Nursing is a practice profession, and as such, requires a level of accountability with regards to health and safety (e.g.immunizations) and safety of the public (e.g. criminal background checks). The Department of Nursing policies, health care agency policies, and state regulations all affect requirements for admitted nursing students and/or graduates. That said, we felt these items were worth mentioning prior to an admission decision.
You may wish to begin a Hepatitis B series if you have not already had one. This immunization is given in three doses. The first dose is administered, then the second dose administered four weeks following the first dose; the third and final dose is administered five to six months following the first dose. You may contact your primary care physician or a city or county health department to receive the series. At a minimum, the first two injections must be completed prior to beginning the first clinical course (half-way through the fall term), and the series must be completed for progression to Spring semester.
Please note that a criminal record check will be required. Hospitals and health care agencies require evidence of a satisfactory criminal record check as a condition for clinical practice by students. All nursing students will need to be fingerprinted through both the BCI and FBI prior to clinical experiences. A second background check is required by the Ohio Board of Nursing prior to taking the NCLEX-RN® licensure exam. You can find a webcheck location near you by visiting http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/backgroundcheck.
Be advised that a drug-urine screen will be required. This will be conducted by an independent contractor on-site at the Nursing Department prior to the first clinical experience.