Health Information and Services

Health Requirements (onsite students)

Mount Carmel College of Nursing stipulates specific health requirements that must be met as a condition for enrollment. Students are highly encouraged to keep a personal file of health information. It is the student’s responsibility to know when health requirements and required immunizations are due. Questions regarding health requirements should be addressed to the Student Health Nurse (614-234-5408).

Second Degree Accelerated Program students must complete all health requirements prior to the start of the program. Students who do not meet these requirements will have a Health Record “hold” placed on their accounts and are prohibited from attending clinical.

Traditional program students must complete all health requirements prior to registration in the first clinical nursing course (NURS 204 ). Students who do not meet these requirements are prohibited from registering for classes.

Resident students (those living in the MCCN apartments) must have their health records complete prior to move-in day. Commuter freshmen must have their health records completed before the end of week 8 of Fall Semester. Commuter sophomores must have their health records completed before week 2 of Fall Semester. Students not meeting these deadlines will have a Health Record “hold” placed on their accounts. Sophomore students risk being withdrawn from NURS 204.

Any student with a Health Record “hold” cannot register for future classes.

Student health requirements include:

1. History and Physical – a recent (within one year of enrollment in initial clinical course) history and physical must be completed and signed by a physician or nurse practitioner.
2. Immunization History – required immunizations must be completed prior to enrollment in a clinical course (students may continue in course while in the process of receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine series of three).
3. TB skin test.

Required Immunizations

1. MMR – Rubeola (Regular Measles) and Rubella (German measles) most often given as a combination MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella). Most individuals receive one as an infant and a second one upon entering 7th grade or as an adult. Students who may not have already had the second immunization must get one. Dates for the first and second MMR must be indicated. A blood titer for rubella is also required.
2. Hepatitis B vaccine – is required. The Hepatitis B immunization is a series of three injections that take a total of six months to complete (available at the Main Campus Student Health Office at the current pharmacy list price. A blood titer is also required.
3.  Varicella (chicken pox) – A blood titer is required. If the blood titer is negative, the student must arrange to receive the immunization (Varivax – two injections, one month apart).
4. Tetanus/pertussis vaccine is required. Indicate on the health form the date of last booster (if more than 10 years, a booster is required).
5. Meningitis – the meningitis vaccine (Menomune-A/C/Y/W-135) is a voluntary immunization (available at the Main Campus Student Health Office at the current pharmacy list price.) Apartment residents are required to have the meningitis vaccine or sign a waiver.

Tuberculin (TB) Skin Testing

New onsite students are required to complete a two-step tuberculin (TB) skin test (two skin tests, one to two weeks apart). In August, each student will be required to complete an annual TB questionnaire to screen for signs/symptoms of active TB infection. A student who does not complete the annual TB testing/questionnaire will have a Health Record “hold” placed on his/her record and is not permitted to enroll in classes.

If a student is exposed to a client/patient with active TB, a baseline skin test will be done at the time of exposure and again six months later. Students previously testing positive must provide the results of a chest x-ray and any treatment received.

Flu Shots

Flu shots are mandatory for all onsite students except for those who are:

• allergic to eggs,
• allergic to the preservative in the vaccine, or
• have a medical condition that prohibits the student from receiving the vaccine.

Flu shots will be provided free of charge for traditional program students (based on the availability of the vaccine) during the Fall Semester. If the student cannot receive the flu vaccine, a signed release from the student’s physician must be submitted to the Student Health Nurse. 

Flu shots will be provided free of charge annually (based on availability of the vaccine) to Second Degree Accelerated Program students during Spring Semester. The flu vaccine received in the spring will cover the student for NURS 497, Caring Health Practices for the Child and Family (Peds) due to Nationwide Children’s Hospital policy. It is mandatory that SDAP students receive another flu vaccine in October to comply with policies of our clinical partners.

Health Services

It is highly recommended that all students have their own personal family physician and health insurance coverage. The College does not offer health insurance coverage.

Students requiring emergency care may utilize any of the emergency departments (ED) of the Mount Carmel Health System. Students are responsible for the cost of emergency care and all charges incurred during an ED visit (e.g., medications, treatments, laboratory tests, and x-rays).

The Student Health Nurse is available during weekdays either by phone (614-234-5408) or in person (office #309). The student health program is coordinated by a Registered Nurse and includes health guidance. The Student Health Nurse will carry out any specific physician’s orders for dispensing medications and appropriate treatments.

TB skin testing, Hepatitis B vaccines, and Meningitis vaccines are available in the Student Health Office. The routine TB skin testing is provided free of charge (included in student’s Semester General Fee). Hepatitis B and Meningitis vaccines are charged in accordance with the pharmacy list price.

Students also have access to primary care services provided by the Nursing Center.

Nursing Center

Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers an option for primary care services to students through collaboration with Lower Lights Christian Health Center (www.llchc.org). The Nursing Center (the site at which the care is offered) is located on the MCCN campus (777 W. State St., Suite 201). Call 614-274-1455 to schedule an appointment.

The Nursing Center offers full service for nursing students’ medical needs. They accept any time of insurance and having a sliding fee for uninsured patients. Services include:

• Well-female / well-male exams
• Sick visits
• Chronic disease care
• Immunization / labs
• Prenatal care
• Spiritual care
• Behavioral health
• Nutritional counseling

Counseling Services

Students are entitled to participate in the Mount Carmel Health System Employee Assistance Program; services are provided through HelpNet. This program helps individuals resolve personal problems relating to stress, anxiety, depression, marital and family issues, financial and legal concerns, emotional problems, or addiction. The program includes up to ten sessions with a counselor at no charge to the student. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 1-800-969-6162, a 24-hour crisis line number. Students with questions regarding this service should contact a member of the College Executive Team.

The victim of a sexual assault may choose for the investigation to be pursued through the criminal justice system and College misconduct procedures, or only the latter. A College administrator will guide the victim through the available options and support the victim in his or her decision. Assistance and counseling are available through the Mount Carmel Crime and Trauma Assistance Program (614-234-5900), and from the Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO) that maintains a 245 hour rape crisis helpline at 614-267-7020. The SARNCO website is located at www.ohiohealth.com/sexualassaultresponsenetwork/.

Drug-Free Policy

Unlawful possession, use, production, distribution, or sale of alcohol or other drugs by any faculty, staff, or student is prohibited on college property or as any part of college activities.

This policy is created to comply with the Drug-Free School and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), which requires that the college show it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by faculty, staff, and students, and to set forth the standards to provide a community setting that is safe, healthy, and productive for all faculty, staff, and students of Mount Carmel College of Nursing.   The college distributes this policy annually throughout the college community and this includes information about referral and treatment, applicable laws and sanctions, and current assessments of possible health risks.  

Standards of Conduct

In complying with the federal law, Mount Carmel is concerned about the welfare of its students and employees and wishes to demonstrate commitment to a drug and alcohol free environment. A drug and alcohol free environment will also serve to maintain quality services, reduce accidents, and increase productivity.

Corrective actions, up to and including termination or expulsion, for offenses and violations of this policy are handled through the President/Dean’s office. President’s Council reserves the right to hear all cases.  

It is the responsibility of each student to report to class, clinical, or any other College related function in a physical condition that allows for discharging his/her responsibilities. The following pertains to students or employees on College property, hospital property, while involved in clinical at any affiliating agency, or as part of any College sponsored activity. Students are subject to corrective actions, including termination or expulsion, for any of the following: 

1. Unlawfully possessing, being impaired or under the influence, or using or distributing illicit drugs and/or alcohol.
2. Using prescribed medications that impair safe and/or efficient work performance.
3. Misusing prescription or nonprescription drugs.
4. Falsifying, or making grossly incorrect, inconsistent, or unintelligible entries in any hospital, patient, or other record regarding any drug or narcotic.
5. Being convicted or confined by a court for intemperate use of or addiction to alcohol or other chemical substance.
6. Possessing, selling, or consuming alcoholic beverages in any form on College premises or College related premises.
7. Habitually indulging in the use of controlled substances, other habit-forming drugs, alcohol, or other chemical substances to an extent that impairs ability to practice nursing or perform one’s College related responsibilities.
8. Impairment of ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of physical, psychological, or mental disability related to the use of alcohol or other drugs or because of dependency on or excessive use of alcohol or other drugs.
9. Smoking and/or possessing any illegal drug including marijuana.
10. Obtaining, prescribing, possessing, or administering any controlled substance, dangerous or illegal drug, or alcoholic beverages in violation of the law, to oneself or to another person.
11. Unlawful possession includes any illegal or unlawful drug or any controlled substance and is not limited to any narcotic including opium (morphine, codeine, heroin) coca leaves, or any other substance not chemically distinguishable.
12. Knowingly making, obtaining, or possessing drug abuse instruments whose customary and primary purpose is for the administration or use of a dangerous or illegal drug.
13. Obtaining any dangerous or illegal drug by attempting or committing a theft.
14. Knowingly or intentionally forging, making, selling, or possessing a false or forged prescription.

Internal Sanctions

Any student, faculty, or staff member who violates the college’s drug-free policy shall be subject to disciplinary procedures. Mount Carmel College of Nursing will impose sanctions on students consistent with local, state, and federal law. Internal sanctions related to students may include, but are not limited to, expulsion or termination from the College of Nursing and referral for prosecution for violations of the Standards of Conduct. Faculty and staff are subject to internal sanctions according to the Mount Carmel Health System Human Resources Policy 820 Substance Abuse.   

Students living in the resident apartments are also governed by the following additional policies and sanctions:

1. Returning to campus visibly intoxicated:  Parental notification (students under 21), placed on one-year probation for non-academic misconduct, four-page APA paper on binge drinking and report to President’s Office for disciplinary actions up to and including $200  fine and/or dismissal from the resident apartments*
    
2.  Possession of alcohol on campus:  Parental notification (students under 21, placed on one-year probation for non-academic misconduct, four-page APA paper on binge drinking and report to President’s Office for disciplinary actions up to and including $200 fine and/or dismissal from the apartment residence*
    
3. Possession of tobacco on campus:  Placed on one-year probation for non-academic misconduct, $100 fine and dismissal from the apartment residence*
    
4. Possession of drugs on campus:  Parental notification (students under 21), $200 fine, placed on one-year non-academic probation and dismissal from apartment residence*

 *Students dismissed from the apartment residence must move out within 24 hours.

External Sanctions 

Unlawful possession, use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs may lead to referral to the appropriate federal, state and/or local authorities for prosecution. Depending on the nature of the offense, it may be categorized as a misdemeanor or a felony and may be punished by fine and/or imprisonment.  

Federal law prohibits the trafficking and illegal possession of controlled substances (see 21 United States Code, Sections 811 and 844). Depending on the amount, first offense maximum penalties for trafficking marijuana range from five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 to imprisonment for life and a fine of $4 million. Depending on the amount, first offense maximum penalties for trafficking class I and II controlled substances (methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, PCP, LSD, fentanyl analogue) range from five years to life imprisonment and maximum fines range from $2-$4 million. First offense penalties for the illegal possession of a controlled substance range from up to one year in prison and a fine of at least $1,000, but not more than $250,000, or both.

The State of Ohio and the City of Columbus also may impose penalties for trafficking and illegal possession or use of controlled substances. State and local penalties for trafficking illicit drugs include fines that range from $1,000 to $50,000 and mandatory jail sentences that range from six months to 10 years. Illegal use or possession of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia may warrant fines ranging from $100 to $5000 and jail sentences ranging from 30 days to 10 years, depending on the amount and substance possessed. Violations may also lead to forfeiture of personal and real property and the denial of federal benefits such as grants, contracts, and student loans. 

The State of Ohio and City of Columbus may also impose a wide variety of penalties for alcohol-related offenses. For example, a first driving-while-intoxicated offense may be punished by mandatory imprisonment of at least three consecutive days and a fine ranging from $375 to $1000. Subsequent offenses lead to increased sanctions. Illegal purchase, possession, use, or sale of intoxicating liquor by a minor may be punished by fines ranging from $25 to $1000 and up to six months in jail, depending on the circumstances. For extended and regional campuses, local law will apply in lieu of City of Columbus ordinances. Copies of those laws will be supplied upon request.

Referral and Treatment

To ensure the most effective implementation of this program, the College supports the following concepts:

1. Alcohol or other drug dependence is a disease that can be successfully treated. 
2. Specific steps will be taken for referral of persons at risk for alcohol and other drug problems to an appropriate resource for assessment and treatment: 
   Mount Carmel Health System Employee Assistance Program - HelpNet 1-800-969-6162
   Community drug/alcohol treatment centers 
3. Faculty, staff, and students are warned that treatment is not a refuge from disciplinary action and that dependency problems that do not respond to treatment may ultimately result in appropriate disciplinary action.

Parental Notification Guidelines for Alcohol and Controlled Substance Violations

These guidelines were developed in response to the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. These amendments created an exception to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), thus enabling universities to notify parents or legal guardians, under certain circumstances, of a student under 21’s use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance. This change supports the practice of Mount Carmel College of Nursing to establish a collaborative partnership with parents and actively involve them, when appropriate, in addressing student behavior as it relates to alcohol and drugs.

Notification of parents is done when the college believes it will help the student. When practicable, conversations normally are held with the student before contact is made with parents, in an effort to determine whether such contact is the best course of action.

Generally, the college contacts parents in an effort to provide support for students’ physical health and safety, academic success, and personal development. Factors that are considered when deciding to contact parents may include, but are not limited to: 

• a situation in which a student has received medical attention;
• the occurrence of an arrest and consequent criminal charges;
• a major disruption to the college’s educational mission;
• substantial harm caused to other students; or
• significant property damage.

Contacts are made, if possible, by a personal appointment with parents or by phone. Written communication is used only when other attempts to contact parents have failed. The goal is to develop a partnership between the college and the parents for the good of the student.  

Parent contacts are not to be viewed as a “disciplinary sanction” but rather as a positive engagement of the broadest possible resources to help a student succeed in his/her educational endeavor. Parents are encouraged to discuss the situation with their son or daughter.

Questions or concerns regarding these guidelines should be directed to the Office of the President/Dean of Mount Carmel College of Nursing, 127 S. Davis Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43222.  

Mount Carmel College of Nursing Policy Related to  Drug Convictions

Any student, enrolled in the nursing program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing, who is convicted for the possession or sale of drugs while a student is dismissed from the nursing program and from the College, with no chance for reinstatement.

Federal Financial Aid Policy Related to Drug Convictions

The Department of Education requires that the College notify all enrolling students of the policy related to federal student aid [Higher Education Act HEA section 485(k)]. A federal or state drug conviction can disqualify a student for financial aid. Convictions count against a student if the conviction occurs while the student is enrolled in the college and receiving federal student A student who is denied federal benefits as part court sanctions imposed by federal or state judge for drug trafficking is also ineligible for federal financial aid. A conviction that was reversed, or removed from a student’s record or occurred while the student was a juvenile (unless tried as an adult) does not deny eligibility.

Period of Ineligibility for Federal Student Aid

 If the student is convicted of both possessing and selling illegal drugs, and the periods of ineligibility are different, the longer period of time applies. Eligibility returns the day after the period of ineligibility ends or with successful completion of a qualified drug rehabilitation program (described below) or two negative unannounced drug tests given by the program. Subsequent drug convictions lead to ineligibility again.

Students denied eligibility for an indefinite period can regain it with successful completion of a rehabilitation program, passing two unannounced drug tests from such a program, or with reversal or removal of the conviction provided that fewer than two convictions for sale or three convictions for possession remain on the record. The nature and dates of remaining convictions determines when a student regains eligibility.

Standards for a Qualified Drug Rehabilitation Program

The program must require a minimum of two unannounced drug tests and met one of the following requirements:

1. Be qualified to receive funds directly or indirectly form a federal, state, or local government program.
2. Be qualified to receive payment directly or indirectly form a federal or state licensed insurance company.
3. Be administered or recognized by a federal, state, or local government agency or court.
4. Be administered or recognized by a federal or state licensed hospital, health clinic, or medical doctor.

Current Assessments of Possible Health Risks Associated with Drug Use/Abuse

For a table of possible health risks associated with different types of drugs, click here .

Alcohol:  Zero-One-Three

Reduce your risk for experiencing alcohol-related impairment problems. Set guidelines for the use and non-use of alcohol and stick to them. Zero-One-Three can be a helpful tool in developing a clearer idea of what is “responsible drinking.”

The Zero-One-Three concept was developed by the Enjoy Michigan Safely Coalition and funded by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. Zero, One, and Three are easy numbers to remember. They represent alcohol consumption norms that should be promoted. Each number stands for a component of the concept.  

Zero = Zero alcohol

It’s OK not to drink, especially if you’re under 21, driving, chemically dependent, or pregnant. Alcohol is a drug, and tens of millions of adults choose to live a drug-free, and, therefore, alcohol-free lifestyle. It is a choice made by approximately 30 percent of the adult population. Situations where zero is a wise choice:  

• People who are not of legal age 
• Women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant 
• People who suffer from alcoholism or other chemical dependencies 
• People from homes where alcoholism or abusive consumption is present 
• People who do not like the physiological or psychological effects of alcohol 
• People who are trying to cut down on empty calories 
• People who prefer the taste of non-alcoholic beverages 
• Diabetics 
• People on certain medications

One = One drink per hour

One drink is defined as one 12-ounce can of beer OR one glass of wine OR one shot of liquor (a mixed drink). If a person is having more than one drink per hour he/she is out of bounds and is exceeding the recommended consumption pace. Because of the rate by which alcohol is metabolized in the body, more than one drink per hour will/can cause a person to test as legally under the influence of alcohol. By keeping the pace to one drink per hour, the body’s alcohol metabolism capacity will likely not be surpassed by alcohol intake. This will help keep blood alcohol concentration within safer limits.  

Remember, the legal blood alcohol concentration limit is .08 for driving in Ohio. If under 21, it is a violation if the concentration of alcohol is .02 or greater.

Three = No more than three drinks per day, and never daily

Three represents the maximum number of drinks a person should ever have in a single day. It does not mean three at each of six pubs. Also, remember these three drinks are not to be consumed at a faster pace than one per hour. Some people will quickly point out the existence of individual differences (body weight, etc.) as they relate to these guidelines. It is important to note, however, individual differences exist for blood cholesterol levels, exercise prescriptions, and all other quantified health norms. The standard of Zero-One-Three is one that is acceptable for most people.

Substance Abuse Testing

All students entering Mount Carmel College of Nursing are tested for drug and substance abuse. This is a mandatory requirement. The nominal fee for this testing will be charged to the student’s MCCN account. If a student has additional testing through Secure Check, the additional fee will be charged to the student’s MCCN account. If a person’s behavior, cognitive, or psychological functioning is disruptive or altered significantly, the person will be counseled by an administrator, a faculty member, or professional staff member. The person may be requested to submit to drug/alcohol screening for cause. Refusal to comply may result in termination from the College.

Description of Drug and Alcohol Counseling

If the student tests positive for non-prescribed controlled or illegal substances and/or alcohol, the student will meet with the College President and/or the Mount Carmel Health System Director of Employee Health, or the Undergraduate Associate Dean, and the following procedures will be enforced:

1. The student will be placed on non-academic probation and issued a final written warning. A second positive test will result in dismissal from the College.
2. Immediate referral may be made to the Mount Carmel Health System Employee Assistance Program (HelpNet) for assessment and possible referral to a trained substance abuse counselor at the student’s expense, or other appropriate treatment plan.
3. The student must not participate in any clinical experience until the HelpNet assessment has been completed, and a decision made by the intake specialist that the student is safe to participate in clinical experiences. 
4. Permission will be granted by the student for the counselor to notify the College President of the recommended treatment plan and recommendation regarding safe return to patient care activities. The College President will also be given permission to verify the student’s continued compliance with the treatment plan. 
5. The student will agree to random urine screens, at the student’s expense, as dictated by the College.   A second positive test will result in dismissal from the College.
6. The College has the right to remove the student from patient care settings if the determination is made that patient safety would be compromised.

If a student refuses assistance or fails to successfully complete the recommended rehabilitation program, the student will be dismissed from the College.

Confidentiality of Screen Results

Drug/alcohol screen results are kept in strict confidence. Results of screenings may be released to the College President and/or appropriate Associate Dean. Results may also be shared with the providers facilitating treatment of the student, Mount Carmel Health System Employee Health Services, and Mount Carmel’s Medical Review Officer.

Failure to Participate

Any student who refuses to be screened for non-prescribed controlled or illegal substance and/or alcohol, on initial or follow up tests, will be considered to have tested positive and will be required to follow the substance abuse procedure.

Frequency of Testing

All students will be tested for use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse prior to clinical experiences with patients. Following this initial testing, several students will be randomly selected yearly for testing; the fee for random testing will be charged to the student.  

Exposure to Communicable Disease

A student who experiences an accidental exposure to a communicable disease during a clinical experience must notify his/her clinical instructor immediately. The instructor will advise the student on the procedure to follow. The student is responsible for the cost of any treatment/medications/lab tests incurred. If the infectious disease physician on call deems lab testing and medication necessary, treatment will be initiated and the student will be billed at a later date. Mount Carmel Health will cover the cost of any patient testing necessary if the incident occurred at a Mount Carmel Health System facility.

If the incident occurred at an agency/facility other than Mount Carmel Health System entities, the student should report the incident to his/her instructor immediately and the instructor will initiate the procedure as indicated by the facility/agency’s infection control policy and contractual agreement with the College.

Statement on AIDS

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is committed to providing a healthy and caring environment. This commitment, as well as a College philosophy that respects the personal worth and dignity of each individual, undergirds the AIDS policy of the College.

It is the policy of MCCN that no one within the College community shall be discriminated against, based on the perception that an individual has AIDS or an AIDS related condition. Students, faculty, and staff with suspected or confirmed AIDS related conditions are entitled to equal access to College facilities and curricular and extra-curricular activities as long as their medical condition permits.

AIDS Testing

There is no pre-admission or routine AIDS testing of prospective or current students, faculty, or staff. Any AIDS testing is self-initiated and done on a voluntary basis.

In the event that a student is exposed to the blood or body fluids of a patient or associate in the clinical setting, and is in need of serologic testing for the HIV antibody, the Mount Carmel Health Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing Policy and Procedure will be followed.

Students, Faculty, or Staff who have Contracted AIDS: Rights and Responsibilities

Persons with AIDS may be considered by law to have handicapping conditions, therefore, the individual with AIDS has a legal right to remain enrolled in coursework or employed as long as their medical condition permits and they are able to meet acceptable performance standards. Individuals are also entitled to confidentiality of their medical condition and records.

Faculty and staff who know or suspect they have AIDS are encouraged to report this information to the Dean of the program and to the President/Dean of the College. Students are encouraged to report this information to the Student Health Nurse who can assist the student in securing proper medical supervision, counseling, and health teaching, as well as informing the student of the presence of infectious diseases on campus that could compromise the individual’s health.

It is also the responsibility of the student to seek counseling and education regarding the modes of transmission of AIDS. Additionally, if a student requests job or educational accommodation based on his/her medical condition, it is the responsibility of the student to obtain a written medical opinion that she/he is medically able to work and needs reasonable job or educational accommodation in order to maintain employment or association with the College. Students and faculty who have contracted AIDS and have patient care contact must remain cognizant of the client needs. The student or faculty member’s medical condition must not jeopardize client safety.

Confidentiality

The confidentiality of the student with AIDS is protected. No specific information concerning diagnosis shall be provided to any persons, including College administrators, faculty, professional, or support staff (other than the President/Dean and appropriate Dean) without the expressed written consent of the student. No information can be released to another person, agency, insurer, or institution without the prior written consent of the student involved. The College will observe the public health reporting requirements for AIDS.

Medical Release to Return to MCCN

It is the policy of Mount Carmel College of Nursing that students must submit a signed release to return to class and/or the clinical unit if they are admitted as an inpatient to a hospital or are seen for treatment in a hospital Emergency Department. This signed release must be submitted to the Student Health Nurse prior to the student’s returning to class and/or clinical. The release must clearly identify all restrictions. Additionally, the length of time the restrictions apply must be clearly stated.