Immunization and Infection Control
All students must have documentation of their immunizations prior to clinical rotations. Clinical sites do vary in their requirements and students should be prepared to have the following completed to ensure access to all clinical rotations. Clinical rotations are required to successfully complete the program. In the absence of such documentation, the student may be denied access to the clinical site and will receive a zero for each day until the vaccinations are completed. This could result in a failing grade in clinical.
Failure to comply with health program requirements will result in the students being withdrawn from all clinical courses. Entry into agencies for clinical practice will be prohibited unless the PN program has the below information on file. Clinical agreements with our agencies clearly state that faculty will not assign students who do not have documented proof of immunization. In the event a clinical site requests a different immunization, the student will be required to comply with the policies of that facility.
COVID/Boosters
COVID vaccination varies by clinical site. If you have received COVID vaccination(s), please supply those records.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Prior to the start of the school year, students will have received either all three doses of Hepatitis B Vaccine, begun the three-series immunization, or have a positive Hepatitis B titer.
Tuberculin Testing
An initial two-step Tuberculin skin test is required prior to the start of the school year. Current health care workers with documentation of two (2) consecutive negative yearly TB tests will be acceptable. A chest x-ray must be obtained if a positive reaction has been documented. A Quantiferan Gold or T-SPOT is also acceptable. These must cover the entire length of the program so these should be completed on or after August 1.
T-Dap or TD
Students must be fully immunized with the Tdap series and maintain a Tdap or TD booster at least every 10 years.
Influenza Vaccination
Vaccination against the influenza virus is to be completed annually in the fall after October 1.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
The student must provide documentation of two (2) MMR immunizations, at least one after 1980, or dated results of a positive titer for all three infections: measles, mumps, and rubella.
Varicella (Chicken Pox)
The student must provide documentation of two vaccines at least one month apart or dated results of a positive immune varicella titer.
Hospital Testing and Evaluation
Clinical facilities may request criminal background checks and/or drug screens for nursing students doing clinical rotations in their facilities. The student will bear the cost of this diagnostic tool and must pass the screening prior to being allowed in the clinical area. Also note that clinical facilities who have a reasonable and articulated belief that a student is using or in possession of drugs, controlled substances or alcohol may request random drug screening. The student who refuses to comply with the agency's request will not be allowed to do clinical rotations in said facility. Other disciplinary action may ensue and this information will be presented to the Director of Nursing and Dean of Health Sciences.
Moberly Area Community College will require a Criminal Background Investigation on prospective and admitted students as required in Sections 610.120; 43.530; and 660.317 RSMo. MACC will also make inquiry to the Department of Social Services: Division of Aging, to investigate whether the student is listed on the "Employee Disqualification List" as required in Section 660.315 RSMo. The student background investigations will be performed in order to insure student eligibility to participate in clinical observation experiences required for success within particular program curriculum. Students will also complete a form to allow the release of background information and drug screen test results. (See Appendix F)