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VIII. Milestones

VIII. Milestones

Section VIII.I: Consecration and Pinning
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The clinical nursing experience at Northwest University begins with a worship service planned by junior nursing students and the junior level faculty. It is a time set apart for prayer and praise which is shared by family, friends, nursing faculty, and nursing students for God’s blessing on nursing study. Students may be asked to serve on a planning committee. Full uniform is required for the service. A class photo is taken and individual photos may also be available.

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In recognition of the accomplishments of the graduating class of students from the Buntain College of Nursing, the faculty, staff, and administration of Northwest University will join in honoring the class in a year-end Pinning Ceremony. The pinning ceremony signifies the completion of the requirements of the nursing program, and the official pin of the Buntain College of Nursing is presented to the graduates. It marks the passage from students to professional nurse.

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The ceremony is held the night before commencement, and graduates are encouraged to invite family, friends, and mentors to this event. Graduation gowns are required for the Pinning Ceremony. The graduating seniors and representatives of the junior class along with the Student Affairs Committee assist with the planning and conducting of this formal ceremony.

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Section VIII.II: Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

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Section VIII.II: DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students
 

The Buntain College of Nursing participates with the DAISY Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died at age 33 from complications of an immune disease.  DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The Barnes family valued the care nurses provided to their son and family through his illness. Establishing the foundation and the DAISY Award was their way to say thank you to exceptional nurses everywhere. The DAISY Foundation is also proud to recognize nursing students for their care and compassion for patients and families. 

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Criteria to receive the DAISY Award:

  • Spring semester senior nursing student.

  • Demonstrates commitment to compassionate care of patients and families.

  • Cultivates a connection with patients, families and peers by building trust and respect.

  • Advocates strongly for patients and families.

  • Portrays personal values, experiences and goals that align with the Mark and Huldah Buntain College of Nursing Program.

 

The Honoree receives the DAISY signature hand-carved Healer’s Touch sculpture from Zimbabwe, DAISY pin, and an award certificate.

 

To learn more about the DAISY Award and the DAISY Foundation go to:

www.daisyfoundation.org

 
 
 
Section VIII.II: Application for Graduation
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All nursing students apply for graduation fall semester of the junior year. Students must submit the completed graduation application form at the junior year orientation session. All applicants for graduation are assessed at the time of application a fixed, nonrefundable graduation fee to cover the costs connected with the diploma and Commencement (whether or not the student participates in the public Commencement ceremonies). If the student cancels the application for graduation, the graduation fee is retained and applied when the student does graduate.

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Section VIII.III: Baccalaureate and Commencement
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Baccalaureate and Commencement are events to celebrate the completion of degrees along with all other graduates of Northwest University. The College of Nursing Pin may be worn on the graduation gown at commencement, however, in a spirit of respect for graduates of all other programs, the cap and gown are not adorned with any nursing equipment or symbols. Commencement rehearsal is held the day before Commencement and attendance is required.

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Section VIII.IV: Applying for Licensure in Washington State
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1. Eligibility
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Eligibility to apply to take the licensure exam for initial licensure occurs when ALL requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing have been completed. There are two application processes: (a) state application for Registered Nurse License and (b) application for National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN).

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2. Application Materials
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Application materials and information about procedures, fees, etc. will be distributed in March of the senior year. Each student will receive a packet of information about NCLEX-RN and Washington State licensure. Students wishing to be licensed in other states should go to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing web site for specific information for that state.

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3. Application Process

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The application process for students applying for licensure in Washington State requires that the official NU transcript with degree posted be sent to the Nursing Commission. This will be sent to the Nursing Commission by the NU Registrar's office after the degree is posted. If the student’s
degree is not posted or “holds” cleared, contact the Buntain College of Nursing office.​

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4. Authorization to take NCLEX-RN
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After the graduate’s application materials and certificate of completion is received and processed by the state, the graduate is authorized by the state to schedule an appointment for the NCLEX-RN exam. The testing center/organization is also notified.  Graduates cannot make an appointment until they have been authorized by the state.

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a. The graduate is responsible for completing all University requirements and taking steps to have all “holds” removed, including meeting financial obligations, before the NU Registrar's office will release the final transcript.

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b. State law and licensure requirements are subject to change and the Buntain College of Nursing may not be notified of these changes. It is the graduate’s responsibility to complete the application process in effect at the time of program completion.

8.1
8.3
8.2
8.4
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