• How to Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Bringing the Best to Nursing (BBN)?

The BBN is a U.S. Health and Human Service grant funded to increase the racial and cultural diversity of men and women entering the nursing workforce.

2. What is this grant going to accomplish?

The grant seeks to support diversity and focuses on students from underrepresented groups or minority populations and students who have a low income. The goal is to graduate nurses who better resemble the populations being served. There is a special focus on urban areas where many community members are minorities or men and women from underrepresented populations.

3. What will I be doing as a member of the first group of the BBN?

As a member of the BBN community you will be joining a smaller group of students. This is what we call a ‘small learning community.’ You will still belong to your class, take the same courses and have access to the same resources. Additionally, BBN will focus on mentoring, and a variety of supports that will strengthen your student skills, your self confidence and provide you with additional support from your peers as you meet on a monthly basis. You will also have support from an RN community mentor or role model. There will also be financial incentives for students who qualify.

4. What is involved?

Once accepted to the BBN. There will be monthly peer group meetings; tutorials on the use of a laptop computer software, and internet; opportunities to partner with a community mentor who is a nurse; and stress reduction and time management sessions conducted by Reverend Joel Grossman, a BBN faculty member.

5. How does the BBN community of learners differ from the tutoring in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) that I already receive?

You will still have access to all services in CNHS and the University such as the learning lab, and the writing center. You are always part of the CNHS. You are member of the class you were admitted to when you entered CNHS. Nothing changes that. You will also be a member of the BBN which is another, smaller community of supports within your class.

6. Where and when will the BBN be meeting?

We will be meeting in different places for the student peer group meetings. They will be announced. There is a BBN office where you can study, relax, use a computer and come for small student meetings. Peter Terres, the administrator has his office there and will be your contact for the BBN office, S/2/105.

7. How long do I have to stay in the BBN program?

We ask that you participate for a minimum of three semesters in the BBN program. You may stay an extra semester if you wish.

8. Do I have to be a US citizen?

You need to be a US citizen or have a green card. You cannot apply if you have a student visa or temporary visa. These are government regulations that are in place for all federal grant recipients.

9. What do I do to apply for a stipend?

You need to be income eligible according to HRSA ( FederalGrant office) guidelines. Students who meet the income guidelines will be eligible for a stipend. Stipends will be in the range of 250 dollars each month.

10. Will the BBN grant pay my tuition and fees?

No. Students will be responsible for their tuition and fees. Students may apply to Financial Aid for loans, scholarships and other assistance. The BBN will only provide stipends to eligible students.

11. Is it only for minority students?

All students in CNHS who meet the criteria for minority status, and/ or disadvantaged by income, or education are eligible. For example if you are a minority student you need not be income eligible or educationally at risk. Your minority status qualifies you without those criteria. Caucasian students must be at risk because of low income, or poor educational preparation to be BBN eligible.

12. What do we mean or to whom are we referring when we speak about underrepresented populations?

The term ‘underrepresented’ can refer to students who are members of minority populations, e.g. Hispanics, Blacks, Asians, Native Americans, or low income students.

13. What happens if I fail a course while I am in the BBN?

If you fail a course in the BBN you will need to be reviewed by the Student Affairs Committee just as you would if you were not in the BBN. BBN students are held to the same standards or criteria for courses as non- BBN students. The BBN student advisor will be working closely with you. There is no difference in course requirements and grading between BBN students and the the policies for all CNHS students.

14. Will this help me with my English reading and writing skills?

The BBN will offer special activities relating to tutoring, study skills, advising and mentoring. These activities will enhance or strengthen the skills that you bring to nursing and skills you are acquiring in your courses. It will help you with English reading and writing but the BBN will not specifically focus on writing skills. You will be taught writing skills in your general education and nursing courses.

16. Can we keep the laptops?

The laptop you will receive is a loan and when you leave the BBN program, it must be returned for another incoming BBN student to borrow.

17. Do you have day care?

There is no day care. A stipend could be used to help you with day care expenses.

18. Who should I contact to learn more about the BBN program?

Please contact Peter Terres, the BBN program administrator. His office is Science 2nd floor, room l05. Apply to the program.

19. What does CNHS stand for?

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences.