Student Life

All student activities are planned to provide experiences for professional and personal development.

Class Organizations

Each class elects officers to assist in planning social and professional activities that are of interest to the class.  Each class has a faculty advisor.

Community Life

Students are encouraged to participate in community organizations and activities, and social activities of the nursing program.

Counseling and Guidance

The Coordinator of Admissions, Recruitment and Financial Aid is available for academic planning and financial advisement throughout the school year.  Professional counseling for individual and family problems is not provided through the school, but students are eligible to use the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This is a free and confidential service to assist with solving problems that may interfere with work or school. Community resources are available for counseling as needed.

Facilities and Housing

Resident students live in air-conditioned dormitory rooms, furnished with blinds, desk, chest of drawers, chair, bed, small refrigerator, telephone and cable TV and wireless internet access.  Each dorm floor has a kitchenette, laundry facility and large restroom area.   Dormitory costs are listed on the fee schedule.

A library with current periodicals and reference texts is available for student use.  Besides the resources available in the library, materials may be borrowed from other libraries via interlibrary loan through cooperative memberships with the Resource Sharing Alliane, OCLC and Docline. Numerous health related databases are available to students online. The library also includes a computer lab which houses a minimum of twelve computers, all of which have high-speed internet access.

The school provides lockers, lounges and a recreation room with a television for student use.

Mailboxes are provided for students and should be checked daily when on campus.

Faculty Advisement

Each student will be assigned a faculty advisor.  Faculty advisors are available for individual guidance on academic and professional matters.  Students are required to meet with their advisors at least once in the fall.  Additional meetings can be arranged by either faculty or students at any time throughout the year.

Health Services
The student is expected to assume the cost and the responsibility for a preadmission physical examination and routine laboratory tests.  The student is responsible for all health care costs and is encouraged to have health insurance.   The student is responsible for reporting to the Coordinator of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid all health related problems affecting his/her progress in this school.

Students may purchase prescription and non-prescription drugs for themselves at a reduced rate from the Graham Hospital Pharmacy.   Students using the Graham Hospital Emergency Room will have the emergency room bill sent initially to the student's own health insurance company.  If this bill is not covered, Graham Hospital will wave the basic emergency room fee after a $75.00 co-payment is made by the student.  This does not include emergency physician fees, treatment, laboratory, x-ray charges, hospitalization costs, etc.  All health costs incurred are the student's responsibility including injury related incidences in clinical and class.

Meals

Students may purchase meals in the cafeteria of Graham Hospital at a discounted rate.  Meal tickets may be purchases in the school office for use in the cafeteria. Kitchen facilities are available to students who reside in the residence halls.

Student Ambassador Program
The Student Ambassador Program is a new activity provided by Student Senate that is in the developing stages. Some of the goals of the Student Ambassador Program are to:

• Encourage new students to become involved in school activities
• Offer guidance regarding professional decisions
• Empower new students through the enhancement of leadership skills
• Foster self-esteem and professional growth
  

Activities that may be includede:

• Monthly "seminars" geared towards professional issues
• List of students that are ambassadors willing to provide encouragement and to talk with students regarding nursing school.

Student of the Month

Students nominate their peers by ballot.  The Commendation Committee selects a Student of the Month for each level from these nominations. The student receives meal tickets, a certificate, and a designated parking space for the month.

Student of the Month Nomination Ballot (pdf)

Student Orientation

A comprehensive orientation program is planned to provide dialogue between faculty and students, and for students to become familiar with school and hospital policies. Attendance is required at all orientation activities.

Student Senate

The Student Senate is composed of all students.  Student Senate officers are elected representatives. The democratic process is utilized to plan activities for the enrichment of student life.  Student Senate standing committees are utilized to assist in the growth of the individual student, to create a sense of unity and fellowship, and to promote understanding and interest in professional organizations.  A faculty advisor assists the Student Senate in its activities.  Students are encouraged to join the National Student Nurses Association (N.S.N.A.) which acquaints students with professional, civic, and legislative responsibilities as well as the functions of professional nurse organizations.

Transportation/Parking
Each student is responsible for his/her own transportation to and from classroom and clinical experiences.  Students must report automobile license numbers at the beginning of each academic year.  Parking is available in designated areas.  Students utilizing the parking facilities must comply with hospital regulations. The hospital assumes no responsibility for vehicles.

Smoke-Free Policy
In accordance with the healthcare focus of Graham Hospital, the School of Nursing has a no-smoking policy. Smoking or use of tobacco products is prohibited on Graham Hospital and Graham Medical Group property. This includes parking lots and sidewalks.