Health and Regulatory Requirements for New and Currently Enrolled Nursing Students

Students shall possess reasonably good health, and physical abilities shall be such that the student is able to render safe nursing care. An annual physical examination and an annual PPD, review of symptoms, and/or chest x-ray are required. Please read the following requirements carefully and follow the directions.

Health Certification and Immunization Compliance Record

The Health Certification and Immunization Compliance Record form must be completed by an MD, PA or ARNP and returned to the Division of Nursing. The records must be returned to the Division of Nursing no later than July 1st of each year. Students beginning the Accelerated Option program in January must have their documents submitted no later than December 15 th of the year prior to their enrollment in nursing courses. All immunizations must be complete. Immunization requirements are as follows:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – proof of two immunizations or positive titers
• DT (Diphtheria/Tetanus) – one within the last 10 years
• Varicella (Chickenpox) – proof of two immunizations or positive titer. History of disease does NOT meet requirement
• Hepatitis B Vaccination – proof of three injections or positive titer

Consent/Refusal of Hepatitis B Vaccination

Although it is not a requirement, we encourage all nursing students to take the series of injections to immunize them against Hepatitis B. Whether or not you choose to take the injections, you must complete the Consent / Refusal of Hepatitis B Vaccination form.

TB (Tuberculin) screening

Students must submit evidence of a current tuberculin test (PPD).

• Students with a negative PPD must have a second PPD in 3 weeks to confirm non-reactive status. Two PPD tests are required only for your initial TB screening, unless otherwise requested by the health care provider. After the initial TB screening, a PPD test must be completed once yearly.
• Students with a positive PPD must show documentation of a chest x-ray as well as documentation of any required follow up. After the first year, students must have a licensed health care provider complete a TB Symptom Check List annually. An additional chest x-ray will only be required if it is recommended by a licensed health care provider, a student exhibits symptoms of active TB disease, and/or if a student with previously negative PPDs tests positive.

Health Insurance

You must have adequate health insurance. Click on the following link for information regarding required coverage guidelines: http://www.barry.edu/healthservices/studentInsurance/Default.htm

Undergraduates: Current students who have health insurance must show proof of insurance through the Student Health Services waiver process. To complete the online waiver, students may submit a waiver at www.SRStudentcenter.com or through their MyBarry account. Students may also submit the Insurance Affidavit  in lieu of the online waiver to the Division of Nursing Compliance Officer located in Wiegand 133. Waivers must be completed annually.

Students without health insurance may enroll during open enrollment (14 days after the semester begins). Contact Student Health Services at 305-899-3750 to enroll. If you wish to enroll after open enrollment ends please contact the Compliance Officer at 305-899-3815 for further instruction. Students who do not have adequate health insurance will be immediately withdrawn from the program until proof is provided. Students are responsible for obtaining and maintaining their health insurance.

MSN and Doctoral students: If you do not have adequate health insurance, you must contact Student Health Services immediately. Student Health Services will assist you with enrolling in the student health insurance plan You may contact them at 305-899-3750.

CPR/ACLS Certification

Undergraduates: You must be cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certified.   You should take the American Heart Association Basic Life Support  (BLS) for Healthcare Providers course and submit a copy of the certification to the Division of Nursing no later than July 1st. Accelerated Option students must submit this documentation by December 15.

MSN FNP and ACNP specialization students: FNP students must provide evidence of a current BLS (CPR) certification; ACNP students must provide evidence of a current ACLS certification. Although the certification is required during the admissions process, it is your responsibility to submit your renewal prior to the certification expiration date.

Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening [NEW STUDENTS]

Clinical agencies require students to be fingerprinted, pass drug screening and background checks, and clear the HHS/OIG list of excluded individuals and the GSA list of parties excluded from federal programs. Compliance with this requirement and satisfactory findings are essential for clinical placement and progression. Students who fail to submit to a background check or students whose background checks indicate a conviction as specified in Florida Statutes Title XXI, Chapter 435.04 Level 2 Screening Standards or have a positive drug screen will be unable to enroll in or remain in the nursing program. To complete the background and drug screen requirements click on the Background Checks box in the left column of this page, and the link to American Databank will appear. This link will allow you to begin the application process and set up a method of payment to American Databank, the sole company handling the Division of Nursing’s screenings. Please note there will be a fee of $115 for the background check and drug screening. When placing your background check order, click “I want to receive a copy of my background check and drug screening.” This will enable you to have a copy of the reports that we receive. It should be kept in your portfolio in the event a clinical agency requests to see it. Once American Data Bank receives payment, they will send you the necessary information and forms to get your drug/background check processed.

The cost of background checks, fingerprinting, and drug screening is the responsibility of the student. These requirements must be completed no later than July 1st. Student beginning the undergraduate Accelerated Option program in January must have this completed no later than December 15th of the year prior to their enrollment in nursing courses.

Liability Insurance Fee

Each year the liability insurance fee will be charged to all nursing students unless proof of other insurance coverage is provided to the Business Office.

Professional Portfolio

Nursing students are expected to maintain a portfolio of documents frequently required by clinical agencies including:

• Current CPR card;
• Health Certification and Immunization Compliance Record;
• Proof of health insurance with coverage effective in the state of Florida