective may be taken at any time during the
four semester curriculum.
**Students must achieve a minimum grade of "C" in all science courses in order to progress to
the next nursing course.
***Clinical courses require students to complete 3-clock hours each week for each clinical credit
hour.
March 2009

10

CORE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The Core Performance Standards are the SREB approved technical standards for students in
nursing programs. These standards may be met with appropriate accommodation for students
with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodation (academic adjustment
and/or auxiliary aids or services) to meet the core performance standards must contact the
Office for Student Disability Services (OFSDS) and obtain evaluation of any necessary
accommodations prior to entering the nursing program. Written documentation from the
OFSDS must be presented to the nursing program prior to starting nursing courses, so that any
necessary arrangements can be made to provide appropriate accommodations in lab and
clinical settings. Please note that admission into the nursing program does not guarantee the
student with a disability will be able to be placed at specific clinical agencies, or that every
clinical agency will be able to provide the same level of accommodations for students with
disabilities.
Core Perfromance Standards for Admission and Progression
SREB Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing
Requirements

Standards

Examples

Critical thinking

Critical thinking ability for effective clinical reasoning

and clinical judgment consistent with level of
educational preparation

Identification of cause/effect relationships in clinical

situations
Use of the scientific method in the development of
patient care plans
Evaluation of the effectiveness of nursing
interventions

Professional
Relationships

Interpersonal skills sufficient for professional

interactions with a diverse population of individuals,
families and groups

Establishment of rapport with patients/clients and

colleagues
Capacity to engage in successful conflict resolution.
Peer accountability

Communication

Communication adeptness sufficient for verbal and

written professional interactions

Explanation of treatment procedures, initiation of

health teaching.
Documentation and interpretation of nursing actions
and patient/client responses

Mobility

Physical abilities sufficient for movement from room

to room and in small spaces

Movement about patient's room, work spaces and

treatment areas
Administration of rescue procedurescardiopulmonary resuscitation

Motor skills

Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient for providing

safe, effective nursing care

Calibration and use of equipment

Therapeutic positioning of patients

Hearing

Auditory ability sufficient for monitoring and

assessing health needs

Ability to hear monitoring device alarm and other

emergency signals
Ability to discern auscultatory sounds and cries for
help

Visual

Visual ability sufficient for observation and

assessment necessary in patient care

Ability to observe patient's condition and responses

to treatments

Tactile Sense

Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment

Ability to palpitate in physical examinations and

various therapeutic interventions

11

ADN PROGRAM POLICIES

UNIVERSITY STUDENT POLICIES
Students should refer to the WKU Student Handbook for university student policies.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE

Student representatives are valued members of nursing program committees. Student
representatives serve on the following nursing program committees: Curriculum committee,
Student Engagement, Pinning, and Academic Standards. Elected student representatives from
each nursing course are also invited to attend ADN Faculty Meetings to provide suggestions for
program improvement.
Elections for student representatives will be held at the beginning of each semester in each
course in Bowling Green and Glasgow Campus. Elected student representative responsibilities
include attending ADN Faculty Meetings and additional assigned committee meetings as
applicable.
December 2007

KENTUCKY ASSOCIATION of NURSING STUDENTS (KANS)

Western Kentucky University Nursing Students Association is a student organization affiliated
with the state and national student nursing associations. The purposes of the association are to
aid in the development of the individual student of nursing and the improvement of health care,
and to provide educational activities designed to promote personal and professional growth.
Membership in the Kentucky Association of Nursing Students is mandatory for all students
admitted into the Associate Degree Nursing Program. You will receive information about the
benefits of membership in the pre-professional organization during the first week of class.
As part of your development within the nursing profession in your leadership role within the
community, all nursing students are required to maintain active membership in the local chapter
of the Kentucky Nursing Association of Nursing Students of Western Kentucky University.
Active membership includes participation in at least one KANS meeting and one KANS event
per semester. Failure to comply with this participation each semester will result in a failing
grade in the nursing course (s) in which you are enrolled.
February 2008

12

RECOGNITION OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

The District #7 of the Kentucky Nurses' Association recognizes student achievement by
presenting awards to nursing graduates of Western Kentucky University in honor of two
outstanding members of the association.
Betty Capito Award
The Betty Capito Award, established in 1980 by the 7th district KNA pays tribute to the
outstanding qualities of this nurse. Mrs. Capito was instrumental in establishing quality coronary
care nursing in Bowling Green.
The award is presented to an Associate Degree nursing student who meets the following
criteria:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Active in the Kentucky Association of Nursing Students

Demonstrated leadership potential.
Demonstrated enthusiasm for the student organization.
Achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or above.

KANS Award
The KANS Award is given to a graduating student who has actively participated in KANS
activities and demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities. The recipient of the award is
chosen by the KANS Faculty Advisor(s).

13

HEALTH & SAFETY POLICIES

All applicants who have been accepted into the Associate Degree Nursing program must have
submitted a recent (within 6 months of admission) medical record that includes a medical
history, medical examination, and evidence of current immunizations. The following must be
performed within six months prior to admission. The student is responsible for the cost of any
exam or immunizations.
After admission to the program, students will not be permitted in the clinical area until the
medical history, medical examination, evidence of current immunizations and results or
evidence of all required data is on file in the Associate Degree Nursing Program Office. Please
note that additional health records may be required during the last semester nursing course
depending on which clinical facility the student chooses to complete their practicum experience.

IMMUNIZATIONS, TITERS & MANTOUX POLICY

1.

2.
3.
4.
5.

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Titers and Varicella Titer.

All students found to be non-immune will be REQUIRED to be immunized.
If the student is pregnant, immunization will be delayed until delivery. If pregnancy
status is in doubt, immunization will be delayed until pregnancy is ruled out.
Hepatitis B: All students in the nursing program should be vaccinated with Hepatitis B
vaccine or must sign the declination statement.
Tetanus immunization within five years.
Diptheria immunization.
Influenza immunization: Students will be required to receive an influenza immunization
when available or must wear a mask in the clinical setting if required by that facility.

All students in the clinical setting will be required to have an entry TB evaluation before
participating in the clinical experience. Annual Tuberculosis re-evaluations are also mandatory
and documentation is required on file in the nursing office before participation in clinical can
begin.
1.
The entry TB evaluation shall be based on the two step Mantoux tuberculin skin test
supplemented by a standard chest x-ray as needed.
a. If the initial skin test is negative, a second tuberculin skin test shall be administered 1
to 2 weeks later.
b. If the initial skin test or second skin test is positive, a standard chest x-ray with
appropriate medical examination shall be administered to exclude tuberculosis
disease and to evaluate the individual for possible TB preventive therapy.
c. If there is documentary evidence of a negative tuberculin skin test performed within
12 months, or documentary evidence of a prior negative two step test, a single
negative skin test administered for entry TB evaluation shall be acceptable.
2.
If a person who last tested negative becomes positive, a standard chest x-ray with
appropriate medical examination shall be required to exclude TB and to evaluate
for possible preventive therapy.
August 2007

14

BLOOD BORNE PATHOGEN EXPOSURE POLICY

Faculty and students in the nursing programs at Western Kentucky University will have available
appropriate follow-up, treatment, counseling, and a written opinion after exposure to blood or
body fluids.
An exposure is defined as:
A.
A needle or other puncture wound from a source contaminated with blood or
body fluids.
B.
Direct contact of non-intact skin (open lesion, chapped, or abraded skin) with
large amount of blood or prolonged contact with blood.
C.
Mucous membrane contact from a known source of blood or body fluids (a
splash in the eye, mouth, or any other mucous membrane lining.)
Procedure
1.
In the event that a student or faculty member is exposed to a Blood borne pathogen
during
a scheduled clinical experience the agencys exposure policy should be followed. The
faculty/student will:
A.
Notify the appropriate agency representative.
B.
Initiate immediate treatment by:
1.
Cleaning the wound/skin area with soap and water.
2.
Flushing mucous membranes with tap water or saline.
3.
Serious injuries requiring suturing or other physician intervention should
be promptly evaluated according to agencys direction or according to
the insurance requirements of the faculty/student.
C.
Report the exposure to the appropriate supervisors and assist the student in
completing any required agency documentation.
D.
The exposed individual is responsible for costs related to testing and treatment
of self and testing of the source.
2.
In the event that a student or faculty member is exposed to a Blood borne pathogen
during a scheduled clinical experience while not in a traditional setting (i.e. communitybased experiences such as school health or community screening) the following
procedure should be followed:
A. Provide immediate first aid treatment as described in 1B above.
B. Instruct the student or the faculty to proceed to the closest emergency facility to
initiate post-exposure screening, treatment, and counseling.
C. The faculty/student is encouraged to seek post-exposure treatment within two
hours of the exposure. If travel distance does not allow, the follow-up should
be completed as soon as possible.
D. The exposed individual is responsible for costs related to testing and treatment of
self and testing of the source.
3.
Following the exposure the nursing faculty should complete the Exposure to Body
Substance Form and submit to the Program Director for review or follow-up.
4.
While it is an individual decision whether to comply with the recommended postexposure screening, treatment, or counseling, or follow-up, the exposed student/faculty
should be made aware of available resources such as those provided by the Barren
River District Health Department.

15

LATEX SENSITIVITY POLICY

1. It is the students responsibility to inform faculty if they have a known allergy to latex, or
if they suspect symptoms of latex sensitivity. Symptoms may include, but are not limited
to the following: runny nose, itching eyes, asthma, eczema, contact dermatitis, and
rarely shock.
2. In the event of a known latex allergy, continued enrollment in the ADN program will be
dependent upon the recommendations of an appropriate health care provider and the
students ability to meet core standard requirements.
3. If there is a known allergy to latex, the student should avoid contact with latex gloves
and other products containing latex, avoid inhaling the powder from latex gloves worn by
other students or workers in the clinical setting or laboratory, and carefully follow the
students health care providers instructions for dealing with allergic reactions.
4. In campus laboratory experiences, the lab coordinator will make appropriate
accommodations for students with latex allergy.
5. In order to decrease the chances of developing a latex sensitivity, students should use
non-latex gloves when available, avoid oil-based hand cream or lotion under gloves, and
wash hands with a mild soap and dry thoroughly after removing latex gloves.
6. If you suspect that you are having symptoms of latex sensitivity, immediately report
those symptoms to faculty, avoid direct contact with all latex containing products, and
see a health care provider experienced in treating latex allergy
March 2010

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK POLICY

All students are required to obtain the programs required criminal record background check at
their expense upon admission and annually thereafter as required. The results of the criminal
record background check will be mailed directly to the Associate Degree Nursing Program.
Once received by the Associate Degree Nursing Program, the criminal record background
check will be placed in each students confidential student health record file.
Various clinical healthcare agencies utilized by the Associate Degree Nursing Program require a
criminal background check of current nursing students and have the right to deny a student
clinical placement at their facility if the student has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor.
If a clinical agency refuses a student access due to a criminal conviction, the student will be
unable to meet the clinical objectives of the nursing course and will be dismissed from the
Associate Degree Nursing Program. A students failure to notify the Associate Degree Nursing
Program of any change in their criminal record since initial admission will also result in the
students immediate dismissal from the program.
January 2006

16

DRUG SCREEN POLICY

All students are required to have a negative drug screen prior to entering their first clinical
experience and the results of the drug screen must be submitted to the program directly from
the physicians office. If a positive drug screen is obtained, a repeated drug screen will be
required on a different sample. If the repeated drug screen is positive, the student will be
dismissed from the nursing program. As a further condition of admission and continuance in the
program, random drug screening may be required at the discretion of the nursing faculty and/or
clinical facility, and the costs of such screening will be the students responsibility. If a random
drug screen is positive, it may result in the student being dismissed from the program.
January 2006

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR)

Certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) from the American Red Cross or the
American Heart Association for healthcare professionals is required of all nursing students and
must be maintained throughout the program. The student will not be permitted to attend clinical
without current certification.

HEALTH INSURANCE
Students should provide complete health insurance coverage for themselves in case of accident
or illness that might occur during their clinical experiences. Neither Western Kentucky
University nor the clinical agency are responsible for providing such insurance coverage or
paying for charges resulting from personal injury. Please note that proof of health insurance
may be required during the last semester nursing course depending upon which clinical facility
the student chooses to complete their practicum experience.

LIABILITY INSURANCE
As a student in nursing you will be responsible for all activities when in contact with patients.
As an individual you are legally and financially responsible if another is injured or suffers loss as
a result of personal negligence whether you are functioning as a student or as a private citizen.
Since you can be held legally and financially liable for any injury as a result of your nursing error
or omission, each student must carry professional malpractice (liability) insurance and coverage
must extend throughout your entire nursing program.
All students in the Associate Degree Nursing program must purchase Nursing Individual
Student Professional Liability Insurance in the amount of $1,000,000/3,000,000. The policy
must be in effect the first day of class in a clinical nursing course, and must be kept current
throughout the program.

17

Professional Conduct Policies

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Information obtained by students through their activities and experiences in nursing
clinical/laboratory situations related to patients, personnel, and facilities is considered
confidential. Such matters may be discussed for the purposes of learning in nursing
conferences and classes only. Papers related to clinical/laboratory experiences shall not
identify any person by name, other than the student and instructor. Refer to the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services website for details related to the Health Insurance
Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/index.html).

CLASSROOM AUDIO TAPING POLICY

Students may audiotape nursing lectures. The taped lecture content is intended as an adjunct
to the student's learning. In order to preserve client confidentiality, the use of these audiotapes
is restricted to student use only. Anyone violating this intended use will be reprimanded. The
faculty reserve the right to prohibit the taping of lectures if the mechanics of audio taping
become distractive or disruptive. This policy does not apply to guest speakers who must be
asked individually if they allow audio taping of their lectures.

AUDIO/VIDEO TAPING POLICY

As a nursing student of WKU Associate Degree Nursing Program, students may be
photographed, videotaped and/or audio taped for educational purposes. Recorded material
may be viewed by instructors and other students or outside sources for educational
advancement during and beyond a students enrollment. Students are to dress appropriately
and use appropriate language during any media recording. No media content will be copied by
a student for any reason.
Fall 2008

CELLULAR PHONE AND PAGER POLICY

No cellular phones or pagers are allowed in any classroom, clinical or laboratory setting.
Phones and pagers must remain off in a students purse or backpack. Students may check for
messages during breaks. No photographs or videos may be taken of clients. Instructors will
have a phone in the classroom for receipt of emergency transmissions.
March 2010

TRAVEL
The student will provide his/her own transportation for clinical experiences, some of which may
be located outside the Bowling Green area.

ACADEMIC POLICIES
18

TEST CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

Disclosure of any examination materials including the nature or content of examination items,
before, during, or after the examination is a violation of ADN Program policy. Violation of test
confidentiality will result in disciplinary action which includes reduction of student test score by
10% of the total possible test points (Example: A 50 point test in which the student scored 43
points, would be reduced by 5 points (10% of 50 points) for a revised test score of 38).
Students may discuss test items only during faculty scheduled test reviews or with faculty during
individual student and/or group appointments.
Fall 2009

STUDENT ABSENCE FROM EXAMINATIONS/TESTS

A student may not take an examination other than the scheduled date without satisfactory
justification. Students are responsible for notifying their instructor if they are unable to take a
scheduled unit test or final examination prior to the scheduled test time. The faculty members
responsible for the course will jointly decide if the justification is satisfactory. The student who
does not notify the faculty of an absence for an examination and/or who cannot provide
satisfactory justification for the absence can still take a makeup examination but the achieved
score will be reduced by 10% of total points possible. At the discretion of the course instructors,
any makeup exam may consist of different test items or essay questions. Students are
responsible for notifying their instructor if they are unable to take a scheduled exam prior to the
scheduled test time. Makeup exams will be given as soon as possible, preferably within one
week of the date of the original exam.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE FOR SUCCESS

Please note: The faculty developed the following plan to enhance a students success in the
Associate Degree Nursing Program.
1. Any student who achieves less than 77% on a unit exam must meet with the course faculty
within one week after the exam.
2. It is recommended that students follow remediation activities as suggested by the course
faculty.
October 2006

GRADES
Didactic course grades will be determined by assignments and exams. Clinical course grades
are pass /fail and based on student skill performance and clinical evaluation. If a student is
unsuccessful in either the didactic or clinical component of a course, both courses must be
successfully repeated before the student is allowed to progress in the program. Course letter
grades are assigned using the following scale:
100.0 - 91.0% = A

90.0 - 84.0% = B

83.0 - 77.0% = C

19

76.0 - 69.0% = D

68.0 - 0.0% = F

PROMOTION AND RETENTION POLICIES

1.

Students must achieve a minimum of 90% in NUR 104C, Calculations for Nursing, and a
minimum of 77% in all other required nursing courses. In order to successfully complete the
course a 77.0% minimum will be required. A student with an average of 76.9% or below
will not be successful.

2.

If a student is unsuccessful in NUR 104C, Calculations for Nursing, the student must
withdraw from NUR 105C, Fundamentals of Nursing, and NUR 106C, Fundamentals of
Nursing Clinical. If a student fails Nursing 104, this will not count as a nursing failure. If
Nursing 104 is taken as a corequisite with Nursing 105, the student will have to reapply to
the nursing program according to the ADN admissions procedure a student who fails
Nursing 104 will have to reapply to the nursing program according to the ADN admissions
procedure.

3.

Students must have an overall grade point average of 2.0 in nursing, in addition to an
overall grade point average of 2.0 in order to progress to the next nursing course or qualify
for graduation. Any applicant accepted into the program with university credit hours must
maintain a GPA of 2.75 or better in order to enter the program.

4.

A student who is unsuccessful in a nursing course must repeat the course before taking the
next sequential nursing course. A student who fails a nursing course must write a letter to
the Academic Standards Committee requesting readmission. Consideration for a student to
repeat a nursing course will be given on an individual basis by the Academic Standards
Committee and dependent upon available resources. The student must have a minimum
GPA of 2.0 excluding the nursing course(s) which is to be repeated. A second failure in a
required nursing course or the failure of a subsequent nursing course will result in dismissal
from the Associate Degree Nursing Program.

5.

The student must follow the required curriculum. Any exceptions must be approved by the
Academic Standards Committee.

6.

The student must achieve a grade of "C" or higher in Biology 131, Human Anatomy and
Physiology; Chemistry 109, Chemistry for the Health Sciences; and Biology 207,
Microbiology in order to progress to the next nursing course.

7.

A student who wishes to continue in the Associate Degree Nursing Program after having
failed or withdrawn must submit a written request for readmission to the Academic
Standards Committee. The request must explain the rationale for the unsuccessful
performance and a plan for success if readmitted. Students who are readmitted to the
program must complete remediation assigned by faculty. Readmission to the program may
be influenced by faculty recommendations, attendance and effort put forth by student.
Readmission to the program will depend upon resources available and time since initial
admission. Students have a maximum of 3 years from admission to graduation to complete
the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Students with English as a second language may
be granted an additional two semesters to complete the program.

8. If a student has health problems that in the opinion of the nursing faculty negatively
influence his/her progress in the Nursing Program, the faculty may require certification by a
medical doctor (approved by the nursing faculty) as to the person's fitness to continue in

20

nursing.
November 19, 2010

NURSING CO-REQUISITE WITHDRAWAL POLICY

If a student withdraws from a nursing course with a clinical component, the student must also
withdraw from the corresponding didactic/clinical component. For example, if a student
withdraws from Nursing 156, that student must also withdraw from Nursing 155. If a student
withdraws from N155, the student must also withdraw from N156.
August 2010

CLINICAL SKILLS CHECK-OFF POLICY

Clinical skills are essential to nursing practice. Therefore, a student must master all selected
skills at a satisfactory level before utilizing the skills in the clinical area. Each clinical courses
syllabus will identify selected skills for which students are to demonstrate skill competency.
Students will be provided requirements for successfully completing each identified skill. A
student has two attempts to successfully complete a skill. If a student is unsuccessful on their
first attempt, a second faculty member will evaluate the student on their second and final
attempt. Failure to successfully complete any selected skill within two attempts will result in
clinical failure. If the clinical failure occurs prior to the Universitys withdrawal date, a student
may withdraw according to university policy, however, the clinical failure will be a nursing course
failure by the nursing program. If the clinical failure occurs after the Universitys withdrawal
date, the student will receive a grade of F for the clinical course and will be withdrawn from the
corresponding didactic course. (Refer to the ADN Student Handbook for Promotion and
Retention Policies as well as Co-requisite Withdrawal Policy.)
November 19, 2010

EVOLVE REACH TESTING AND REMEDIATION POLICY

The Associate Degree Nursing Program has partnered with Elsevier to ensure student
preparation for the national licensing exam. Benefits to utilizing the Evolve Reach Testing and
Remediation Program are:
Allows faculty to easily identify students who may be at-risk, throughout the curriculum.
Exposes students to test items that simulate NCLEX questions and a computerized
testing environment, preparing them for the NCLEX examination throughout their
program of study.
Provides customized remediation based on individual student areas of weakness,
ensuring targeted review prior to taking the NCLEX examination.
Offers flexibility for reviewing, as the student can access the appropriate remediation
resources from any computer with access to the internet, and provides the option of
printing remediation resources for study away from their computer.
Select nursing courses have scheduled standardized tests. The students standardized test
score will account for 10% of the students overall course grade.

21

Nursing 105 Fundamentals of Nursing

Nursing 155 Medical-Surgical Nursing I
Nursing 165 Mental Health Nursing
Nursing 208 Medical-Surgical Nursing II
Nursing 215 Maternity Nursing
Nursing 254 Pediatric Nursing
Nursing 255 Medical-Surgical Nursing III
The HESI RN Exit Exam will be administered during Nursing 255. Students are required to
achieve a score of 850 on the HESI RN Exit Exam. If a student does not achieve the required
score, remediation as identified by the Evolve student report is required. Only after completion
of assigned remediation will the student be allowed to repeat the test. The repeat HESI RN Exit
Exam will be administered at the students cost prior to exit from the course. If the student is not
successful on the second attempt, a third exam will be scheduled at least 4 weeks apart from
the second attempt and so on. Only after the student obtains the required HESI RN Exit Exam
score of 850, will their name be placed on the programs certified list of graduates for
submission to the board of nursing for NCLEX eligibility. Prior to any repeat attempt, completion
of assigned remediation is required.
December 16, 2009

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Classroom Attendance
Classroom attendance is an expectation of the University and the Nursing Program. Students
are responsible for information presented and assignments made in all class sessions.
Absences from three or more class sessions will result in the student being reported to the WKU
Academic Advising and Retention Center.

Clinical/Laboratory Attendance
Attendance in the clinical laboratory is essential in order to achieve the educational objectives of
the nursing program. A student must notify their clinical instructor prior to any clinical absence.
The student must meet with course/clinical faculty immediately following any absence. Students
who are absent from clinical, regardless of the reason, will be required to makeup clinical time
by completing a learning assignment as determined by the course coordinator. Students are
given up to one week to complete the assigned learning assignment. An additional clinical
absence will be given to a student who submits an incomplete or late learning
assignment. A student absent more than nine hours will be withdrawn from the course if
prior to the official university withdrawal date, and must request readmission into the program
for the following semester, if eligible. If after the official university withdrawal date, the student
will fail the clinical nursing course and must request readmission into the program for the
following semester, if eligible. Tardiness for and/or leaving early from the clinical/laboratory
experiences is unacceptable and may result in the student not being admitted to the
clinical/laboratory, which will then be counted as an absence. Students may be sent to an
alternate learning experience if unprepared to perform clinical assignment.
March 2010

GUIDE FOR WRITTEN PAPERS

22

The Faculty requires students to follow the standards for written papers as stated in the
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th Ed). This manual is
available in the bookstore, at the reference desk in the library and in individual faculty offices.
Each course syllabus identifies the specific criteria for papers, projects, or reports. Plagiarism is
unacceptable.

23

GUIDELINES FOR NURSING CARE PLANS

The nurse uses the nursing process to formulate and implement individualized plans of care.
The nursing process consists of five steps; assessing the clients health care needs, selecting a
nursing diagnosis through analysis of data, planning and implementing appropriate care for the
client, evaluating the clients response to nursing interventions and altering the plan as
necessary.
Assessment
1. Collection & verification of data from a primary & secondary source.
Collect
Organize
Validate
2. Analysis & interpretation
Perform data analysis- identify the patterns & trends
Cluster the data
Data documentation
Nursing Diagnosis/Analysis
1. Analyze the data
2. Identify the health response, risk, or strength
3. Formulate a diagnostic statement
Planning
1. Set diagnostic priorities
2. Establish client goals/outcome criteria- SMART
3. Select nursing interventions
4. Write nursing interventions
5. Develop a nursing care plan
Implementation
1. Reassessment of the client
2. Determine the need for assistance
3. Implement the nursing intervention
4. Supervise delegation
5. Documentation/recording
Evaluation
1. Collect data related to the outcome criteria
2. Compare data with outcome criteria
3. Relate nursing interventions to clients goal/outcome criteria
4. Draw a conclusion about the problem statement
5. Continue, modify, or terminate the clients client care plan

24

Assessment
(Supporting Data)
Read the scenario
in the case study:
1.) Collect
subjective &
objective data
clusters from
primary &
secondary sources
that lead to one
particular nursing
diagnosis at this
time.
2.) Document the
data.
**A care plan can
have more than
one nursing
problem** Work
one response from
assessment to
evaluation at a
time!

WKU ADN Program

Nursing Care Plan Guidelines
Diagnosis/
Planning
Implementation
Analysis
(Goal/Outcome)
(Interventions)
1.) Make an
1.) Is stated in
1.) Each
inference based on terms of clients
therapeutic nursing
the data cluster
behavior - Client
intervention should
collected during the will .?
be safe for your
assessment phase. 2.) Goal will
client and follow
2.) Chose an
directly resolve the
other therapies.
approved
diagnostic label.
2.) Should be
diagnostic label
3.) If writing more
prioritized.
from NANDAthan one
3.) Each
review the
goal/expected
therapeutic nursing
definition of the
outcome, set
intervention should
diagnostic label to
diagnostic
start with an action
ensure that this is
priorities.
verb, contain
the response the
4.) Establish the
content, and
client is
goal/expected
include the
experiencing!
outcome - be
frequency of each
SMART:
3.) Include the
therapeutic nursing
S-specific
etiology (cause) of
intervention to be
the response when M-measurable
performed.
appropriate (there A-appropriate
4.) Responses
R-realistic
can/could be more
from the
T-timely
than one etiology
therapeutic nursing
but for each
5.) Be selecting
interventions
nursing diagnosis
therapeutic nursing should be
write one etiology
interventions
documented.
BUT the
for each nursing
diagnosis b/c the
therapeutic nursing
interventions are
etiology will direct
placed in the
the writing of your
therapeutic nursing implementation
phase of the
interventions. The
nursing process
etiology must be
something that the
on your care plan.
nurse can do
6.) Write
something about!
therapeutic nursing
4.) Include the
interventions that
defining
will assist to
characteristics if
resolve the
this is an actual
diagnostic label
problem.
and the etiology
5.) Formulate the
and aid the client in
nursing diagnosis
achieving the
with the highest
goal/expected
priority for the client outcome stated in
on your care plan
this column.
first.
7.) Develop the
6.) If your care
nursing care plan.
plan has multiple
nursing diagnoses,
the nursing
diagnoses can be
prioritized per
Maslow.

25

Evaluation
1.) Identify the
goal/expected
outcome stated in
the planning phase
of the nursing
process.
2.) Since carrying
out the care plan,
the nurse has been
collecting data that
the nurse will
compare against
the goal/expected
outcome.
3.) Make a
conclusion:
Goal Met
Goal Partially Met
Goal Not Met
4.) Then add the
supporting data
which is the
goal/expected
outcome stated in
the past tense with
the clients
responses that
support or does not
support the
conclusion.
5.) If the goal was
not or just partially
met- revise your
plan of care.

Nursing Care Plan Form Blueprint

Supporting
Data
Subjective data
and objective
data pertinent
to the
diagnostic label

Diagnosis

Goal/Outcome

Problem (NANDA
label) R/T etiology
(not medical
diagnosis) AEB
(as evidenced by
defining
characteristics

Patient will.
AEB (expected
outcome)
1
2
3
Always include
time frame. Must
have a short term
goal that can be
met in clinical
time.

Nursing
Interventions
1
2
3
4
5

Evaluation
Goal Met, Goal
Partially Met, or
Goal Not Met

Prioritized. Must
have an action
verb. Include
time frame (i.e. q
4 hr).

Use supporting
data to report
the level of goal
attainment.

November 19, 2010

UNIFORM GUIDELINES/DRESS CODE

A program approved white pantsuit uniform or dress uniform and WKU name badge must be
worn in all secondary care settings in accordance with the policy of that agency. Uniforms will
be ordered at www.meridys.com with WKU pass code WKU269. The skirt length of uniforms
shall be no shorter than the middle of the knee. Lab coats may be worn with the uniform. White
or beige underclothing and full length slips are required. Plain, white leather shoes with plain
white hosiery is required. Uniforms may be worn from residence to agency and return.
Students may wear uniforms only when functioning in their capacity as WKU nursing student.

LAB COAT
A program approved white, dress length lab coat is required. It must be worn for agency visits
or when obtaining assignments. WKU patch must be worn on the left sleeve with an identifying
name pin. When wearing lab coats, females must wear skirts, dresses, or dress slacks; males
must wear dress slacks and shirt. Jeans and tennis shoes not allowed.

CAP
The cap is not required to be worn in clinical areas. Caps shall be folded with the center back
flap on the outside and bands should be placed one inch from the folded front edge of the brim,
continuing around the back of the brim far enough to conceal the ends of the band. Bands on
caps and pockets shall be one-fourth inch wide black velvet ribbon. Cap tacks may not be used
to secure ribbons.

26

PHOTO ID BADGE
A photo ID badge must be purchased during nursing orientation. Students are responsible for
wearing the photo ID badge anytime in nursing uniform and/or lab coat.

ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PIN

Those students in Nursing 255 may purchase the official Associate Degree Nursing Program pin
which may be worn after graduation from the University bookstore.

JEWELRY
Jewelry must be limited to a watch, engagement and wedding rings, and one pair of small post
earrings. All other visible piercings must be removed. The watch must have the ability to
calculate seconds.

SCHOOL PATCH
The patch must be worn on both the lab coat and uniform. The emblem is to be centered on the
left sleeve, two and one-half inches below the shoulder seam, with the raw edges turned under.
The Meridy company will sew the patch on student uniforms and lab coat.

PERSONAL HYGIENE
At all times students are required to be clean, neat and appropriately groomed.
If
inappropriately dressed, the student will be asked to leave the clinical area. Hair must be clean
and neatly styled at all times when wearing lab coat and student uniform. Long hair must be
secured at the back of the neck or up off of the collar. Barrettes must be the same color as the
hair. Beards and mustaches must be neatly trimmed. Fingernails should be of medium length.
No polish or artificial nails allowed. Visible tattoos must be covered. Gum chewing is
considered inappropriate in patient care areas.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT FOR LPNS

The Kentucky Board of Nursing will award contact hour credit for academic programming in
accordance with the criteria listed in Kentucky Board of Nursing 201 KAR 20:215 Section 7.
Questions regarding specific courses and/or circumstances should be directed to the Kentucky
Board of Nursing.

27

National Student Nurses' Association, Inc.

Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct
PREAMBLE
Students of nursing have a responsibility to society in learning the academic theory and clinical
skills needed to provide nursing care. The clinical setting presents unique challenges and
responsibilities while caring for human beings in a variety of health care environments.
The Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct is based on an understanding that to practice
nursing as a student is an agreement to uphold the trust with which society has placed in us.
The statements of the Code provide guidance for the nursing student in the personal
development of an ethical foundation and need not be limited strictly to the academic or clinical
environment but can assist in the holistic development of the person.

A CODE FOR NURSING STUDENTS

As students are involved in the clinical and academic environments we believe that ethical
principles are a necessary guide to professional development. Therefore within these
environments we;
1. Advocate for the rights of all clients
2. Maintain client confidentiality.
3. Take appropriate action to ensure the safety of clients, self, and others.
4. Provide care for the client in a timely, compassionate and professional manner.
5. Communicate client care in a truthful, timely and accurate manner.
6. Actively promote the highest level of moral and ethical principles and accept responsibility for
our actions.
7. Promote excellence in nursing by encouraging lifelong learning and professional
development.
8. Treat others with respect and promote an environment that respects human rights, values
and choice of cultural and spiritual beliefs.
9. Collaborate in every reasonable manner with the academic faculty and clinical staff to ensure
the highest quality of client care
10. Use every opportunity to improve faculty and clinical staff understanding of the learning
needs of nursing students.
11. Encourage faculty, clinical staff, and peers to mentor nursing students.
12. Refrain from performing any technique or procedure for which the student has not been
adequately trained.
13. Refrain from any deliberate action or omission of care in the academic or clinical setting that
creates unnecessary risk of injury to the client, self, or others.
14. Assist the staff nurse or preceptor in ensuring that there is full disclosure and that proper
authorizations are obtained from clients regarding any form of treatment or research.
15. Abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages or any substances in the academic and clinical
setting that impair judgment.
16. Strive to achieve and maintain an optimal level of personal health.
17. Support access to treatment and rehabilitation for students who are experiencing
impairments related to substance abuse and mental or physical health issues.

28

18. Uphold school policies and regulations related to academic and clinical performance,
reserving the right to challenge and critique rules and regulations as per school grievance
policy.
Fall 2007

National Student Nurses' Association, Inc.

Code of Professional Conduct
As a member of the National Student Nurses' Association, I pledge myself to:
Maintain the highest standard of personal and professional conduct.
Actively promote and encourage the highest level of ethics within nursing education, the
profession of nursing, and the student nurses' association.
Uphold all Bylaws and regulations relating to the student nurses' association at the chapter,
state and national levels, reserving the right to criticize rules and laws constructively, but
respecting the rules and laws as long as they prevail.
Strive for excellence in all aspects of decision making and management at all levels of the
student nurses' association.
Use only legal and ethical principles in all association decisions and activities.
Ensure the proper use of all association funds.
Serve all members of the student nurses' association impartially, provide no special privilege
to any individual member, and accept no personal compensation from another member or nonmember.
Maintain the confidentiality of privileged information entrusted or known to me by virtue of an
elected or appointed position in the association.
Refuse to engage in, or condone, discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, citizenship,
religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
Refrain from any form of cheating or dishonesty, and take action to report dishonorable
practices to proper authorities using established channels.
Always communicate internal and external association statements in a truthful and accurate
manner by ensuring that there is integrity in the data and information used by the student
nurses' association.
Cooperate in every reasonable and proper way with association volunteers and staff, and
work with them in the advocacy of student rights and responsibilities and the advancement of
the profession of nursing.
Use every opportunity to improve faculty understanding of the role of the student nurses
association.
Use every opportunity to raise awareness of the student nurses' association's mission,
purpose, and goals at the school chapter level.
Promote and encourage entering nursing students to join and become active in NSNA.
Promote and encourage graduating seniors to continue their involvement by joining
professional nurses' associations upon licensure as Registered Nurses.
Fall 2007

29

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
1.

The Associate Degree Nursing program is responsible for students' performance only
while in nursing laboratory experiences under guidance of Western Kentucky University
faculty members.

2.

Student employees are the responsibility of the employer. It is the responsibility of

individual faculty members to counsel students if employment seems to be interfering
with educational experience.

3.

Nursing students may not wear student photo ID badges or nursing school emblems
during non-school activities including employment.

4.

Nursing students must adhere to the requirements of the Kentucky Board of Nursing as
stipulated in the Advisory Opinion Statement 18.

30

MANDATORY REPORTING
OF CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS
State law requires that licensed individuals report criminal convictions to the Kentucky Board of
Nursing within thirty (30) days of the conviction, KRS 314.109. Kentucky Board of Nursing
Administrative
Regulation 201 KAR 20:370, application for licensure and registration, also require applicants to
report criminal convictions and states what must be submitted when reported.
This brochure addresses the most commonly asked questions by individuals with criminal
convictions. For additional information, contact the Board office or visit our website.
KENTUCKY BOARD OF NURSING
312 Whittington Pky, Suite 300
Louisville, KY 40222-5172
1-800-305-2042 or 502-429-3300, Ext. 238 or 243
http://kbn.ky.gov
2/10
What criminal convictions must I report to KBN?
The Kentucky Nursing Laws require that ALL misdemeanor and felony convictions occurring
in Kentucky or any other state, regardless of when they occurred, must be reported to the
Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN). Federal and military convictions must also be reported.
Effective July 14, 2000, any person licensed by KBN shall, within ninety (90) days of entry of the
final judgement, notify KBN in writing of any misdemeanor or felony criminal conviction in this or
any other jurisdiction. Upon learning of any failure to notify KBN under this section, KBN may
initiate an action for immediate temporary suspension under KRS 314.089 until the person
submits the required notification.
How do I know whether Ive been convicted of a crime?
You have been convicted if you have pled guilty to, entered an Alford plea or Nolo Contendre
plea, or were found guilty of a criminal offense in any court. You should contact the court to
determine whether the conviction was a violation, misdemeanor or felony offense.
Will my conviction make me ineligible for a nursing license?
Not necessarily. The statute states that KBN may take action on criminal convictions that bear
directly on an individuals qualifications or ability to practice nursing. The regulation clarifies
that the type of convictions referred to are those that involve dishonesty, substance abuse,
sexual offenses, breach of trust, danger to the public safety, or physical harm or endangerment.
Can I be denied licensure?
Yes, KBN can deny a license for criminal conviction(s), or action taken against your license
in another state.
What if l am denied licensure, what can I do?
You may request a formal hearing before a KBN panel. Your request must be in writing.
What happens if I request a hearing?

31

You will be notified of the date, time, and location of the scheduled meeting of a Hearing
Panel. You may bring legal counsel.
What will the Hearing Panel do?
The Hearing Panel will consider your request for licensure. After hearing the evidence
presented, the panel will make a recommendation to KBN regarding the approval or denial
of your application for licensure.
Will a denial of licensure be on my permanent nursing record?
Yes. Denial of licensure is a formal disciplinary action taken by KBN. The denial will be
published in the Boards newsletter, the KBN Connection, and reported to the National
Council of State Boards of Nursings Disciplinary Data Bank.
I need to report my conviction(s) to KBN. What documents do I send
to the KBN office?
You must submit a certified copy of the court record of each misdemeanor or felony conviction
in this or any other jurisdiction and a letter of explanation that addresses each conviction,
except for traffic-related misdemeanors (other than alcohol-related) or misdemeanors older
than five (5) years.
When do I send the information to KBN?
The letter of explanation and certified copy of the court record must accompany your
application for licensure. Your application fee is nonrefundable even if your application is
denied. You may wish to consider delaying your NCLEX registration with the test service
until you know the outcome of the KBN criminal conviction review process.
What is the letter of explanation?
A letter of explanation is a personally written summary of the events that led to your conviction.
It gives you the opportunity to tell what happened, and to explain the circumstances that led
to your conviction.
Where do I get the certified copy of the court record?
You should contact the court clerk in the county where the conviction occurred to obtain a
certified copy of the court record (the court clerk must certify the copy for you). The court
record should verify the conviction, date of the conviction, and the judgment entered against
you.
What if the court cant find a record of my conviction?
If a court record has been purged by the court due to a record retention schedule, you
may submit a statement from the court to affirm that the physical record no longer exists.
This statement will be accepted in lieu of the court record. In addition, some police
departments will provide a record of the arrest and disposition.
What additional information may be requested from me?
The most frequently requested information is proof of compliance with a court ordered
alcohol education/treatment program or of successful completion of a court ordered probation.
KBN may also request that a letter of recommendation be sent.
What is a letter of recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a letter mailed directly to KBN from a faculty member of a

32

nursing program or a nursing employer to tell why you should be considered for licensure.
What if my charge was dismissed?
You are not required to report charges that have been dismissed by the court.
Do I report convictions when I was a juvenile?
Juvenile convictions that occurred when you were under the age of 18 do not need to be
reported unless you were convicted as an adult.
Do I report the conviction if it has been expunged?
You do not need to report convictions that have been removed from your record as a result
of a formal court ordered expungement. You must check with the court to make sure it was
actually expunged before answering NO to the conviction question on your application.
Do I report a conviction that has been appealed?
You should report the conviction to KBN and let KBN know that the case has been appealed.
Will KBN verify my criminal history?
Yes. KBN requires a criminal history search on licensure applicants which may include an
FBI fingerprinting analysis. The record search is NOT the official court record.
Discrepancies related to criminal convictions or failure to report a criminal conviction will
delay the processing of the application.
How will my conviction be reviewed?
There are three methods of criminal conviction review: 1) Staff Member Review; 2) Board
Member Review; and 3) Credentials Review Panel. For criminal convictions that meet the
criteria for the staff or Board review process, a Board member or KBN staff person will
review the application and other information concerning your criminal conviction history.
The Board member or staff person will consider the nature of the crime, the circumstances
and length of time since the conviction occurred, and whether the conviction would have a
bearing on your ability to practice nursing. A determination will be made to approve your
application, request additional information, request a personal interview with you, or refer
the matter to the Credentials Review Panel.
The Credentials Review Panel is a panel of three Board members that meet monthly. The
panel reviews the submitted information and makes a determination to approve the
application, request additional information, recommend terms for licensure, or recommend
that a hearing be held.
It may take up to three or more months to review your information depending upon various
factors, including the completeness of the information you submit regarding the conviction.
You may be contacted by mail if additional information is needed.
When will I be able to sit for the licensure examination?
You will not be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) until
KBN has made a final determination about your conviction. All other requirements for
entrance to the examination must also be met prior to testing.
When will I receive a temporary work permit?
If you are applying for licensure by endorsement, you will not be issued a temporary work
permit until KBN has made a final determination and all other requirements for the temporary

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work permit have been met. Temporary work permits are no longer issued for applicants
for licensure by examination.
What if KBN previously reviewed my conviction?
You should attach a letter of explanation to the application to alert KBN staff about previous
KBN review, and to affirm that you have no additional criminal convictions to report.
02/10 Page 4
For additional information, call the KBN office at 1-800-305-2042 or 502-429-3300, Ext.
3324 or 3339, or visit the KBN website at http://kbn.ky.gov

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