nursing student in simulation lab

For most nurses, work is more than just a way to earn a paycheck—it’s a passion for compassion, a commitment to serve others and enhance the health and quality of life of patients. The School of Nursing, likewise, is committed to enhancing quality of life through its mission and vision of creating a learning-centered community that furthers the knowledge and practice of nursing.


Rankings and Recognition

Graduate

20th Best Online Graduate Nursing Program in “U.S. News and World Report” (2022)


certificate icon

91.4% Pass Rate for Licensing Exams

See more rankings for the College of Health.

Accreditation Logo Accreditation

An outstanding student experience is assured through our accreditations and approvals¬ from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Indiana State Board of Nursing. Learn more.

Philosophy of Nursing

The faculty in the School of Nursing adopt the mission of Ball State University including the core values of the discovery of knowledge, integration of learning experiences, and civic and professional leadership. The philosophy of the School of Nursing consists of three elements: humans and their interaction with the environment, nursing, and values of the faculty.

Humans are physical, psycho-emotional, sociocultural, and spiritual beings. They are in continuous interaction with the environment. People's decisions about health are influenced by their physical and mental health, gender, age, socioeconomic status, ethnic, and racial origin as well as sexual orientation. Nurses recognize the individual's influential factors that affect health and provide care within the context of family, significant others, community, and the society.

Nursing is a profession whose function is to promote health of people through helping them to be active participants in health care, maintain the right to self-determination, and ensure adequate provision of information. Nurses use education, research, service, and involvement in health care policies to promote health, reduce risks, prevent disease and disability, and meet the individuals' self-care deficits. Nurses help manage wellness, restore the optimal functioning after illness, and provide comfort and support during end of life. Nursing is a profession that is guided by the ANA code of ethics and standards of practice. Nurses are engaged in the development of scientific knowledge and use of technological resources that will advance the profession. Nurses work with consumers independently and in collaboration with other members of the health care team. Further, professional nurses are engaged in leadership at the local, state, national, and international health-related organizations.

student and instructor hugging during pinning ceremonyFaculty are dedicated to the belief that every individual has the right to holistic and nondiscriminatory health care that is based upon worth and dignity of all people.

Faculty recognize diversity of values, culture, and ethnicity, and provide learning opportunities for students with culturally diverse populations. Faculty uphold professional ethics when working with students, staff, faculty, other professionals, and people in the community.

A Nursing student works in a labThe School of Nursing is a learning community that builds on a foundation of liberal arts, humanities, and sciences to develop clinical skills and judgment required to practice professional nursing.

Faculty believe in student success. The faculty believe that students are responsible for their own learning with faculty to facilitate the learning process. Faculty are committed to providing an environment which assists students to reach their potential, promote intellectual interest, critical thinking, development of professional values, and a commitment to life-long learning.

Within a milieu of mutual respect, students and faculty participate collaboratively in a venture of inquiry and investigation, learning, creativity, and service. Faculty are responsible for designing and implementing teaching strategies that help facilitate students' learning.

Evaluation of the student performance is a continuous process and utilizes established criteria.

Student success is promoted by supportive faculty advisement, remedial work, and/or referral to counseling services. Faculty enhance the learning process by maintaining current knowledge in the discipline of nursing and integrating research and service into nursing education.

Annual Reports

To learn about the School of Nursing in great detail—from accomplishments and awards to scholarship and enrollment data—please feel free to download the school’s annual reports (PDF).

ISBN Annual Report (BS)

ISBN Annual Report (RN to BS)

ISBN Annual Report (BS 2nd Degree)