2017-2018 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Kirkhof College of Nursing
Administration
Dean: McCurren
Associate Dean, Graduate Programs: Burritt
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs: Winter
Associate Dean for Research and Scholarship: Spoelstra
Assistant Dean for Practice: Thomas
Website
Mission
The mission of the Kirkhof College of Nursing is to provide quality nursing education to a diverse population of students. The Kirkhof College of Nursing strives to improve the well-being of people through leadership in nursing education, professional practice, and scholarship.
Kirkhof Legacy
The Kirkhof College of Nursing was named in recognition of Russel Kirkhof, a self-taught electrician. His avid interest in finding solutions to manufacturing problems through the application of electricity developed into an international business enterprise. His life paralleled the American dream of becoming a self-made millionaire through the virtues of hard work, talent, and personal determination. Kirkhof was a humble man who conducted his life without fanfare and he was happiest when he was working with his hands. Today, his life story serves as an inspiration to others in making meaningful contributions to their communities. KCON embodies the values espoused by Kirkhof through professional education that teaches the importance of making significant contributions as nurses to surrounding communities and society-at-large.
Program Information
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.): Traditional
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.): Second Degree (for students with degrees in other disciplines)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.): RN to B.S.N. (for students who have their A.D.N. or A.A.S. in nursing)
Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.): Advanced Generalist
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.): Adult/Older Adult Nurse Practitioner; Child/Adolescent Nurse Practitioner; Health Systems Leadership
Interprofessional Palliative and Hospice Care (certificate)
Accreditation
All nursing degree programs offered by Grand Valley State University Kirkhof College of Nursing (KCON) are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation). The baccalaureate program is also approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing, P.O. Box 30193, Lansing, MI 48909; Telephone: (517) 335-0918. KCON is recognized for outstanding teaching, scholarship, and service. KCON is located in the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Graduates of the KCON traditional or second degree Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing (B.S.N.) programs are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination RN (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure to practice as a registered nurse. Students completing the advanced generalist Master of Science in nursing (M.S.N.) degree will be eligible for national certification as a clinical nurse leader. Students completing the Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) degree in one of the nurse practitioner tracks will be prepared for national primary care specialty certification in either pediatrics or adult-gerontology. Students completing the D.N.P. Health Systems Leadership track will be eligible for and encouraged to sit for national certification as a nurse executive.
Admissions Information
Information regarding undergraduate and graduate admissions is outlined under their respective academic program section of the catalog. For questions or clarification, please call the Kirkhof College of Nursing at (616) 331-7160.
Graduate Assistantships
The Kirkhof College of Nursing employs graduate students in full- and part-time assistantships to support student engagement in faculty scholarship, teaching, and academic activities. Assistantships provide tuition and stipend support for graduate education. For more information, please contact KCON at (616) 331-3558.
Honors Organizations
Membership in Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Honor Society of Nursing is offered to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate academic excellence. The mission of STTI is advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. The Kappa Epsilon Chapter-at-Large is comprised of four nursing programs: Grand Valley State University, Calvin College, Ferris State University, and Hope College.
Scholarships
Numerous scholarship opportunities are available to undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Information regarding specific scholarships is available through the Kirkhof College of Nursing website at www.gvsu.edu/kcon and the Grand Valley State University Office of Financial Aid website at www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/.
Student Organizations
The Kirkhof College of Nursing is proud to hold the All College Membership status within the National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA). All students are strongly encouraged to actively participate in the Grand Valley State University chapter of the NSNA during the clinical portion of the curriculum. The benefits of joining the SNA include opportunities for leadership, networking, and volunteering in your community. Additional information about the SNA is available at www.gvsusna.com/.
Students taking prerequisite courses are encouraged to join the Prenursing Association (PNA). This organization is also student-run and is open to all prenursing students. The benefits of membership include leadership, networking, social connections, and opportunities to learn more about the nursing profession. Additional information about PNA is available through the Student Life Office.
The Graduate Student Organization is a university-wide student organization dedicated to GVSU graduate students. Its goals include intellectual, professional, and social development while fostering interprofessional communication, collaboration, and community. Because this organization represents all graduate students, M.S.N. and D.N.P. students are encouraged to participate. The annual meeting schedule is posted on the GSA Blackboard site in September of each year.
Student Services
The mission of the Kirkhof College of Nursing Office of Student Services (OSS) is to recognize individuality and establish collaborative partnerships with students. To do this, OSS advisors engage in intentional and holistic advising through proactive outreach toward students seeking a nursing degree at GVSU. They strive to promote diversity and foster student connections within KCON, GVSU, the broader community, and the nursing profession. The OSS provides a wide range of services to support undergraduate nursing students, including degree-planning in consideration of general education and major or minor requirements as well as development and review of degree-progress plans to promote academic success. Undergraduate students are assigned to a professional advisor once they declare nursing as their intended major. In addition to undergraduate student advising, the OSS offers advising that is specific to prospective and current KCON graduate nursing students in need of academic advisement and guidance related to the M.S.N. and D.N.P. programs. For individual and group appointments, students may call the Kirkhof College of Nursing Office of Student Services at (616) 331-7160.