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Clinical Placements

Students should have independent means to travel to and from clinical assignments. Students traveling in private vehicles to and from clinical assignments assume all related risk and liability. The College is not responsible for injuries or damages that may result.

Clinical/Practicum Requirements

All students must complete the following clinical/practicum requirements prior to participating in clinical/practice experiences. Failure to meet these requirements may result in suspension from classroom, clinical/practicum and lab sessions, or course failure, which could result in dismissal from the program. 

  1. Criminal Background Check
  2. Drug Screen
  3. Tuberculin Testing: A baseline TB skin test (TST) or blood test (IGRA) will be required to have been done within one year of starting the nursing program and may be required annually thereafter, depending on the facility to which the student is assigned for clinical activities. If submitting baseline screening with a skin test (TST), two readings will be required. Two TSTs within a three-week timeframe is ideal; however, having one within 12 months prior to admission is acceptable as the 1st step, with a second test being done just prior to the start of clinical activities (2 TSTs within 12 months) is acceptable as a “2-Step.”
  4. Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Provide documentation of two (2) MMR vaccinations at least 28 days apart, OR serological proof of immunity (+) positive IgG titers for measles (rubeola), mumps, and rubella.
  5. Varicella (Chicken Pox): Provide documentation of two (2) varicella (chicken pox vaccine) immunizations at least 28 days apart, OR serological proof of immunity (+) positive IgG for varicella.
  6. Hepatitis B: Provide documentation of two (Heplisav-B) or three (Engerix or Recombivax) vaccines followed by a post-series surface antibody titer at least 4-8 weeks after the last vaccine is given.  If documentation of an initial Hepatitis B immunization series in not available, documentation of a (+) titer is acceptable.  Though not recommended, this vaccine can be waived; a signed waiver is required to be kept on file.
  7. Tetanus-Diptheria-Acellular Pertussis (Tdap):  Provide documentation of one dose of Tdap (usually given around age 11-12 years). A Td or Tdap is required every 10 years or, if wound injury occurs after five (5) years. 
  8. Influenza: Provide documentation of seasonal flu vaccine per annual CDC announced date.
  9. COVID-19 Vaccine: Provide documentation of vaccination. A student may request an exemption. Clinical partners may not honor the accommodation.
  10. Personal Health Insurance: Provide proof of personal health insurance. Students are responsible for expenses incurred from an injury at a clinical site.
  11. Basic Life Support (BLS): Must be kept current throughout the program. BSN students must get from American Heart Association (BLS CPR & AED Training for Healthcare Professionals course). MSN student can get from American Heart Association or American Red Cross (BLS for Healthcare Providers).
  12. Color Blindness Screening: The screening is administered by the College and done using Ishihara’s Test. This is for BSN students and MSN NP students.
  13. RN License: MSN students must be licensed in the state in which you are doing clinical/practicum.

NOTE – MSN NP students may be required to meet additional requirements, e.g. physical exam, at the request of the clinical agency.

Fit for Duty

In order to comply with clinical agency agreements and ensure the safety of student and patients, students must be able to meet the following physical and mental demands. These activities are considered to be in the “medium duty” category as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Students unable to meet these demands are not “fit for duty” and unable to participate in clinical/practicum experiences. If a student is not “fit for duty” due to a temporary physical or mental health issue, they must contact the Associate Dean to request an incomplete grade, withdraw from coursework, and/or leave of absence until “fit for duty”. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Documentation from a licensed health care provider indicating the student is “fit for duty” is required prior to returning to clinical activities.

Walking/Standing

Extended periods of walking/standing may occur while in the clinical area. Stairs must be negotiated. Clinical shifts in each clinical course vary and can be up to 12 hours.

Lifting/Carrying

Average lifting requirement is 50 pounds. Nursing requires lifting of patients and carrying of medical equipment, charts, supplies, and medications. In the clinical area and clinical lab experiences, students are required to lift, move, and transfer patients. Requesting assistance when lifting or positioning patients is expected; however, the exertion can be up to 50 pounds.

Pushing/Pulling

Required in positioning and moving of patients and medical equipment. Pushing on a patient’s chest with considerable force is required in performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Able to pull or push a Code Blue cart.

Stooping/Kneeling/Reaching/Climbing

Considerable twisting, bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching are required during many aspects of patient care (moving patients, bathing patients, making beds, setting up and monitoring medical equipment). Able to climb on to patient’s bed for CPR.

Eyesight/Vision

Utilized in assessment of patient's health status when inspecting and observing for changes in color, physical appearance, and non-verbal behavior. Able to accurately read medication labels and prepare medications. Reads written communication and monitors medical equipment findings.

Depth Perception

Required for the ability to recognize that objects have depth as well as height and width. Assists in description of wounds, lesions, etc. Required for fine task performance when using medical supplies for insertion into the body or medication administration by injection.

Fine Motor Skills

Needs manual dexterity and coordination to write clearly and precisely to perform various nursing procedures and grasp and control medical equipment as necessary.

Tactile Sensation

The ability to utilize the hands and fingers as a means of "hands-on" during a physical assessment and medication administration. The individual must be able to feel vibrations, temperature changes, and pulses.

Temperament

The skills vital in nursing include the ability to adapt to continually changing environment and critical thinking abilities. Must demonstrate professional behavior at all times, especially while caring for patients. Must be able to accept constructive criticism and accept own limits. Must be aware that they will be exposed to communicable diseases and body fluids. Students will be provided knowledge on how to handle their own protection as well as the protection of others. Emotional stability is needed to maintain a therapeutic relationship with patients, families, and health team members. A student nurse may not pose a significant risk to the health and safety of those in the clinical area.

Illness, Injury or Exposure

If an injury occurs during an academic experience, the faculty or preceptor should be notified immediately. An incident report should be submitted according to the agency policy. In addition, the faculty of record should complete and RCoN Student Injury/Exposure report and submit to the Registrar.

Students will be referred to the Emergency Department if the situation requires immediate attention, or to their personal health care provider for treatment if needed. If a student defers treatment following an injury, it should be noted on the form.

Exposure to Blood or Body Fluid

To assure adequate follow-up, nursing students sustaining an accidental percutaneous-puncture wound and/or mucous membrane exposure to blood or body fluids shall comply with the following guidelines (immediate treatment must be carried out):

  1. Stop the current activity
  2. Thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water
  3. Flush mucous membranes with large amount of water
  4. Report the occurrence immediately to faculty or preceptor so that evaluation of risk and need for treatment can occur promptly

Following exposure to blood or body fluids, the policy for that agency should be followed. The clinical instructor must be notified of the incident immediately or as soon as possible. An incident report should be made out according to the agency policy. The student should follow the clinical agency policy for students regarding treatment. If baseline and/or follow up testing are required, students should contact their personal health care provider within 72 hours of the event. The Emergency Department should be used only when the source is known to be HIV positive or active Hepatitis B as prophylaxis should begin within hours of exposure.

If the exposure occurs in a facility with no policy regarding exposures, the student should follow up with their personal health care provider within 72 hours of the event. If exposed to a known or suspected HIV or active Hepatitis B source patient, the student should be sent to the nearest Emergency Department immediately as prophylaxis should begin within hours of exposure.

The student is responsible for the cost of all follow up testing and/or treatment. If the student defers the recommended testing procedures and/or treatment this should be noted on the form and signed by the student.