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VII. POLICIES WHICH PROMOTE A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

Communicable Disease Policy

Nursing is a health related profession; therefore, it is important that you, as a nursing student, be a role model for a healthy lifestyle.  One facet of this lifestyle is to be protected against preventable disease and thus protect your future patients from contracting these diseases from you.  In this spirit, the following policy is enforced.

Colorado State Law requires that all students have evidence of an MMR.  This information should be provided directly to the UCCS Student Health Center.

Beginning with the enrollment in Nurs 210 Health Assessment and for each clinical course that follows.

ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE COLLEGE WITH PROOF OF THE FOLLOWING IMMUNIZATIONS, TESTS, CPR, AND HEALTH INSURANCE.

A legible copy of this record is to be kept in the student’s professional portfolio notebook (begun in Nurs 210).  This portfolio will accompany the student throughout their clinical career at Beth-El College.  Failure to comply with this policy is grounds for dismissal from a clinical course.

___I MMUNIZATIONS       

1. 2 (two) MMR’s (or written evidence of laboratory tests showing titers of all three immunities: measles, mumps and rubella).  This is not required if student was born before Jan. 1, 1957.  A copy of these immunizations must be on file at the UCCS Student Health Center office (719-262-4444 / FAX 719-262-4403).

2. Td/DT injection or tetanus booster within the last 10 years.

3. Hepatitis B series or Hepatitis antibody titer (titer must show immunity).  The series takes 12 months to complete.  Second year nursing students must initiate the series.

4. PPD (TB skin testing) Test results will not be accepted if they expire during the clinical class semester. Students are encouraged to consult with their private physician OR the Public Health Department for a positive PPD.  Students who have prior documentation of a positive PPD are required to have an annual review for signs and symptoms of tuberculosis.

___ CPR (CARDIO/PULMUNARY RESUSCITATION)

Students are encouraged to complete CPR certification during off class times (Summer or Winter Break) so that certification will not expire during a clinical course.  Contact your provider for additional information.

___ HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

All undergraduate nursing students are required to show proof of health insurance which must be maintained at all times.  Students without insurance will be blocked from attending clinical/practicum.  Student health insurance is available and information may be obtained at Student Success Insurance Office at 719- 262-3255.

___ CURRENT RN UNRESTRICTED COLORADO NURSING LICENSE

RN-BSN students must provide a copy of their license with their application to the College and provide renewal information as appropriate.

HEALTH ISSUES DURING CLINICAL COURSE:

1. If a student contracts Chickenpox, the student is to remain out of class/clinical.  The student will be allowed to return to class and clinical practicum six (6) days after the onset of the rash.

2. Students with any contagious disease or skin lesions (staphylococcus, or herpetic) will need to be evaluated by their health care professional or at the student health center prior to attending clinical.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain proof of current PPD, CPR and health insurance (RN-BSN students must also include RN license) in accordance with this policy.  This proof is to be kept by the student in their professional portfolio notebook.  This portfolio will be reviewed at the beginning of each clinical course by the clinical faculty.  Students are encouraged to update all requirements prior to the beginning of the course (i.e. summer and winter break) to assure that they are in compliance with this policy.

REMEMBER:  Failure to comply with this policy is grounds for dismissal from the clinical course.

1. All health costs, including prescriptions medications and immunizations are the financial responsibility of the student.
2. Students who choose not to have these immunizations will be required to sign a statement of declination to participate in this immunization requirement. This may result in failure to meet requirements for certain clinical placements and also failure to meet course requirements for graduation.
3. If your immune system is suppressed for any reason, or  if you are pregnant, please consult with your physician prior to receiving any immunizations.

approved: Undergraduate Faculty, Revised 11/26/2003