Student Health Policy and Health Services

The objective of the Student Health and Wellness program is to encourage health promotion and illness prevention. The Student Health nurses provide health assessments and referrals ( if needed) for illness or injuries. Student Health is available Monday-Friday by calling 402-481-8468 or emailing studenthealth@bryanhealth.org. Students can also access ezVisit, a Bryan online virtual care service for minor illness, at no charge using their student identification number. Other options for students are to utilize their primary care provider or one of the local Urgent Care facilities using their private health insurance.

Students as health care providers are at increased risk of exposure to communicable diseases. Therefore, students are required to maintain complete and current health and immunization records with Student Health. This requirement ensures the well-being of students, patients, clients and the health community. (Please refer to the Program-specific immunization requirement for BSN students).

Health and Immunization Requirements:

Incoming health science students with an on-campus presence and students in a program containing clinical experiences are required to provide proof of required immunizations/immunity and identify allergies upon admission. Students are expected to complete immunization requirements and submit documentation at least 3 weeks before the start of spring and fall admission dates. Students who do not complete the immunization requirements will have an immunization hold placed on their account that will keep them from registering for classes the following semester.

Immunizations required by program:

Nursing

MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella) - 2 dose vaccine series or a blood titer demonstrating positive immunity of each- measles, mumps, rubella.
Varicella (Chicken Pox) - 2 dose vaccine series OR a Varicella blood titer demonstrating positive immunity if previously had Chicken Pox disease. History of disease alone does not meet requirement.
TB (Tuberculosis) - 2-step TB skin test (two separate skin tests at least 1 week apart or two TB skin tests within the 12 months prior to start date) OR a TB blood test (IGRA: QuantiFERON Gold) within the 12 months prior to admission start date. A TB Screening Questionnaire must also be completed electronically as part of the admission documentation process. If a student has a history of positive TB skin test or IGRA, documentation of follow up screening/care from a healthcare provider must be submitted to Student Health prior to start date. An electronic TB Symptom Screening/Risk Assessment will be completed annually.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) – one (1 ) vaccine dose required within the past 10 years prior to admission start date- Once expired can be updated with another Tdap or plain Tetanus (Td).
Meningococcal (meningitis) - Only for students under the age of 21 years.
- One dose of conjugate vaccine from ages 11-15 years with a booster vaccination at age 16 years OR if did not receive conjugate vaccine prior to 16 years old, the requirement is to have 1 conjugate vaccination prior to age 21 years.
Hepatitis B – 2 or 3 dose vaccine series (depending on type of vaccine) AND a Hepatitis B Surface Antibody blood titer demonstrating positive immunity OR Hepatitis B Surface Antibody blood titer demonstrating positive immunity by itself.
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) – proof of original 2 dose vaccines (2021/2022) or proof of single dose bivalent since 2023 OR a signed declination for medical, religious, or creed exemption on file with Student Health prior to admission start date.
Mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination- Influenza vaccination will be provided at no expense to students during the annual flu season. If flu vaccination is received elsewhere, documentation is required. For students who decline or cannot have the flu vaccine for medical reasons, a declination form must be signed and on file.

Sonography

MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella) - 2 dose vaccine series OR a blood titer demonstrating positive immunity of each- measles. mumps, rubella
Varicella (Chicken Pox) - 2 dose vaccine series OR a Varicella blood titer demonstrating positive immunity if previously had Chicken Pox disease. History of disease alone does not meet requirement.
TB (Tuberculosis) - 2-step TB skin test (two separate skin tests at least 1 week apart or two TB skin tests within the 12 months prior to start date) OR a TB blood test (IGRA: QuantiFERON Gold) within the 12 months prior to start date. A TB Screening Questionnaire must also be completed electronically as part of the admission documentation process. If a student has a history of positive TB skin test or IGRA, documentation of follow up screening/care from a healthcare provider must be submitted prior to starting date. An electronic TB Symptom Screening/Risk Assessment will be completed annually.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) - 1 vaccine dose required within the past 10 years prior to admission start date- Once expired can be updated with another Tdap or plain Tetanus (Td).
Meningococcal (meningitis) - Only for students under the age of 21 years.
- One dose of conjugate vaccine from ages 11-15 years with a booster vaccination at age 16 years OR if did not receive conjugate vaccine prior to 16 years old, the requirement is to have 1 conjugate vaccination prior to age 21 years.
Hepatitis B – 2 or 3 dose vaccine series (depending on type of vaccine) AND a Hepatitis B Surface Antibody blood titer demonstrating positive immunity; OR Hepatitis B Surface Antibody blood titer demonstrating positive immunity by itself.
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) - proof of original 2 dose vaccines (2021/2022) or proof of single dose bivalent since 2023 OR a signed declination for medical, religious, or creed exemption on file with Student Health prior to admission start date.
Mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination- Influenza vaccination will be provided at no expense to students during the annual flu season. If the flu vaccine is received elsewhere outside of Bryan, documentation is required. For students who decline or cannot have the flu vaccine for medical reasons, a declination form must be signed and on file.

Biomedical

MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella) - 2 dose vaccine series OR a blood titer demonstrating positive immunity of each- measles. mumps, rubella
Varicella (Chicken Pox) - 2 dose series OR a Varicella blood titer demonstrating positive immunity if previously had Chicken Pox disease. History of disease alone does not meet requirement.
TB (Tuberculosis) - 2-step TB skin test (two separate skin tests at least 1 week apart or two TB skin tests within the 12 months prior to start date) OR a TB blood test (IGRA: QuantiFERON Gold) within the 12 months prior to start date. A TB Screening Questionnaire must also be completed electronically as part of the admission documentation process. If a student has a history of positive TB skin test or IGRA, documentation of follow up screening/care from healthcare provider must be submitted.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) - 1 vaccine dose required within the past 10 years prior to admission start date- Once expired can be updated with another Tdap or plain Tetanus (Td).
Meningococcal (meningitis) - Only for students under the age of 21 years.
- One dose of conjugate vaccine from ages 11-15 years with a booster vaccination at age 16 years OR if did not receive conjugate vaccine prior to 16 years old, the requirement is to have 1 conjugate vaccination prior to age 21 years.
Hepatitis B – 2 or 3 dose vaccine series (depending on type of vaccine) AND a positive Hepatitis B Surface Antibody blood titer demonstrating positive immunity OR Hepatitis B Surface Antibody blood tier demonstrating positive immunity by itself.
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) - proof of original 2 dose vaccines (2021/2022) or proof of single dose bivalent since 2023 OR a signed declination for medical, religious, or creed exemption on file with Student Health prior to admission start date.
Mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination- Influenza vaccination will be provided at no expense to students during the annual flu season. If the flu vaccine is received elsewhere outside of Bryan, documentation is required. For students who decline or cannot have the flu vaccine for medical reasons, a declination form must be signed and on file.

Health Professions

MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella) -2 dose vaccine series OR a blood titer demonstrating positive immunity of each- measles. mumps, rubella
Varicella (Chicken Pox) - 2-dose vaccine series OR a Varicella blood titer demonstrating positive immunity if previously had Chicken Pox disease. History of disease alone does not meet requirement.
TB (Tuberculosis) - 2-step TB skin test (two separate skin tests at least 1 week apart or two TB skin tests within the 12 months prior to start date) OR a TB blood test (IGRA: QuantiFERON Gold) within the 12 months prior to start date. A TB Screening Questionnaire must also be completed electronically as part of the admission documentation process. If a student has a history of a positive TB skin test or IGRA, documentation of follow- up screening/care from a healthcare provider must be submitted.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) - 1 vaccine dose required within the past 10 years prior to admission start date- Once expired, can be updated with another Tdap or plain Tetanus (Td).
Meningococcal (meningitis) - Only for students under the age of 21 years.
- One dose of conjugate vaccine from ages 11-15 years with a booster vaccination at age 16 years OR if did not receive conjugate vaccine prior to 16 years old, the requirement is to have 1 conjugate vaccination prior to age 21 years.
Hepatitis B – 2 or 3 dose vaccine series (depending on type of vaccine) AND a positive Hepatitis B Surface Antibody blood titer demonstrating positive immunity OR Hepatitis B Surface Antibody blood titer demonstrating positive immunity by itself.
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) - proof of original 2 dose vaccines (2021/2022) or proof of single dose bivalent since 2023 OR a signed declination for medical, religious, or creed exemption on file with Student Health prior to admission start date.
Mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination- Influenza vaccination will be provided at no expense to students during the annual flu season. If the flu vaccine is received elsewhere outside of Bryan, documentation is required. For students who decline or cannot have the flu vaccine for medical reasons, a declination form must be signed and on file.

Non-Degree Seeking

Students attending class on campus (i.e.- Phlebotomy, BNA) are required to provide influenza documentation during the current flu season. BNA students must also provide information on allergies.

Online Only

Exempt from all immunization requirements.

Student Health and Wellness Nurses provide:

Health promotion education
Annual influenza immunizations through the College Flu Shot clinics
Compliance reviews for required immunizations
Tuberculosis screenings and testing as required for clinical experiences
Information for finding a local healthcare provider or referral to ezVisit to meet health needs
Health assessments and referrals (if needed) for illness or injury.
Health insurance information resource

Student Health Office is located on the Lincoln east campus, Room 206 , 402-481-8468.

Health and Hospital Insurance/Medical Expenses

Students are to be covered by health and hospitalization insurance. The name of the insurance carrier and the identification numbers of the student are to be kept current with the Registrar. Students can contact Student Health for health insurance questions and informational resources.
Students coming into the College with any known physical conditions are to be responsible for their medications and treatments resulting from these conditions.
Medications, referrals, treatments, diagnostic tests or other special services will be at the student's own expense.

Illness/Injury/Hospitalization/Surgery/Exposure

Students reporting an absence are expected to follow the specific course protocols identified for each classroom and clinical experience.
Students must notify their faculty of class or clinical absence. In addition, students must call or email the Student Health office to discuss reason for absence and recommended care so an excused absence can be authorized by health nurse.
If a student does not have an individual healthcare provider, Student Health can assist in providing referral/resource information.
If a student is absent due to injury, inpatient admission, hospitalization, surgery, or any actual or probable infectious conditions, the student must present documentation from a healthcare provider for review by the Student Health Nurses. Documentation would include dates of absence, date of return to class or clinical experiences, and specify any restrictions, if applicable, that may impact the student’s ability to engage in regular classroom and/or clinical experiences. Students with restrictions or limitations may not be permitted to provide patient care in the clinical area. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the ADA Coordinator (Director of Academic Support and Accessibility Services) in consultation with faculty and the Employee Health Manager. Students are advised to contact the ADA Coordinator (Director of Academic Support and Accessibility Services) to discuss the situation and determine if special accommodations are deemed necessary.
The College reserves the right to specify provisions of treatment and follow-up for return to course activities following illness, injuries, or hospitalization.
Student injuries or exposure while attending class or clinical experience:
- At the time of injury, notify assigned faculty and contact Bryan Employee Health (402-481-8622) for evaluation/treatment if needed. If emergency care and treatment are indicated, seek medical attention at the Emergency Dept., Urgent Care, or a personal care provider. Access the B-Safe reporting form on the Hello Bryan website- use the icon Employee Event and report an incident as a student
- At the time of an exposure, notify assigned faculty and contact Bryan Employee Health (402-481-8622) or, after hours, the on-duty Administrative Manager at Bryan Health (402-481-1111). Exposures incurred at off-campus educational experiences must also be reported to that facility’s supervisory staff along with notification of Bryan Employee Health .Source patient blood is drawn onsite at the assigned facility. Blood testing for students is completed through Bryan Employee Health or as directed by that department. Access B-Safe reporting on the Hello Bryan website- use the icon Employee Event and report an incident as a student. Needlestick or Blood and Body Fluid Exposure must be seen by Bryan Employee Health for follow-up.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Policy

The College’s influenza vaccination deadline is October 15^th and is communicated to students before the start of fall influenza season.
Students are required to provide influenza vaccination documentation annually to the Student Health Office, Room 206, through one of the following methods of communication:
1. Students attending the College Flu Clinic will have their vaccination recorded into their electronic immunization record by Student Health Nurses.
2. Students who receive their vaccination through Bryan Employee Health are responsible for notifying Student Health or providing the documentation for placement on their college immunization record.
3. If a student receives an influenza vaccination elsewhere outside of Bryan), documentation must be provided to Student Health for placement on their immunization record
4. Students who complete the Influenza Vaccination Declination must provide the documentation to Student Health Office, noting reason for declining vaccine. Students who complete an Influenza Vaccination Declination will follow Bryan Health's influenza policy, including wearing a mandatory mask if required. Hastings students who complete an Influenza Vaccination Declination will follow Mary Lanning's influenza policy, including wearing a mandatory mask if required
Students who do not provide the required documentation to the Student Health Office by the College’s designated deadline of October 15^th will violate the Student Code of Conduct. The following sanctions will be applied to students who are in violation of the Student Code of Conduct due to non-compliance with the Influenza Vaccination Policy:
1. Students are placed on an Immunization Hold which prevents them from registering for classes the next semester
2. Students can attend class but are NOT eligible to participate in clinical experiences, which include but are not limited to hospital, clinic, community, skills lab, and simulation experiences.
3. The Clinical Absence Policy and fee structure will be applied to absences.
The sanctions identified above will be removed when students complete one of the following: Student receives the influenza vaccination and documentation is submitted to the Student Health Office OR student submits a completed Influenza Vaccination Declination form to Student Health.

Lactation/Nurturing Rooms

Bryan Medical Center has several Lactation/Nurturing rooms on both east and west campuses which are available to students who need to do breast pumping while at the College or Medical Center. Accessibility is via proxy card entry, and students who would like to have access should contact Employee Health at (402-481-8622). Lactation consultants are available to answer questions or assist as the need arises and can be reached at (402) 481-7103. A list of room locations is available through Employee Health Service or Student Health Office.
Bryan College in conjunction with Mary Lanning offers a Lactation/Nurturing room for students who need to do breast pumping while at the college. It is located on 3^rd floor (same floor as the college) in the room labeled 320 Mother’s Room located in the small hallway just past the elevators.