Clinical Preparedness Permit

The School of Nursing is committed to the safety and well-being of students and clients. Students are required to attain and maintain required certifications/immunization standards outlined in the practice standards/legislative requirements.

Students are required to complete a Clinical Preparedness Permit (CPP) to be eligible to enter clinical practice. A CPP serves to ensure that students have the necessary up-to-date immunizations, Basic Life Support – BLS Provider certificate, respiratory fit testing and Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screen (VSS), prior to entering into their clinical placement. It is the student’s responsibility to complete and maintain this document prior to their first clinical placement (Semester 2). Students are required to update their CPP, as appropriate, for each semester. All required documents for CPP must be valid and may not expire at any time during the semester. The student is responsible for maintaining and updating all documents and certificates as per the requirements detailed below.

The CPP includes the following information:

1. Vulnerable Sector Screen (VSS) Police Record Check

2. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR) Basic Life Support –BLS Provider.

3. Standard First Aid (once upon entry to the program)

4. Worker Health and Safety Awareness Certificate (Ministry of Labour).

5. WHMIS Certificate

6. Respirator Mask Fit Test

7. Immunizations and Titres

8. Flu vaccination

9. COVID 19 Vaccination

NOTE: Failure to obtain/maintain current certifications and immunizations as indicated will result in the student being withheld or withdrawn from the clinical setting.

Students are responsible for any fees associated with the required certifications and testing.

For CPP Documents and Consent forms, please click on the link below:

Non-Medical Requirements

Vulnerable Sector Screen (VSS) and Police Record Check

Police record checks are done to protect clientele who are considered “vulnerable persons”. A vulnerable person means a person who, because of their age, disability or other circumstance, whether temporary or permanent, is (a) in a position of dependence on others or (b) is otherwise at greater risk than the general population of being harmed by a person in a position of authority or trust relative to him or her. Prior to having direct contact with clients and other vulnerable persons, community agencies and hospitals require a satisfactory Police Record Check.

1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR) Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider: CPR – BLS Provider is required yearly, regardless of the expiry date on the card. On-line CPR courses are not acceptable.

2. Standard First Aid is required upon entry into the program. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the certificate is current throughout the program.

Ministry of Labour Worker Health and Safety Awareness Certification

This certification is available on the Ministry of Labour website. It introduces students to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and serves as a general introduction to workplace health and safety. Students must access the eLearning module from any computer, complete the training (takes 45-60 minutes to complete) and print the certificate of completion. It is crucial you print your own certificate at the time of completion because the Ministry does not maintain a database.

The module is a one-time requirement, with no expiration date as of yet, so be sure to keep a copy for your records. https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/training/workers.php

WHMIS (Worker Health and Safety Information System)

The WHMIS module is available through this link: http://portal.mycampus.ca/mycampusfiles/dc/fieldplacement/WHMIS/story.html.

Students require a minimum grade of 80% to pass. Please print your certificate following completion of the module remembering to select Seneca College so it appears on the certificate.

Respirator Mask Fit Testing

A respirator is a facemask that protects the nurse and client from the transmission of respiratory disease. Respirator mask fit testing is required before entering a practicum site. The test determines the type and size of the facemask (respirator) that best protects the individual from airborne infection.

Respirator Mask Fit Testing is made available at King Campus through Concise Health Solutions. Most hospitals offer Respirator Mask Fit Testing through their Occupational Health and Safety department. Respirator Mask Fit Tests must be repeated every two years or at any time when significant weight change or face structure change occurs.

Medical Requirements

Students in practicum are to comply with the Public Hospital's Act, Section 62(1). Ontario legislation specifies certain surveillance requirements for those entering into a practice setting. The policy was developed in accordance with the communicable disease surveillance protocols specified under the Public Hospitals Act, to meet placement setting requirements. Therefore, specified immunization information must be submitted.

Students must maintain up-to-date immunization information. This process is necessary to ensure that those working within health care facilities are free from or are protected against communicable and infectious diseases. The completion of this information is not optional as it is required information to confirm the practicum placement. The confidentiality of all health records is strictly observed. It is important that:

• If for medical reasons, you are unable to receive the required immunization(s), a detailed explanation for an exemption must be included by the health care provider and arrangements to meet with the Clinical Coordinator is required.

• If you are or have been diagnosed with Hepatitis B or Tuberculosis, further assessment by a physician will be required. Contact the Clinical Coordinator for further advice.

Tuberculosis Screening

An initial two-step tuberculosis (Mantoux), and thereafter an annual one-step Mantoux skin test is required for CPP clearance.

For individuals who are known to be tuberculin positive, or for those who are tuberculin skin-test positive, further assessment should be done by their primary care provider. A negative chest X-ray (required every 2 years) and medical documentation (required every 1 year) stating the student is free and clear of signs and symptoms of tuberculosis is required for entry to clinical.

NOTE: Pregnancy is NOT a contraindication for the performance of a Mantoux skin test.

Influenza Vaccine

The influenza (flu) vaccine is available each October/November. The School of Health Sciences strongly recommends all students to protect themselves with annual immunization. Students who choose not to have the annual vaccine, for medical or personal reasons, must sign a waiver that acknowledges awareness of susceptibility to the disease, and of implications for clinical placements. in the event of an outbreak, non-vaccinated students may be removed from the clinical setting. This missed clinical time will impact the successful completion of the clinical course. Students must provide consent for the School to communicate their influenza immunization status to the clinical agencies in which they are placed and may therefore not meet clinical course outcomes. Waivers can be obtained from the Clinical Practicum Office GH1110.

COVID 19 Vaccination

Full COVID 19 vaccination is a condition for students and employees to come on campus. This includes students living in Seneca’s two residences and the employees who work there. Read the full vaccination statement and view FAQs online. For the most current updates from Seneca College please see COVID 19 Updates.

The majority of clinical partner agencies mandate COVID 19 vaccinations as a requirement to attend a clinical practice for students. This requirement is determined by the individual organization.

The Ministry of Health COVID vaccination record (first and second immunization) is required as proof of vaccination. Students who have valid medical grounds for exemption from the COVID 19 vaccination should seek academic advisement from the PND Clinical Coordinator.

Depending on the organization FULL Vaccination may include a booster.