Clinical Preparation

• Current American Heart Association CPR certification (also called BLS) at the health care provider level; online and American Red Cross will not be accepted. Certification must be valid during the student's full tenure in the program.

• Proof of a physical exam no more than 1 year old. The exam must be signed by a licensed medical doctor, physician assistant, doctor of osteopathy, or nurse practitioner.

• Proof of vaccination (or immunity by titer), valid during the student’s full tenure in the program, for the following:

  • • Measles, mumps, rubella (for students born after 12/31/56)

    • Varicella (history of disease not acceptable)

    • Tetanus (within the last 10 years)

    • Diphtheria

    • Pertussis

    • COVID-19 or exemption approved by clinical site; note that clinical sites may not permit students to enter without COVID-19 vaccination

    • Hepatitis B series or waiver; note that clinical sites may not permit students to enter without completing all three doses of the hepatitis vaccine or positive titer

    • Influenza (or proof of allergy to eggs)

    • H1N1 (or proof of allergy to eggs)

    • Meningococcal (if required by clinical sites)

    • Negative tuberculosis status evidenced by either TB skin test or blood test (as defined by CDC standards) required every 12 months; if prior positive test for TB, must submit a negative chest X-ray or medical provider’s clearance

• Other immunizations may be required by specific clinical facilities or by CDC requirements.

• Students may be required to complete a second satisfactory national criminal background check before beginning certain courses that require clinical experiences.

• The use of body scents (perfume, aftershave, etc.) is not permitted.

• Clothing must be clean, wrinkle free, stain free, and in good repair.

• The total University uniform, as designated, must be worn.

• Uniform must be well fitting. While jogger-style scrubs may be worn, they must be full-length with no exposed skin.

• Enclosed, regulation nursing or leather waterproof shoes with rubber soles must be worn. Open-back shoes, including clogs, are not acceptable. Tennis shoes, sneakers, or any shoe made of pliable fabric with holes of any kind are not acceptable due to the risk of body fluid exposure.

• Neutral-colored undergarments should be worn with the uniform.

• Keep makeup and jewelry to a minimum.

• One small necklace is allowed if it is not visible or within the patient’s reach.

• Ear jewelry is limited to one set of small post earrings. More than one earring per ear and other visible piercings are not acceptable. Visible tongue studs, micro dermal anchors, and facial piercings such as eyebrow, nose, and lips will not be permitted. No bars or gauges should be worn on the ears.

• Nails must be medium-short in length. Only clear or neutral-colored nail polish may be worn. Acrylic, solar gel, or other types of artificial nails or nail coatings are not permitted.

• Students are required to cover tattoos. A long sleeve shirt may be worn under the uniform scrub top to cover tattoos. The long sleeve shirt must be black, white, or gray in color.

• Hair is to be neatly groomed. Long hair is pulled up or back away from the face and contained. Only elastic bands or small clips that match hair or uniform color may be worn.

• Hair must not touch the clavicle when leaning forward. Hair color should be a naturally occurring color (blond, brown, etc.) and not dyed in a dramatic manner.

• Male hair, mustaches, and/or beards should be neatly trimmed. An unshaven appearance is not acceptable.

• You must have the following items in their possession when in the clinical or simulation area:

  • • Watch with minutes and seconds—smartwatches not allowed at clinical location

    • Bandage scissors, approximately 5–8 inches long

    • Black ballpoint pen and a fine black permanent felt-tip marker

    • Stethoscope

    • Pen light

    • Small pocket notepad

    • Textbooks to plan nursing care for assigned patients—instructor will note which textbooks to bring

Dismissal from the laboratory/simulation setting for any reason will be considered an absence and reviewed by the Academic Program Head and Assistant Dean of Students. Absences in excess of what is permitted will result in failure of the course.