To protect the public and health care professionals, Knoxville area health care facilities require annual background checks and drug screening of all new employees and student health professionals who use their facilities. The College of Nursing uses an outside vendor, American DataBank, and their web-based compliance software Complio, to conduct student background checks and to compile results of other requirements such as drug testing, CPR, personal health insurance, and immunization records. All requirements are program specific; therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to understand the requirements of their program as detailed in their American DataBank (Complio) account.

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure all information (immunizations, licensure, documents, etc.) is current and remains current for the duration of their program. If a student's Complio account becomes delinquent at any point without being excused with written pre-approval from the College of Nursing’s Compliance Officer, the student will not be allowed to participate in clinical, labs, or simulation experiences and therefore will not meet clinical course requirements.

During summer and throughout the year, the college audits student records for compliance. All documentation for fall semesters must be submitted no later than the preceding July 31st. Students with incomplete Complio accounts after July 31st, will not be allowed to participate in any clinical, lab, or simulation in the fall semester. The inability to attend clinical, lab, or simulation will result in not passing associated courses.

Your Complio required documentation must remain current. Specific directions for how to obtain and submit the required documentation are located on the American DataBank (Complio) website. Documentation must not only be submitted but approved/cleared by American DataBank (Complio) by program deadlines.  Therefore, students are highly encouraged to upload documentation at least 30 days ahead of deadlines to allow American DataBank (Complio) time for processing. The Compliance Officer will not extend the stated deadlines to students who do not provide ample time for  Compilio to process their compliance information.

College of Nursing Student Fees cover the cost of the background check, drug screen, and medical document manager are paid for by the College of Nursing. The cost of personal health insurance is the student’s responsibility.

Criminal Background Checks

To enhance patient safety and public protection, all nursing students must undergo a criminal background check.

Drug Testing

To enhance patient safety and public protection, all nursing students must undergo drug testing. Students will be required to register with American DataBank (Complio).  The agency will provide specific instructions about completing the drug testing process including approved locations and drug test forms. The College of Nursing administration reserves the right to request a random drug screen at any time. Please refer to the Substance Abuse and Drug/Alcohol Testing Policy in the student handbook.

Physical Examination

The College of Nursing provides a Health Clearance Form and a Technical Standards Form. A health care provider must sign and complete this form with necessary documentation. A student must be in good physical and mental health. Based on the University of Tennessee College of Nursing Technical Standards for Nursing Students, a student must be free from any health impairment that might interfere with his/her performance or which is a potential risk to patients, personnel, students, self, or faculty (with or without a reasonable accommodation). The Health Clearance form is also required before the student can return to a clinical site after an illness, injury or surgery (see attached documents.) Please note, both forms in their entirety (not just the signatures page), must be submitted by the student to their American DataBank (Complio) account.

CPR Requirements

Students will submit a copy of their American Heart Association Health Care Provider (BLS) CPR card to their American DataBank (Complio) account. The College of Nursing requires all CPR training be conducted through the American Heart Association; please note that students must complete the American Heart Association Health Care Provider (BLS) course including CPR/AED. The course must involve a hands-on simulation check-off. This requirement is not negotiable. Expiration date and instructor name or signature must be visible on the BLS card when scanned into American DataBank (Complio). The American Heart Association Health Care Provider (BLS) certification must remain current until graduation from the College of Nursing.

Immunization Records

In keeping with the policy of the College of Nursing, students must submit documented immunization records. Students in the College are required to give official medical records (e.g. State Health Department record) as proof of immunizations. Official medical records must include an official office stamp, office letter head, or healthcare provider signature.

These immunizations are separate from the records required for general admission to the University of Tennessee, which are submitted to the Student Health Center.

Based on the professional and academic judgment of the College of Nursing, no exemptions will be granted for Tdap, MMR, Varicella, or Polio vaccinations, or Tb testing. Please reference University Rule 1720-01-17-.07 below. 

1720-01-17-.07 OTHER REQUIREMENTS. 

All students admitted into a college of medicine, a college of nursing, a college of pharmacy, a college of dentistry, or any allied health professions program must also have the following vaccinations in accordance with current Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, subject to immunization exemptions:

(a) Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap);

(b) MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella);

(c) Varicella;

(d) Polio;

(e) Tuberculosis;

(f) Influenza;

(g) Hepatitis B;

(h) Any other immunization recommended for healthcare personnel as issued by the CDC; and

(i) Any other vaccination as dictated by the specific clinical program in which the student is enrolled.

(2) The University may require students to provide proof of immunization for any other vaccination recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the Tennessee Department of Health. If the University requires any immunizations under this section, the University shall establish a timeframe for providing proof of such immunization to the University.

(3) For the purpose of 1720-01-17-.07, the University may determine that no exception to immunization requirements will be granted under the following circumstances:

(a) In the professional and academic judgment of the applicable college or program, the risk to patient and/or student safety outweighs the need for an exemption; or

(b) A clinical/experiential training site does not allow for an exemption to a specific immunization requirement and the training is fundamental to the academic program.

Students are required to give proof they have had the following:

1. Two MMR vaccines: Documentation of two MMR vaccines given after 12 months of age or positive antibody titers for measles, mumps, and rubella showing immunity. Please note in order to document immunity to rubeola “Red measles”, students will provide evidence of dates of childhood immunization. Students who tests non- immune must attach evidence of a recent rubella (or MMR) immunization. Precautions for rubella immunization: pregnancy; history of anaphylactic reaction following receipt of neomycin; immunosuppression.

2. Hepatitis B series: Documentation of one of the following is required: three Hepatitis B vaccinations or two HEPLISAV-B vaccinations. The College of Nursing will not accept titers in place of documentation of completion of the series of Hepatitis B injections. Students should upload documentation at the beginning of the series after each injection, specifically listing the date for the next dose.

3. Varicella titer: Documentation of two Varicella vaccinations or positive antibody titer (lab report required). Varicella immunization is required for any student who tests non-immune. Providing date of childhood disease is not sufficient; childhood disease dates are not accepted. Declination of vaccination requires submission of titer. If student has a negative antibody titer, they may request a declination.

4. Adults who have never received Tdap should get a dose of Tdap immediately. Also, adults should receive a booster dose of either Tdap or Td every 10 years, or after 5 years in the case of a severe or dirty wound or burn. 

5. TB Skin Testing: Students must submit a documented negative 2-Step TB skin testing or IGRA Assays (QuantiFERON Gold or T-Spot blood test) upon admission to the College of Nursing. If the student completes the 2-Step TB Testing each subsequent year, the student must submit a TB questionnaire available in American Databank (Complio). If the screening questionnaire results in the student answering yes, they must repeat 2-step TB testing. If the student completes the IGRA Assays (QuantiFERON Gold or T-Spot blood test), they must submit repeat testing annually. If the student has a documented positive TB test, they must submit a clear Chest X-ray. Students demonstrating a cleared chest x-ray must answer TB screening questions annually, available in American DataBank (Complio) or from the Compliance Officer. The multi-puncture skin test for tuberculosis is not acceptable. 

6. Annual Flu vaccine: All students will provide yearly documentation of Flu (Influenza) vaccine. This documentation is a fall term requirement submitted to American DataBank (Complio). A healthcare facility may also request this documentation; please retain and add it to your personal health records/documentation.

RN Licensure

All RN to BSN students must hold a valid Registered Nurse license, which must be submitted to their American DataBank (Complio) account. A copy of a student’s current license with the expiration is required.

Program Requirements

Students will receive Health and Welfare Directives and information detailing requirements for their specific program.

Declination Information   

Students who cannot receive or decline to obtain vaccinations can request a declination/exemption through the Health and Welfare Committee. The committee must review and approve all declinations/exemptions before issued. A Health and Welfare representative must sign an approved Declination Form before a student can upload it to their American DataBank (Complio) account. Students requesting a valid declination/exemption should do so through their American DataBank (Complio) account with supporting documentation from their healthcare provider uploaded for health and welfare committee review.

Declinations

Medical/religious consideration for declinations are case-by-case necessity; students will be required to obtain a signed letter from their physician documenting the medical necessity

Note: Students will not be granted a declination based on cost or financial consideration. Personal non-relgious views of vaccinations by students or healthcare providers are not basis for approving a declination. Keep in mind the health status requirements listed above reflect the College of Nursing’s student standards; our clinical academic requirements are strictly enforced.

Declination Request

Students may submit a request and a copy of a titer (for Varicella Waiver only) to the College of Nursing, Health and Welfare Committee by requesting an exemption through their American DataBank (Complio) account. Members of the Health and Welfare committee will review the declination request and supporting documentation. Supporting Documentation includes, but is not limited to copy of original titer; signed letter from healthcare provider documenting legitimate medical reason. A Health and Welfare representative will contact the requesting student to inform them of the committee’s decision within 2 weeks.

Declination Submission

Health and Welfare Committee will document approved declination forms. Students who receive reviewed, approved, and signed declination forms must submit to their American DataBank (Complio) account. It is the responsibility of the student to sign the approved declination form and upload it to their American DataBank (Complio) account. It is the student’s responsibility to return the signed declination and supporting documentation to the Health and Welfare Committee representative.

Health Insurance

The College of Nursing requires all students carry personal health insurance. Students must either present evidence of current coverage or enroll in a health insurance program. Students must maintain and show evidence of current coverage on their American DataBank (Complio) account. Student group insurance is available through the university. 

For more information about the student health insurance available through the university, contact Student Health Services (865-974- 2251). Insurance is available for purchase through the University of Tennessee.

Student Professional Liability Insurance

The CON requires that ALL students have professional liability insurance coverage before enrolling in nursing courses with a clinical component. The University, under its Liability Insurance Program, will provide the necessary coverage at the lowest possible cost. This insurance coverage is limited to clinical laboratory experiences (all locations on and off campus) that are a component of nursing courses planned and supervised by faculty and does not cover student employment in clinical facilities.

When Nursing students are enrolled in nursing courses, the professional liability insurance is automatically charged to their accounts during the first week of classes. Students are charged once a year and the cost of the insurance may change from year to year.

Latex Allergy

The incidence of latex allergies may be higher among healthcare workers. Knowing the symptoms is imperative. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can include one or more of the followings:

• Hives or welts

• Swelling of affected area

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Headache

• Reddened, itchy, or teary eyes

• Sore throat, hoarse voice

• Abdominal cramps

• Chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath (asthma)

If exposure to latex continues, allergy symptoms may include a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

See more at http://latexallergyresources.org/symptoms

Any student who has or who develops a latex allergy while enrolled in the CON should notify clinical faculty immediately.

Students injured or exposed to certain communicable diseases during clinical practice should follow student responsibility protocols described below. Forms can be found in the Appendices.

Post Exposure Protocol Bloodborne Communicable Disease

This protocol is specific for UT CON and is consistent with the Rules and Regulations of the Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Part 1910 as published in the Federal Register, 54 (235), April 3, 2012 and the Campus Bloodborne Pathogen Control Plan, revised June 12, 2012.

Faculty and students must report contact with potentially infectious material through breakage of intact skin (puncture or cut), splash into eyes or mouth or exposure of non-intact skin.

Potentially infectious material include but are not limited to blood and blood products, semen, vaginal secretions, other body fluids containing visible blood, other normally sterile body fluids (cerebrospinal, synovial, peritoneal, pericardial, amniotic), tissues, and organs other than skin.

The following are not considered infectious for bloodborne pathogens, but may contain other infectious agents: feces, nasal secretions, sputum, sweat, tears, urine, vomitus, saliva. Any bodily fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood and all body fluids in situations where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between body fluids should be considered infectious. The reporting process must be adhered to regardless of age of patient or known HIV or hepatitis B status of the patient, student, or faculty involved in the exposure.

Student Responsibilities

1. The student must notify the supervising faculty member promptly.

2. The student must make an immediate report of the incident to the appropriate individuals within the agency in which the accident occurred and complete any records required by agency policy.

3. The student may receive immediate testing/treatment at the agency if offered OR report immediately by phone to a Healthcare Provider at Student Health Services or The University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) Emergency Room (ER) if after 4:30 p.m. Immediate report will allow initiation of the process of appropriate follow-up of possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens as well as provide for timely administration of appropriate therapy in the event of known HIV/hepatitis B or other infectious exposure.

4. The student and faculty together must meet within 72 hours of the incident and complete the CON Post Exposure Incident Form for Bloodborne Communicable Diseases (see Appendices). This form contains a refusal for follow-up waiver on the back.

5. The student will have financial responsibility for testing and any ensuing treatment.

 Faculty Responsibilities

1. The supervising faculty member will assist the student in the above reports and clarify the student’s understanding of the recommendation of the agency’s exposure protocol, the Student Health Services or the UTMC ER physician.

2. The supervising faculty member will make the Course Coordinator aware of the incident and will file the CON Post Exposure Incident Form with the College’s Health/Safety Compliance Officer.

3. The Health/Safety Compliance Officer will provide the student with a copy of the completed form and will file the report for OSHA and campus compliance.

Post Exposure to Tuberculosis

Student Responsibilities

1. The student must notify the supervising member of a confirmed exposure to tuberculosis.

2. The student must report the exposure incident to the appropriate individuals within the agency.

3. A PPD skin test should be obtained for baseline data (provided the student had a previous negative skin test). If the agency does not provide this service for the student, the student may go to University Student Health Services. PPD testing is also done at the local health department, but there is a testing fee for those over 21 years of age. If PPD testing is done at the health department, the reading must also be done there. They will not accept a reading report from anyone else.

4. A repeat PPD should be done three (3) months later. If the PPD is positive, a chest x-ray should be taken. At this time, a decision will be made regarding prophylactic medication and appropriate medical follow-up. The health department provides x-rays free of charge.

5. If the student has a current positive PPD, he/she should not have a PPD done, but wait 3 months and have a chest x-ray.

6. The student will complete a CON Post Exposure for Tuberculosis Incident Form at the time of exposure.

7. The student assumes financial responsibility for testing and any ensuring treatment.

Faculty Responsibilities

1. The supervising faculty member will assist the student in obtaining the necessary testing and clarify the student’s understanding of the recommendations for follow-up.

2. The supervising faculty member will make the Course Coordinator aware of the incident and file the completed CON Post Exposure for Tuberculosis Incident Form with the Health/Safety Compliance Officer. The student is to receive a copy of the form for reference in obtaining 3-month follow-up care.
     *The Health/Safety Compliance Officer will keep a record of all such exposures.

Post Occurrence Protocol for an Incident Other than a
Bloodborne Communicable Disease or Tuberculosis

Student Responsibilities

1. The student must notify the supervising faculty member promptly.

2. The student must make an immediate report of the incident to the appropriate individuals within the agency and complete any records required by agency policy.

3. The student may receive immediate treatment at the agency if offered OR report immediately by phone to a Healthcare Provider at Student Health Services or UTMC ER if after 4:30 p.m.

4. The student and faculty together must complete a CON Post Occurrence Form within 72 hours of the incident.

5. The student will have financial responsibility for any ensuing treatment.

Faculty Responsibilities

1. The supervising faculty member will assist the student in the above reports and clarify the student’s understanding of the recommendations of the agency’s treating personnel, the University Student Health Services or the UTMC ER physician.

2. The supervising faculty member will make the course coordinator aware of the incident and will file the CON Post Occurrence Form with the CON Health/Safety Compliance Officer.

3.   *The Health/Safety Compliance Officer will provide the student with a copy of the completed form and will file the report for OSHA and campus compliance.