ADN Nursing Student Handbook 2024-2025

Policy Concerning Health

  1. A student is required to have a physical examination by a health care provider PRIOR TO ENTRY into the program. A health form is provided by the program office specific to program requirements and is the only form accepted for health clearance.
  2. Titer/Immunization Requirements (required PRIOR TO PROGRAM  ENTRY): the student is required to show lab titers showing immunity for the following diseases. If the lab results indicate the student is not immune then the appropriate immunization is required. Follow up titers after immunizations will also be required for entry into second year of the nursing program.
    1. Hepatitis B positive titer or if titer comes back negative series of Hep B immunizations or signed waiver
    2. MMR: must have serologic evidence of immunity (IgG positive titer for all 3 - rubeola, rubella, and mumps) and if titer comes back negative need 2 doses of MMR 4 weeks apart
    3. Varicella: serologic proof (IgG positive titer) of immunity. If titer comes back negative need 2 doses of varicella vaccine, 4 weeks apart
    4. Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis: a one-time dose of Tdap with Tetanus boosters every 10 years thereafter
    5. Flu vaccine:  One influenza vaccine every flu season.  Due by Oct. 1st. 
    6. COVID 19 vaccine(s) and boosters are recommended by CDC for health care workers.
  3. Proof of no active Tuberculosis within 90 days of start of program: Need one of the following: 
    1. Record of negative TB titer
    2. Record of negative 2-step TB skin test.  Second TB skin test within 1-3 weeks after first test. 
    3. Negative Chest x-ray within last 5 years for past positive TB skin or blood test.
  • Further TB testing maybe needed for specific clinical sites.
  1. Students who have negative titers and receive immunizations the first year will need to have titers completed again before entry into the second year of the program to prove immunity.  
  2. NJC Nursing compliance requirements can change instantaneously due to requirements from our clinical sites. Students who are unable to meet these requirements, will not be permitted to attend their assigned clinical rotation. Students who ae unable to complete the clinical portion of their course, will be unable to successfully complete the program. These changes can occur at any point in the nursing program and the student will still be required to comply with enrollment policies and payment in the event this occurs.
  3. Student Health Services  
    1. Family Care Clinic at 615 Fairhurst in Sterling for full time students. When the student calls to set up an appointment at the clinic indicate attendance at NJC. The student must contact his/her own physician or Sterling Regional Med Center for treatment of illness or injury during evening and night hours and weekends. The student is responsible for the cost of Emergency Department treatments. The Outpatient Department may be used upon referral from a local physician for designated diagnoses.
    2. Virtual medical and mental health visits available to all NJC students via AcademicLiveCare. Virtual visits 24/7 from a smart phone, computer, or other device. Visit:  Northeastern Junior College | Telehealth (myahpcare.com)
  4. Health insurance is the responsibility of the student.  Any injury that occurs in the classroom or lab that requires treatment will be the responsibility of the student.
COVID-19 Nursing Procedure

NJC nursing program does not require the COVID 19 vaccine although we recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for the students’ safety per CDC guidelines.  In order to complete the nursing program, you will need to successfully complete clinical placements. Clinical sites can require the COVID 19 vaccine at any time during the nursing program. A student who is not vaccinated may not be allowed in clinical. It is possible this could cause a student not to be able to continue in the nursing program. The student would be dismissed from the program and is not eligible for a refund unless this is done at or before the drop date. 

  • Students with confirmed COVID-19 infection, or who have suspected COVID-19 infection (e.g., developed symptoms of COVID-19) but were never tested  must follow the current guidance from the CDC for Returning to Work for Healthcare Personnel:  Interim Guidance for Managing Healthcare Personnel with SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 | CDC, and all clinical site policies.  
  • Students should communicate with course faculty and the Clinical Coordinator as early as possible should they suspect any illness that would inhibit their attendance to school or clinical.  
  • Students who cannot attend clinical related to COVID-19 must understand clinical spots are limited and make up clinical will be based on availability. This may require make up during college breaks.