Technical Standards
Health Policies and Regulations
To enter into and to complete the nursing program, students must be able to meet the emotional and physical requirements of our nursing program.
Emotional Requirements
The student must have sufficient emotional stability to perform under stress produced by both academic study and the necessity of performing nursing care in real patient situations while being observed by the faculty and other health care personnel.
Physical Requirements
In order to participate in Touro University Illinois’ Nursing Program, students are required to travel to agencies and hospitals, and to homes with unpredictable environments. Students need to have the endurance to adapt to a physically and emotionally demanding program. The following physical requirements would be necessary to participate in the clinical courses in nursing:
1. Speech
Ability to speak clearly in order to communicate with staff, physicians, and patients; need to be understood on the telephone.
2. Vision
Sufficient to make physical assessments of patients and equipment; to read.
3. Hearing
Sufficient to accurately hear on the telephone, to be able to hear through the stethoscope to discriminate sounds.
4. Touch
Ability to palpate both superficially and deeply and to discriminate tactile sensations.
5. Health
Nursing is considered to be a high-risk profession for exposure to Hepatitis B and other contagious diseases. Immunizations required by the Nursing Program reduce this risk for nursing students, but do not eliminate it entirely. Students with impaired or deficient immune systems may be at risk for contracting serious diseases. Evidence of a physical exam (within two years) is required by our collaborating agencies. Please submit results to the Director of Nursing at Touro University Illinois. Students with pre-existing conditions, which may impair their functions, are strongly advised to wear an appropriate medical alert bracelet and notify the clinical faculty
Clinical Nursing Requirements
Students must meet all the requirements listed below. It is your responsibility to be aware of the requirements, expiration dates for malpractice insurance, and CPR certification. Failure to meet these requirements in a timely manner will result in the student not being allowed to progress in the Nursing Program.
Immunization Requirements
Students entering the Nursing Program are required to submit proof of immunization status.
1. Tuberculosis skin test (PPD) (unless performed within three months and report submitted) (Tine tests are not acceptable)
Tuberculosis Screening Program
Tuberculosis skin tests are required at entrance to or within three months prior to entrance into the program and at the start of the third and fifth clinical semesters. An exit TB screening test is strongly recommended but is not mandatory for students who have been screened prior to their fifth clinical semester. Students with a positive reaction will require a chest x-ray and evaluation by their physician in charge of this program.
2. Immunization update (measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria-tetanus, polio, and chickenpox, as needed by student) Note: It is important that your healthcare provider note clearly if your tetanus injection was either part of a series or if it was a "booster."
Rubella/Measles Immunization
Students born on or after January 1, 1957, must provide proof of immunity to measles and rubella by immunization (one dose of measles vaccine) or a positive antibody titer.
Individuals who received immunization for MMR between 1963 and 1967, or received immunization prior to 12 months of age, are considered unvaccinated and must receive two MMRs (MRs), one month apart.
Diphtheria-Tetanus Current
immunization required with evidence of booster given within the past ten (10) years. Note: It is important your physician clearly state if your injection was part of a series or a "booster."
Polio
Proof of immunization against polio must be documented by immunization records and/or a statement from a private physician. Immunization must consist of three (3) oral and/or injected polio vaccines. A booster is required if third dose was given prior to the fourth birthday. A waiver may be given only if records cannot be located. A letter must be submitted to the Director of the Nursing Program requesting waiver, stating when the oral vaccination was taken.
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
The School of Nursing also requires immunization for Hepatitis B upon entry. This may be arranged through the student’s private insurance carrier.
No student will be allowed to enter the clinical area as pr of their course requirements without evidence of the above requirements.
Students should not receive any immunization until they have had a PPD (Tuberculosis Screening). Immunizations and PPD may be given together, but immunizations cannot be given before the PPD. Recently administered live virus vaccines can cause false negative PPD results.
CPR Certification
All nursing students are required to have current CPR certification. Prior to the beginning of each semester students must submit proof of current CPR. Expiration date of certification is recorded by the Nursing Program. CPR must be Healthcare Provider level through the American Heart Association. Students should ascertain that the CPR course they are taking is for healthcare personnel. Please submit photocopy of certificate (front and back) to the Director of Nursing.
Professional Liability Insurance
Each student enrolling in clinical courses must obtain professional liability insurance equivalent to, or greater than, the coverage provided by the NSA endorsed insurance carrier. If a student chooses to purchase insurance from the NSA endorsed carrier, he/she must submit a completed insurance application and required fee to the designated NSA representative by the suggested deadline. The deadlines are normally July 27 for fall semester and by January 1 for the spring semester. It is a good idea to check with the NSA representative. If the policy is not purchased through NSA, the student must bring their insurance policy to the Director’s Office of the Nursing Program. Registered Nurse students must secure professional liability insurance equal to or greater than the coverage provided by NSA’s endorsed insurance carrier prior to their first clinical course. Student insurance does not cover the RN who is in practice. Liability coverage must be $1,000,000/$3,000,000.
Personal Health Insurance
All nursing students must carry personal health insurance. Contact the Registrar for a list of available carriers.
Failure to comply with Touro University Illinois Nursing Program policies regarding health requirements, CPR, and malpractice insurance will result in students’ not being allowed to progress in the Nursing Program. Evidence of adherence to these requirements must be presented two weeks prior to the beginning of each semester. Immunizations and medical tests are to be submitted to the Nursing Program. CPR card copies, malpractice insurance, and evidence of personal health insurance are to be submitted to the School of Nursing.
Urine Test Screening for Drug/Toxicity
All students are required to submit the results of the Drug/Toxicity screening to the Director of the Nursing Program before beginning clinical. This is only required upon admission to the program.
Criminal Convictions
Please review the information at the Illinois State Board of Nursing Website regarding your ability to become licensed if you have a criminal conviction.
