Gear Up
Being prepared with the right materials is one of the best ways to start the program with confidence. This guide will help you know what to buy, where to get it, and when you’ll need it, so you’re ready for labs, classes, and clinical placements from day one.
LakerStore
Winter 2026 textbooks and course materials will be available for purchase beginning early December.
NYE Uniforms
You will receive an email from Denise Gross once your uniforms are ready to be picked up from NYE.
Standris
Order your stethoscopes online through Standris.
Course Materials
All books and packages are available for purchase through the GVSU Laker Store. We recommend going in person to the Grand Rapids or Allendale locations to purchase your materials. Any codes purchased online cannot be guaranteed.
You have the option to use any excess financial aid funds to purchase your required books through the University Bookstore by using your student ID. This option is available two weeks before the start of each semester and will continue through the drop/add period of the semester.
IMPORTANT: If you have concerns or specific questions about your ability to cover the cost of books and materials, please contact the financial aid office or reach out to your academic advisor.
Textbook Requirements:
Elsevier Book Bundle
Used throughout the program for theory and clinical courses. Choose between a Print + eBook package (~$1,200) or an eBook-only package (~$850).
ATI Package
A comprehensive learning and review tool used throughout the program to strengthen content knowledge, improve test-taking skills, and prepare for the NCLEX. Estimated cost: ~$1,500
Other Books
There will also be additional books required throughout each semester. Please check your individual course syllabus for details.
Dress Code
All nursing students are required to wear the official KCON clinical uniform during clinical (and some lab) experiences. Follow the dress code below to ensure you meet program standards:
- Scrub Top: (1–2) Healing Hands Label scrub tops embroidered with "Grand Valley State University" on the front
- Scrub Pants: (1–2) Healing Hands Label black elastic-back drawstring pants.
- Scrub Jacket (Optional): Healing Hands Label jacket embroidered with "Grand Valley State University" on the front.
- Undershirt (Optional): Long-sleeve black shirt may be worn under the scrub top (must fit tightly at the wrists).
- Shoes: Must be gray, black, or white with minimal logo coloring, closed heel and toe, and resistant to body fluids and punctures.
Uniform Fittings
After uniform fittings on Tuesday, November 11, NYE will embroider your scrub with the KCON logo. You will receive an email from Denise Gross once your uniforms are ready to be picked up from NYE.
NYE Uniform Address
1030 Scribner Street,
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Stethoscope
The Kirkhof College of Nursing requires you to have a stethoscope to start the program. KCON recommends the Littmann Classic III stethoscope.
- It is optional to purchase a manual blood pressure cuff.
- There is no need to buy a cardiology scope, this scope is more than you need for the program.