Because our clinical agencies require specific health information, all nursing students (undergraduate and graduate) must have a complete health exam prior to their respective programs. Ordinarily, this is the only health examination required during the program. Should a student take longer than three years to complete their nursing program, a second health examination will be required. The University Student Health Center does not provide this service.

The Department form must be used for the health examination and may be obtained from this web site. Students are supplied with detailed instructions on how to submit the completed document to the online service known as Certifiedbackground.com where student health records will be confidentially maintained. The Department will review the submitted materials and verify that the student is eligible for participation in the nursing program. Students are responsible for the cost of this service. No student will be allowed in a clinical agency without fulfilling this requirement.

Tests for Communicable Diseases

Health care workers, including students in health care clinical experiences, are at risk for contracting a variety of communicable diseases, and are also at risk for spreading communicable diseases to vulnerable populations. The CDC has specific recommendations for health care workers, in addition to the usual adult immunization recommendations, to help better protect health care workers and the population they serve.

The Department of Nursing requires its students to provide proof of certain immunizations and/or immunities prior to the start of the program to assist the Department in facilitating clinical placements which are required for program completion. Most, if not all, clinical sites require proof of the immunization and/or immunities required prior to clinical placement.

Please be advised that failure to receive and provide proof of immunization (and/or proof of immunity) required by clinical sites may impact a student's ability to receive clinical placement and complete clinical experiences that are required for program completion. Please also be advised that some clinical agencies may require immunizations in addition to those required by the program.

Students with any questions about communicable diseases or immunizations should contact Dr. Debra Webster, Associate Chair, Department of Nursing.

Initial Requirement

Prior to the start of their respective programs, students must submit documentation of immunity or immunization records for the following to CertifiedBackground.com using the instructions provided below:

Student Immunization Tracker Instructions

Health Exam Form

Immunization Record Form

Absence of Tuberculosis Form

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap)	Evidence of a one time dose of Tdap given after the age of 10 (and Td booster within the past 10 years if the Tdap booster was given more than 10 years ago).
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)	Evidence of 2 doses of MMR given at least 4 weeks apart OR Laboratory evidence of immunity (Positive titers) for each of these: Measles, Mumps and Rubella
Varicella vaccination	Physician Documentation of disease OR 2 doses of Varicella vaccine at least 4 weeks apart OR Laboratory evidence of immunity (positive titer) for varicella
Hepatitis B	Complete series of 3 vaccinations for Hepatitis B OR has completed the first 2 doses of the 3-dose series, and provides date for the third dose scheduled, to be completed within 8 months
Tuberculosis	Proof of two negative tuberculosis skin tests (TST) at least one week apart, done within the last 12 months OR if positive, documented evidence of a chest x-ray and/or treatment as indicated. Note: Licensed and currently practicing RNs must provide proof of one negative tuberculosis skin tests (TST) done within the last 12 months OR if positive, documented evidence of a chest x-ray and/or treatment as indicated.

Returning Student Annual Requirement

A tuberculosis screening test (PPD) is required annually. Students who submitted a previous x-ray due to a positive PPD must sign and submit a form verifying the absence of symptoms by August 15.

Annual Recommendation

Annual influenza vaccination is strongly recommended for students in the health care field. This vaccination is generally be available on campus during the fall semester.

All annual health requirement documentation must be submitted to Certified Background.com on or before expiration date. Students who are not in compliance with meeting this requirement will not be permitted to participate in clinical experiences.

Waiver of Receipt of Department of Nursing Required Immunization(s)

If you are unable to receive required immunization(s), you must sign a Waiver of Receipt of Department of Nursing Required Immunization(s) Form prior to each academic year for which you are unable to fulfill the requirement for medical reasons. This form must also be signed by a licensed healthcare provider.

Medical Exemption Immunization Waiver Form

Non-Health Enrollment Requirements

There are other non-health related requirements for enrollment in the nursing program. These include:

1. CPR Certification for Health Care Providers

The Department of Nursing assures agencies used for clinical experiences that all nursing students are certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It is, therefore, necessary that all nursing students obtain and maintain current CPR certification prior to enrollment in their programs. A course designed for health care providers with Adult, Child, and Infant CPR with AED (Basic Life Support with the American Heart Association or Professional Rescuer with the American Red Cross must be taken). This certification should be completed during the summer months. Students must maintain current certification. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain current certification and to submit the CPR certification/recertification card to Certifiedbackground.com. If the student does not have evidence of certification/recertification, he/she may not attend clinical lab experiences. Such negligence is considered unacceptable and jeopardizes compliance with the University’s legal requirements for clinical practice. Certification is available through the SU Respiratory Department.

2. Malpractice Liability Insurance - All nursing majors must carry malpractice liability insurance in the minimum amount of $1,000,000/$3,000,000. Students registered in clinical courses will automatically be billed by the University for this coverage.

3. Photo Identification - All nursing students must submit a 2"x2" passport-type full-face photo of themselves for their permanent departmental file. The photo may be black and white or color.

4. RN Licensure (for Registered Nurse & graduate students only) – Students (RN-to-BS or RN-to-MS) who have their RN License from an associative degree program or diploma school of nursing must provide a copy of a valid Maryland (or a compact state) RN license or a screen print of the "look up" of that license prior to beginning clinical courses. All graduate students must also submit A copy of a valid Maryland (or a compact state) RN license or a screen print of the "look up" of that license prior to beginning clinical courses. At renewal time, a copy of the most recent license must be submitted to the department.

5. Other Enrollment Requirements may apply including, but not limited to, uniforms, personal transportation, equipment, books, and supplies.