Requirements for Participation in the Nursing Program

Each participant in the nursing program must have the ability, unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation, to perform these Essential Functions (Physical, Cognitive, and Psycho/Social). Reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment that enables an otherwise qualified individual with a disability to have an opportunity to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges that are available to a similarly situated individual without a disability. A reasonable accommodation is defined on a case-by-case basis by the MCC Services for Students with Disabilities office, in consult with MCC Health Services and the Department of Nursing, and must take into consideration:

• the specific abilities and functional limitations of the individual
• the specific functional requirements of the nursing program.

Reasonable accommodations are directed toward providing an equal educational and/or employment opportunity for the disabled individual while providing for the safety of the individual, patient, and agency staff.

Physical Essential Functions

• Sit, stand, walk, bend, and reach for long periods of time in accordance with the length of the clinical day.
• Lift ≥ 35 lbs., push, pull, carry, grasp, twist, hold/support extremities, or persons (e.g.during transferring, ambulating, turning, moving or lifting patients in beds).
• Manipulate equipment that requires both fine and gross motor skills such as, but not limited to wheelchairs, beds, IV pumps, blood pressure cuffs, and computer keyboards.
• Maintain full functional use of all senses, including feeling, hearing, seeing, speaking, and detecting odors for activities such as, but not limited to, responding to alarm sounds, performing patient assessments, and reading medical records.

Cognitive Essential Functions

• Communicate information in English in an understandable and effective manner, both person-to-person and with the use of telecommunications devices as well as in writing, both longhand and by electronic/computer devices.
• Interpret written, verbal and electronic communication in English accurately.
• Maintain an alert level of consciousness and orientation to time, place and person at all times.

Psycho/Social Essential Functions

• Function effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Exercise sound judgment regarding all responsibilities, using patience, tact, and flexibility.
• Demonstrate compassion, integrity, empathy, accountability, respect, honesty and a neat, clean professional appearance.
• Maintain a level of functioning unimpaired by substances such as alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs.
• Maintain emotional health and mental well-being.

The Department of Nursing recognizes the delicate balance that exists between the right of people to develop to their fullest potential and the physical, intellectual and emotional abilities required for the practice of Registered Professional Nursing. To participate in the nursing program, all applicants, students and faculty must meet these health requirements.

Each applicant must have a preadmission health screening that includes:

1. A health assessment and physical examination.
2. Proof of vaccination or immunity to:
1. rubella
2. rubeola
3. mumps
4. hepatitis B, + titer, or signed waiver declining immunization for hepatitis B.
5. varicella vaccination, medical documentation of history of disease or + titer
6. influenza vaccine
7. COVID-19 Vaccine
3. Documentation of meningitis vaccine or waiver of vaccine.
4. Proof of results of intradermal test for tuberculosis or acceptable evidence of freedom from communicability, chest x-ray or results of QuantiFeron blood test.
5. Review of health status to determine that the applicant is able to perform the Essential Functions for Participation in the Nursing Program as listed in the Department Policy Manual.
6. A declination of influenza vaccination waiver must be submitted to the Department of Nursing if a student or faculty member is unable to receive the influenza vaccine. Submission of this waiver is required only once. Reasonable accommodations will be made by the department to place the student in an appropriate clinical site to meet program and institution requirements.
7. Students can refuse the vaccine, even if mandated by MCC and affiliated clinical agencies. However, if the student refuses to be vaccinated, is not entitled to a reasonable accommodation under agency approved medical exemptions, or is not entitled to a reasonable accommodation for a sincerely held religious belief, the student will be disenrolled from the nursing program.

To continue participation in the nursing program, each student and faculty must:

1. Maintain the ability to perform the Essential Functions for Participation in the Nursing Program.
2. Complete an annual reassessment of health status on admittance into the program (by the first clinical session) and every May while enrolled in the program.
3. Provide MCC Health Services proof of results of intradermal test for tuberculosis or acceptable evidence of freedom from communicability, chest x-ray or results of QuantiFeron blood test on admittance into the program (by the first clinical session) and every May, while enrolled in the program.
4. On or before October 25 each year, provide the MCC Nursing Office proof of influenza vaccination and keep a copy for submission to assigned clinical agency. Vaccination documentation must include: vaccine manufacturer, lot number and expiration date, date administered as well as name/address of administering healthcare provider/pharmacy. A Declination of Influenza Vaccination waiver (See Appendices), provided upon request from the MCC Nursing Office, must be signed if a student does not get the influenza vaccination for any reason. Please note that NYS Hospital Laws and Regulations mandate wearing a surgical or procedural mask during influenza season for personnel who have not received the influenza vaccine during the influenza season. (405.3-Admininstration).
5. Report a change in physical status, such as injury, extended illness, or surgery. The student must immediately inform the clinical faculty and provide written notification to the department chair and the course coordinator within five business days. Written clearance from a healthcare provider, which has been reviewed by MCC Health Services, must be obtained prior to participation in clinical. The clearance must state that the student/faculty can fully participate in clinical laboratory without restrictions (refer to Essential Functions for Participation in the Nursing Program). Transition to another clinical nursing course requires re-evaluation of the student/faculty’s health status.
6. Provide proof of CPR/AED certification from the American Heart Association (BLS Healthcare Provider). This must be presented to the Department of Nursing office at least one month prior to starting the program and must be maintained throughout each clinical course.
7. Students must complete (or present certificate of completion for) a NYS Mandatory Training for via a NYSED Office of Professions approved provider prior to completion of NUR 111 or NUR 050.
8. Students must complete and present a certificate of completion for the NYS Mandated Reporter Training: Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment prior to completion of NUR 211. Information and web link will provided by NUR 211 faculty.
9. Failure to comply with the above requirements (#2-#6) by the first off-campus clinical will result in the student receiving an absence and clinical incident report, unless there are extenuating circumstances approved by the Department of Nursing Chairperson.
10. Faculty Only: provide proof of current licensure as a N.Y.S. Registered Professional Nurse

An individual who cannot safely perform the Essential Functions for Participation in the Nursing Program cannot continue attending clinical classes. This student may be withdrawn for health reasons.
If a student needs to withdraw due to a change in health, the student will:

1. Meet with the Department of Nursing Chairperson.
2. Obtain required health documentation from their personal healthcare provider indicating a restriction to clinical classes.
3. Submit the required health documentation to MCC Health Services for determination of whether a withdrawal is indicated. All submitted documentation is kept confidential. Only MCC Health Services can determine a withdrawal due to health reasons for a student.

The Department of Nursing will then withdraw the student from the clinical course. This leave from the nursing program is valid for one semester unless further documentation of needed absence is again reviewed by MCC Health Services. Further documentation would provide one more semester of leave. When the student has been cleared by MCC Health Services to return, the student is expected to return if a space is available. Clearance for readmission must be obtained through MCC Health Services for Spring semester return by December 1, and for Fall semester return by June 15. A student may not choose to extend their medical leave for personal issues not directly related to health. If a person is out of the nursing program for more than one year due to health reasons, the student will need to discuss a return with the Department of Nursing Chairperson. Re-admission at that point is not guaranteed.

Students who step out for a birth of a child or pregnancy related condition will be readmitted at the same academic standing in which they left.

A student may request a one semester Leave of Absence from his or her course of study for medical or other personal reasons. It is recommended that the student:

1. Meet with the Department of Nursing Chairperson to request a Leave of Absence prior to the beginning of the semester during which leave will occur.
2. Provide MCC Health Services with documentation of the reason for the leave of absence, if the leave is for a medical reason.

Prior to resuming studies following the Leave of Absence for a medical reason, the student must provide MCC Health Services with medical clearance indicating they are able to perform the Essential Functions for Participation in the Nursing Program and to return to Clinical Laboratory. The expectation is that the student return during the semester immediately following his or her Leave of Absence, provided a seat is offered by the Department of Nursing.

Any student who has a special educational need which results from a documented disability should see the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities each semester. In addition, students with disabilities must sign a departmental agreement each semester they seek accommodations. Further information can be accessed through MCC's Office of Disability Services website. Any student working with the Office of Disability Services that receives services through the college should notify the faculty. Students must work closely with faculty to coordinate implementation of approved services in a timely manner.

Each student will be required to meet Electronic Medical Record Training Course for each of their assigned clinical courses. This training may occur prior to or outside of scheduled class time.

See Appendix of the Department of Nursing Policy Manual.