Frequently Asked Questions
Grand Valley State University
Kirkhof College of Nursing

Do you have several questions about the nursing program? Not sure where to find the answers? The following is a list of "frequently asked questions" which will help as you prepare to begin your career at KCON. These questions were put together by nursing students currently in the program specifically to help nursing students in future semesters!

Are there food options at the downtown campus or in the CHS building?

The Recovery Room Cafe, an extension of the Bagel Beanery, is located on the Mezzanine level in the Center for Health Sciences (CHS), and the DeVos Center has a Plaza cafe in Building C. For more details about dining options downtown, check out the campus dining website at http://www.gvsu.edu/campusdine/.

Are there computer labs in the building?

There are several computer labs available on the Pew Campus. Check out the Information Technology website at http://www.gvsu.edu/it/, click on the left-menu item "Labs" and you can find out the locations, what software is available and hours of operation. The computer labs in CHS are located on the 1st floor.

Where do I park?

There are student parking areas and several bus stop locations on the Pew Campus. Visit the Pew Campus Operations website at http://www.gvsu.edu/operations/ and click on "Parking" in the lower-right corner. You will find maps for the student parking areas, shuttle information to and from CHS, and more helpful tips under the menu "How Can We Help?"

How long should you plan on to get to the building?

Regardless if your classes are on the Allendale or Pew Campus, you should allow yourself ample travel time no matter where your destination is.

• Are you taking the shuttle to Allendale? You will need to find out where the campus connector shuttle stops are.
• What season is it? Inclement weather during Fall/Winter semesters can slow you down.
• What time of day is it? You may encounter rush hour traffic during the early morning, lunch hour, or late afternoon.

What are the hours of operation for the CHS building?

CHS is open Monday - Thursday 7:00am to 10:00pm, Friday 7:00am to 5:00pm, and Saturday 8:00am to 4:00pm. Check out the Pew Campus Operations website for more details http://www.gvsu.edu/operations/. Please note: students must display their ID badge at all times in the CHS building.

Where do I go to get my TB test and health physical before entering the nursing program?

If you live close to home, you should contact your Primary Care Provider to have the physical examination sheet (the yellow form in your packet) filled out and signed, and to inquire about how to get your TB test completed.

If you do not have a Primary Care Provider in the area, you may contact the KCON Nurse Managed Family Health Center, which is located on 72 Sheldon in Grand Rapids. To make an appointment, please call (616) 988-8774. Visit their website at http://gvsu.edu/fhc/.

Where can I get certified for CPR if I do not work in a hospital?

KCON and the Student Nurses Association (SNA) have partnered with the Health Education Associates for CPR certification courses which are held at various times in CHS. Visit the HEA website at http://www.healthedu.com/ to find out when the next class will be held. Classes are $40, and pre-registration is required. Call Carol Gates at (616) 874-8800 to register. Leave a message if there is no answer.

What is SNA? What are the benefits of being a member?

Grand Valley State University's Student Nurses Association (GVSU SNA) is a constituent member of the Michigan Nursing Students Association (MNSA) and the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA). The SNA is a student run organization which functions to promote the profession of nursing and develop leadership skills in students. As a member, you will have opportunities to meet with other nursing students and professionals from all over the country. One of the benefits of SNA membership: you can earn up to 10 (ten) points of extra credit toward theory class grades starting with NUR 320, just for taking part in SNA activities!  Check out their website at http://www.gvsusna.com/info/. Membership is $100 for 2 years.

Do nursing students have jobs?  How can I arrange my work schedule around my clinical schedule?

The nursing program is very demanding. As the clinical courses increase in credit load, they also increase in time demands.  We calculate clinical hours on a 3:1 ratio, so a clinical course that is 6 credits will require 17-18 hours of your time a week.  This does not include:  

• Looking up diagnoses, treatments, medications, etc. that you need to do before you work in the clinical site
• Paperwork required by your instructor to demonstrate learning
• Taking time to practice a new skill in our learning labs before going to clinical. 
• Preparation for your theory course. You can roughly expect 3 hours of reading/preparation time for each hour of a theory course. 

Clearly, your course work will demand a lot from you. In addition, this really is your opportunity to practice working with people who are very vulnerable with a safety net, so to speak. This is an opportunity for you to be a learner and improve your problem-solving skills, apply the knowledge you have gained, and work on psycho-motor skills. If you choose to work, or feel like you absolutely must work, you are cheating yourself and your patients in the long-run. You deserve the time you can give yourself to learn this material and this profession.

What type of expenses should I expect when I start the nursing program?

The following is a list of some of the expenses you should expect, and estimated costs that you should be prepared for.

• Tuition & Lab Fees: Please consult the GVSU Undergraduate and Graduate catalog for Costs and Financial Aid questions.
• Textbooks: Estimated average per semester is $298.45 new, $199.25 used. Some semesters will be more expensive than others. This cost only includes nursing courses textbooks.
• Uniforms: At orientation, you will order two polo shirts and a lab coat. A mandatory $65 will be charged to your account automatically for the cost. You are responsible for purchasing shoes and pants that are appropriate to wear with the uniform.
• Parking and Transportation: Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical. The CHS express and all Dash buses/Campus Connectors are free to GVSU students. Consult http://www.gvsu.edu/operations/ to find out parking permit fees for students.
• Lab equipment: BP Cuff=$30, Stethoscope=$80 to $150, Penlight/scissors pack=$15, Reliable analog watch=$40.

What happens if I need to drop out of the program for some reason and how would I get back in?

As soon as you realize you may need to step out of the program for a semester or longer, it is extremely important that you submit an appeal to the Admission & Progression committee immediately!

Contact the KCON main office at (616) 331-3558 or stop by 300 CHS to pick up an "Admission & Progression Request for Action" form. Fill it out, attach the appropriate materials, and make an appointment with your advisor to discuss your reasons for stepping out of the program. Your advisor may also write a letter of support if the situation calls for it.

If you are a 1st degree student, send your packet to the attention of either Linda Buck or Deb Brown Bayus for the BSN program.  If you are a 2nd degree student, send your packet to the attention of Wanda Moerland, Student Services Coordinator for the 2nd Degree BSN Program. They will take your materials to the next Admission & Progression meeting to discuss your appeal. You may contact them to find out when the next meeting will be held. Call (616) 331-5785 to reach Linda, (616) 331-5714 to reach Deb or (616) 331-6742 to reach Wanda.

Do you have to be a full-time student in the nursing program?

Depending on your financial aid situation and insurance policy requirements, you do not have to be "full time" in the nursing program. A part-time schedule would be enrolling theory courses in one semester, and enrolling in the partner clinical course during the next semester.

If you are considering this option, first make an appointment with your advisor to discuss your reasons and what this will mean for you. You must submit an appeal to the Admission & Progression Committee to gain approval to progress through the nursing program as a part-time student (see procedure above for submitting that appeal).