2010-2011 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Kirkhof College of Nursing
Dean: McCurren; Associate Dean, Graduate Programs: Scott; Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs: Van Doren; Interim Associate Dean for Practice: Brintnall; Associate Dean for Nursing Research and Faculty Development: Coviak.
Web Site: www.gvsu.edu/kcon
Mission
The mission of the Kirkhof College of Nursing is to provide quality nursing education to a diverse population of students. Kirkhof College of Nursing strives to improve the well-being of people through leadership in nursing education, professional practice and scholarship.
Kirkhof Legacy
Grand Valley State University named Kirkhof College of Nursing in honor of Ottawa County businessman and entrepreneur Russel Kirkhof, who donated the first million-dollar gift to Grand Valley in 1978. Kirkhof was so important to Grand Valley that his name also graces the student hub on the Allendale Campus, the Kirkhof Center. Kirkhofs commitment to education in the region inspires the College of Nursings devotion to providing well-prepared health care professionals to the West Michigan community.
Program Information
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, B.S.N.; a B.S.N. for students with degrees in other disciplines; B.S.N. completion for Registered Nurses; Master of Science in Nursing, M.S.N.; and the Doctor of Nursing Practice, D.N.P.
Accreditation
The Kirkhof College of Nursing (KCON) at Grand Valley is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and recognized for outstanding teaching, scholarship, service, and research. The Kirkhof College of Nursing is located in the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. The baccalaureate program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC, 20036- 1120; Telephone: 202-887-6791) and is approved by the Michigan State Board of Nursing (P.O. Box 30018, Lansing, MI 48909; Telephone: 517-335-0918). Graduates are prepared to take the licensure examination for registered nurses. The masters program is fully accredited by the CCNE. Consistent with CCNE guidelines Doctor of Nursing Practice program accreditation will be sought in 2011. Graduate students are eligible for certification exams.
Undergraduate Admissions
Students admitted to the university as pre-nursing or nursing majors must complete a secondary application for the upper division clinical courses. Admission of pre-nursing students to the undergraduate nursing major is selective and highly competitive. Information regarding undergraduate admissions is outlined under the Academic Program section for Nursing. For questions or clarification, please call the Kirkhof College of Nursing at (616) 331-7160.
Graduate Admissions
Information regarding graduate admissions is outlined under the academic program section for Nursing. For questions or clarification, please call the Kirkhof College of Nursing at (616) 331-7160.
Student Services
The Office of Student Services at Kirkhof College of Nursing is staffed by professional advisors. The Center provides a wide range of services to support undergraduate and graduate nursing students with: degree planning including general education and major or minor requirements, development and review of degree progress plans to promote their academic success. Prospective students interested in any nursing degree program can attend group information sessions scheduled regularly. For individual and group appointments, students may call (616) 331-7160 or visit us at www.gvsu.edu/kcon/oss/.
Student Organizations
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. The benefits of joining include opportunities for leadership, networking, and volunteering in your community. Additional information about the Student Nurses Association is available at www.gvsusna.com.
Honors Organizations
Membership in Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing is offered to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate academic excellence. The mission of the society is to support learning, knowledge, and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide. 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 pre- and post-licensure students. Information regarding specific scholarships is available through the Kirkhof College of Nursing web site and the Grand Valley State University Office of Financial Aid web site at www.gvsu.edu/financialaid.
Graduate Assistantships
The Kirkhof College of Nursing employs graduate students in full and part-time assistantships to support faculty scholarship and special projects. Assistantships provide tuition and stipend support.