Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for the College of Nursing

We are committed to the health of our Kent State students and the community. 

If you are someone in need of tools to help both families and providers during these difficult times, please visit our grief and resiliency resource page. We are also offering families a place to share experiences on our blog to offer advice to and garnish support from each other during this difficult time.

Undergraduate Students: Clinical Update 8/14/2020

August 14, 2020

Dear Undergraduate Students,

Each agency has different PPE requirements, but all student should have personal eye protection with them when they attend clinical and students will be wearing a mask or maybe even a face shield. The university is encouraging students from high-risk states to come to Kent at least 14 days before classes and clinical. Additionally our hospital partners require quarantining.

If you have any questions, please Dr. Tracey Motter, Associate Dean Undergraduate Programs at tmotter1@kent.edu or 330-672-8784.

Graduate Students: Clinical Update 4/9/2020

August 17, 2020

Dear Graduate Student,

Any new information will be shared here. 

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Wendy Umberger, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, at 330-672-8813 or wlewando@kent.edu.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Advising

How will I work with my advisor during the suspension of face-to-face operations at the university?

The University plans to provide continuity in its Academic Advising and services will be available to all students remotely, visit KSUAdvising to schedule your advising appointment.

In addition, please feel free to reach out to your advisor directly, especially if your questions or concerns may have to do with your fall ‘20 class registration. We understand that this will be a timely issue for many of you. Your advising pin for spring ’20 has been removed to ease your registration concerns. Each advisor in the College of Nursing is still working weekdays from 7:30a – 4:30pm, and your most timely response can be ensured by emailing your advisor directly. Additionally, the Student Services phone line (330) 672-7911 is operational.

I am a senior nursing student, will I graduate at the end of the term?

Yes, if you complete all clinical assignments and earn at least 75% on your course tests and assignments.

Can I attend Clinical if I am working on a Covid-19 floor as a nurse tech?

Yes, as long as you are following proper PPE protocol.

What happens if I get Covid-19 and am unable to attend clinical or lab?

Students should contact their faculty member immediately, and the faculty member will work with students individually to meet clinical/lab objectives.

Do you have additional questions about Covid-19?

Please visit www.kent.edu/coronavirus or call the Kent State University Covid-19 response team at 330-672-2525.

I am in the MSN program and plan to graduate in May of 2021. What happen if I am not able to complete all practicum hours because COVID issues (e.g., lack of preceptors and practicum sites)?

If you are in an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) concentration (i.e., nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist), you must complete a minimum of 500 direct care practicum hours with a preceptor to sit for national certification (e.g., American Nurses Credentialing Center, Pediatric Nursing Certification Board).  The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) certification body, National Certification Corporation (NCC), stipulates 600 practicum hours; of those 500 must be direct care practicum hours with a preceptor.  Neither the university, nor the College of Nursing, can change these guidelines.  The College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).  CCNE released a statement on March 12, 2020, which stated that:  “(1) nurse practitioner programs which, in accordance with the Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs (National Task Force on Quality Nurse Practitioner Education, 2016), must have a minimum of 500 direct patient care hours; and (2) Doctor of Nursing Practice programs which, in accordance with The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2006), must have a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. The hourly requirements for these two program types are over the course of the program and will not be waived.”  If you are in an APRN concentration and have completed at least 500 direct care practicum hours with a preceptor (WHNP students must have 600 hours, of which 500 must be in direct care activities), you will be allowed to graduate and sit for certification.  If you have not completed these hours, your concentration coordinator and practicum faculty will keep in close touch with you about when you can go back into the practicum setting.  Please know that our leadership team is communicating your concerns to CCNE, APRN certification bodies, National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS), and we will update you if their policies change on the national level.

If you are in the Nurse Educator or Nurse Administration and Health Systems Leadership concentrations, your concentration coordinator and practicum course faculty will work with you to complete practicum hours this semester using a variety of online activities.

Please remember:

We must all do our part to slow the spread of the virus and decrease the surge on our health system. Please heed the recommendations of our governor and state health officials by remaining at home, going out only when necessary and adhering to social distancing practices.

Anyone who believes they have been in close contact (within approximately 6 feet for a prolonged period of time) with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should self-isolate. If you have had close contact with a person with COVID-19 and develop symptoms such as fever (temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), cough or difficulty with breathing, seek medical advice by calling your local health provider or local health department. Also, if you feel you need emergency care, call ahead to the emergency room to notify them of your recent exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Continue to Take Preventative Measures

It is imperative that we take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Avoid large gatherings and follow social distancing recommendations of 3-6 feet.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue.
  • Avoid exposure to others who are sick.
  • Stay home while you are ill (except to visit a healthcare professional) and avoid close contact with others.
  • Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Additional information can be found here:

The health and safety of our Kent State community is of the highest importance. During this challenging time, let’s all remember to show kindness and respect in all we do because Flashes take care of Flashes.

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