Health Requirements

As part of the nursing curriculum, the College of Nursing partners with healthcare agencies nation-wide and abroad so students can have hands-on experience in a clinical setting. This provides students with the opportunity to learn vital nursing skills and apply theory in a practical way.

In order to participate in clinical courses, students must clear specific health and physical requirements to be allowed on site and interact with patients and clients. PLEASE NOTE, FACILITIES WILL NOT ALLOW STUDENTS ONSITE THAT DO NOT MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS. THOSE STUDENTS WILL BE AT RISK OF NOT COMPLETING CLINICAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS. Clinical courses are a mandatory part of the College of Nursing’s programs of study, therefore, students will need to comply in order to meet degree requirements. Also, healthcare agencies may have additional requirements above and beyond those of the College of Nursing. It is up to the student to meet those requirements and bear any associated cost.

Requirements may update at any given time in alignment with CDC standards. Students should refer back to this section for any updates. 

In order to maintain, track, and submit health records, students must create a profile with Castle Branch. This profile will serve as the student’s individualized document management system while enrolled at the College of Nursing. Through this account, students will be able to upload and update health requirements, maintain records in one secure location, track upcoming due dates, and view any outstanding requirements.

To complete admission to the College of Nursing and to be cleared to perform a clinical rotation, students must:

• Upload health requirements to Castle Branch
• Make sure each record receives a “Cleared ” status prior to the submission deadline noted in the acceptance letter
• If a record is rejected, work with Castle Branch to make the appropriate correction
• If the profile has missing documents or records with a “Rejected ” status by the submission deadline:
• The profile will be considered incomplete
• The student will not be eligible to participate in the clinical course for the semester
• The student may be dropped from clinical course(s)

Important Points:

• Requirements are set in the interest of student personal safety, the safety of patients, and the safety of other healthcare providers
• Students must meet the submission deadlines so the College of Nursing advisors have enough time to review the records.
• Specific requirements are determined per individual specialty options and are subject to change
• Some facilities may require additional testing and/or paperwork
• Students are liable for maintaining current and accurate health records throughout their enrollment in the nursing program
• Without proper documentation, students will not be eligible to participate in the clinical course for the semester and may be dropped from course(s)

Read the next section for more information about Castle Branch, including how to place an order and create a profile.

What is Castle Branch?

Castle Branch is a HIPAA compliant third-party vendor that provides a central clearing house for required health documents. Use of Castle Branch enables College of Nursing advisors to review student records as part of admission requirements.

Upon acceptance to the nursing program, students will purchase three bundled items in a package from Castle Branch:

• A Medical Document Manager (one-time purchase)
• A Background Check (one-time purchase, unless a repeat background check is required)
• An 11-Panel Urine Drug Screen (one-time purchase, unless a repeat drug screen is required)
• HIPAA and OSHA modules are available for additional purchase as needed

Creating a Castle Branch account enables the student to:

• Upload all the required documents needed for compliance
• Receive notices from Castle Branch about upcoming due dates, deadlines, and renewals of records
• See if a record was rejected, why it was not accepted, and steps needed to gain approval
• Use Castle Branch as an online storage space for personal documents, and access other services

When should the Castle Branch account be created?

The Fall 2018 Castle Branch package will be available for purchase starting April 13, 2018. After April 13, 2018, students will be able to create accounts.

How will a student access Castle Branch initially?

When ordering the Castle Branch package, students will need to select the appropriate College of Nursing package per program of study. Initial cost for the package is $160. Note, this is a one-time fee per program of study with the exception of add-on modules (HIPAA or OSHA) or specific facility required renewals (updated Urine drug screens or Background Checks). Add-on modules or facility required renewals are available for purchase by the student as needed.

Please visit https://www.castlebranch.com/online_submission/package_code.php and click "Place Order." Be sure to choose the expected starting term/year and appropriate package code. Insert the appropriate package code below to set up a Castle Branch account:

Program of Study	Package Code
BSN to DNP MSN to DNP Post Graduate Certificate retooling to DNP	NV69
BSN to MSN RN to MSN Post Graduate Certificate	NV37
Traditional BSN	NV30trad
Accelerated BSN	NV30acc
RN to BSN	NR67
LPN to BSN	VQ96

 

Urine Drug Screen

Once the package order is placed through Castle Branch, students will receive all instructions needed for the drug screen.  Castle Branch will electronically register students for a drug screen through LabCorp.  Students will receive an email from LabCorp, approximately 24-48 hours after paying for the request, containing the necessary information for the screening.  A list of LabCorp testing facilities can be found in this link: https://www.labcorp.com/labs-and-appointments

Students should provide a copy of the e-mail received from Castle Branch to any authorized LabCorp facility.  Please note that admission to the College of Nursing is contingent upon the results of the drug screen and background check, and the completion of the Medical Records Manager; however, official reports will be sent to us directly from Castle Branch so students may submit the Acceptance Packet after paying for the package.

I still need help!

Still need help? Please contact Castle Branch directly with questions and concerns about student accounts. Resources include:

• Visit Castle Branch online to submit a question: https://discover.castlebranch.com/contact-us/
• Call the Castle Branch Student Line at (888) 723-4263

Below is a general summary of the requirements students must have. Start the profile early to ensure everything is completed on time! Evidence of the following must be submitted: 

1. MMR – Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, and Rubella
   • Pre-licensure Students:
     • Pre-licensure students must submit proof of immunization for each of the above to be cleared.
   • Post-licensure Students:
     • Post-licensure Students must have a positive titer for each of the above to be cleared
     • If you have a negative or equivocal titer, you must receive the appropriate immunization or booster
     • Re-draw the titer one month after your final immunization and submit the positive result
     • If the titer is again negative or equivocal and your health care provider has determined you are a non-responder, please ask them to provide you with a letter briefly explaining that you are a non-responder. Upload the letter in CastleBranch under the requirement to which it pertains along with all tests and records from your healthcare provider; no special forms needed. Then, email conclinicalaffairs@southalabama.edu, and request a review. 
     • This is a one-time submission
2. Varicella (Commonly known as “Chicken Pox”)
   • All Students:
     • Must submit proof of immunization or positive titer to be cleared; history of disease is not accepted
     • If you do not have proof of immunization, and you have a negative or equivocal titer, you must receive the appropriate immunization
     • Submit all tests and records from your healthcare provider; no special forms needed
     • This is a one-time submission
3. Hepatitis B
   • Pre-licensure Students:
     • Pre-licensure students must submit proof of adult immunization prior to starting classes and a positive titer is required by the end of the second semester. See instructions below if the titer is negative.
   • Post-licensure Students:
     • A positive titer is required for admission
     • If the titer is negative, a booster immunization series is required
     • Re-draw the titer one month after your final immunization and submit the positive result
     • If the titer is again negative and your health care provider has determined you are a non-responder, please ask them to provide you with a letter briefly explaining that you are a non-responder. Upload the letter in CastleBranch under the requirement to which it pertains along with all tests and records from your healthcare provider; no special forms needed. Then, email conclinicalaffairs@southalabama.edu, and request a review. 
     • This is a one-time submission
4. Tuberculosis Testing
   • A negative, 2-step PPD test, Quantiferon Gold, or T-spot is required upon entry into the nursing program. One of the following is required:
     • 2 step TB Skin test (administered 1-3 weeks apart)
       • Step 1: TB skin test administered. 48-72 hours later, return to have the test site read.
       • Step 2: 1-3 weeks later, you will need to have a 2nd TB skin test administered. 48-72 hours later, return to have the test site read.
       • Note: The 2 step TB test requires 4 visits for completion.
         OR
       • 2 consecutive annual TB tests (administered 9-13 months apart with the most recent within the past 12 months)
         OR
       • QuantiFERON Gold blood test (lab report required, must be completed yearly)
         OR
       • T-SPOT blood test (lab report required, must be completed yearly)
         OR
       • If positive results, BOTH of the following are required:
         • Clear chest x-ray (lab report required) completed any year AND
         • Self reporting TB Questionnaire completed on school form within the past 12 months (must be completed yearly)
   • The renewal date will be set for 1 year. Upon renewal, one of the following is required:
     • 1 step TB Skin Test
       OR
     • QuantiFERON Gold blood test (lab report required)
       OR
     • T-SPOT blood test (lab report required)
       OR
     • If previous positive results, submit an updated self-reporting TB Questionnaire completed on school form.
   • If your TB test has an expiration that falls during a semester, you must renew prior to the start of the term.
   • The 1-step MUST be drawn within 12 months of the last test, or it will not be accepted. If you fall outside of the 12 month renewal period, you must have another 2-step test
5. TDAP – Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis
   • Immunization within the past 10 years is required
   • The TDAP must remain current throughout your enrollment in the nursing program
   • If your TDAP has an expiration that falls during a semester, you must renew prior to the start of the term
   • Submit all tests and records from your healthcare provider; no special forms needed
   • You may need to submit more than once, depending on your expiration date
6. CPR certification  
   American Heart Association (AHA) AHA or American Red Cross (ARC) BLS (Basic Life Support) for Healthcare Provider Card is required.
   
   • We do not accept any other CPR certification, as per clinical facility requirements
   • BLS cards are good for 2 years, but must remain current for the duration of the semester.
   • If your card has an expiration that falls during a semester, you must renew prior to the start of the term.
   • Submit a copy of the front and back of your card.
   • You will need to submit more than once, depending on your expiration date.
   • Military-issued CPR cards that use the AHA for healthcare workers curriculum will be accepted and require a special override from Clinical Affairs. See the "contact us" information below if this applies to you.
7. Health Insurance
   • Proof of current health insurance is required; submit a copy of your card (front and back) that includes your name.
   • If you are covered under another person's policy, you must submit a copy of that card, along with a letter from the insurance company stating you are covered under the policy.
   • If your health insurance changes, contact Castle Branch so you can upload your new proof of insurance.
8. Influenza Vaccination
   • All students are required to submit proof of an annual Influenza Vaccination each year. 
   • The influenza vaccine is not available until late August/early September each year.
   • Students who apply for Fall admission should submit the previous season’s proof of vaccination to satisfy this requirement. If the student did not receive the flu vaccine prior to admission, the student will need to provide proof as soon as it is available (early September).
9. Physical Examination
   • Download the Physical Examination Form found in your Castle Branch profile
   • The form must be completed, stamped, and cleared by your healthcare provider
   • This is a one-time submission
10. HIPAA / OSHA / Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Training Certifications   
    Provide certification of HIPAA / OSHA / Bloodborne Pathogen training 
    • Pre-licensure students
      • Pre-licensure students must purchase HIPAA & OSHA / Bloodborne pathogen training and submit all certificates to CastleBranch
        • NV30el - HIPAA/OSHA/Bloodborne Pathogen eLearning Tracker
    • Post-licensure students
      • • Post-licensure students should provide certification of HIPAA, OSHA and Bloodborne Pathogen training.  Students who do not have the required training certificates should complete the appropriate eLearning courses provided in Castle Branch, by using the order numbers below:
          • NV37hipaa - HIPAA eLearning Tracker
          • NV37osha - OSHA / Bloodborne Pathogen eLearning Tracker
          • NV37el - HIPAA/OSHA/Bloodborne Pathogen eLearning Tracker
11. Statement of Responsibility and Waivers of Liability 
    Download this form found in your Castle Branch profile. Complete the form per instructions and upload back to the Castle Branch requirement.
12. Authorization for Release of Information
    Download this form found in your Castle Branch profile. Complete the form per instructions and upload back to the Castle Branch requirement.
13. License (RN, APRN, Additional) or Certification (ACLS, PALS, Neonatal Resuscitation Program, Additional Advanced Practice)

(Does not apply to Traditional or Accelerated BSN Students)
If your program of study requires additional licensure or certifications, be sure to upload the required documentation in the appropriate field of the Castle Branch profile. If these fields are in your profile but do not apply to you, open the requirement and choose not applicable from the dropdown in order to satisfy the requirement.

Where can I obtain a waiver for immunization requirements?

Waivers for immunization requirements are only accepted if you have a documented allergy to the immunization or in the case of current pregnancy. Should you meet the condition outlined for a waiver, submit signed documentation from your healthcare provider to Clinical Affairs. Once Clinical Affairs reviews and approves your documentation, you will be provided with a waiver. Waivers will not be granted for any other reason as the College of Nursing will not be able to place you clinically. Contact information is listed below.

I realize I chose the wrong package code when I created my Castle Branch account. What do I do now?

Please contact Clinical Affairs so we can facilitate a move to the correct tracker on your behalf. Contact information is listed below.

I am a returning student and I have a previous Castle Branch account. Do I need a new one?

Possibly. If you are returning in the same program within 12 months and started after 2014, you should not need a new Castle Branch account. You should be able to contact Castle Branch for re-activation. If you are a returning student entering a new program of study, you will need to purchase the new appropriate package but you should be able to use your previously created log-in. Contact Castle Branch for assistance.

I had chicken pox as a child. Can I submit documentation from my healthcare provider?

No. You must submit a positive titer. See the Varicella requirement for more information.

Do I have to update requirements ever?

Each requirement states if it is a single submission or if continuing submissions are required. Please review each requirement’s detailed information.

I have health insurance through someone else but my name is not on the card. What do I do?

You will submit a copy of the card and a letter from the insurance company that proves you are covered. Please see the health insurance requirement for detailed information.

My CPR course was through Red Cross. May I use that instead?

Yes. The College of Nursing accepts American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers OR American Red Cross (ARC) BLS (Basic Life Support) for Healthcare Providers.

My Castle Branch profile is not compliant because it asks for documentation of another license or ACLS—neither of which I have. What do I do?

Every requirement in your Castle Branch profile must be addressed. If you do not have additional licensure, etc., open the requirement and choose not applicable. This will satisfy the requirement