Admission Physicals

[RNSuzq1, RN]

Hi All,

I was wondering how other schools handle Admission Physicals? Is it a requirement before you're accepted or do you wait until you're accepted into a Program?

We took our entrance exam a few weeks ago and the school was supposed to let us know by last week (at the latest) if we're still in the running for their Fall Program so we could schedule a physical and start the Hep. B series. They recommended we submit our physical exam forms to them at least a week prior to the April 16th deadline in case they had any questions/problems, etc. with our forms.

I didn't receive anything from them last week - called them and supposedly they are short staffed and weren't able to send out the test results - but the April 16th deadline for physical exam forms still stand. I quickly called my doc. and had a "Major" physical last Friday. I received the first of the Hep. B Series of Vacc. and tetorifice titer Friday, had tons of immunizations in the Military so that helped out, but my Pediatric Doc. is long gone and I had no record of the immunizations I received for childhood diseases when I was a kid. My Doc. ended up taking quite a few tubes of blood to show proof to the school I've received those vaccines.

My insurance co. doesn't consider the "extra blood-work" part of a normal physical, so I'm guessing they won't cover it and I'm afraid I'm going to have to pay quite a bit out of pocket for those extra tests. To me at least - it seems that requiring someone to have a complete physical and start the Hep. B series, etc. would only come after you've been actually admitted into the program - because especially for those without health insurance - it's a very expensive thing.

My school still hasn't sent anything out about our exam results - so I'm guessing all those I took the exam with are having their physicals, starting the Hep. B series, etc. - all without knowing if we have any chance of getting in. On a few posts I've seen - some people don't have to do this until they receive a letter of acceptance. Just wondering how other schools do this. Thanks, SusanNC

[Ruylupez]

With my school we did not have to take a physical until after we were accepted. We were required to show proof of the physical and immunizations before we could start clinicals but clinicals didn't start until four weeks into first semester. The actual physical was a joke, my doctor looked at the requirements and joked that if your breathing you pass. I did have to recieve a number of vaccinations but we were not required to get the hep B vaccine. I did get it anyway but it was optional.

[mitchsmom]

We didn't have to have physicals at all but we did have to have a bunch of vaccines that were costly. But, our program has a February deadline for Fall admittance so we knew way ahead of time if we were in or not. I think we got letters in May. I would not be amused if I had to do all that not even knowing if I was admitted!

[Altra, BSN, RN]

At my school, you get the forms to be filled out w/your physical when you get your acceptance packet. And Hep B immunizations & PPD tests are provided at no charge through the hospital's employee health service after you start the program, but before you start clinicals.

One thing about all the lab work required w/the physical ... nope, it's not gonna be covered by most insurance plans, but ... if you're really worried about the cost, talk to someone at your doctor's office - they may be willing to code the lab work differently when the claim is submitted so that you have a greater chance of having it covered. Worked for me! :)

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

we did our physicals after being accepted. Having worked in the medical environment I already had the HBV series and annual TB, plus the measles titer. Did you call the school's health dept. to see if they give HBV free to students? Also, your county health dept. may do it free, or cheaper than MD office. Hope you get accepted!!

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

At our CC, you get conditionally accepted subject to a slew of other requirements that you have a couple of months to satisfy -- physical, immunizations, titers, CPR course, proof of health insurance, criminal check, child abuse check, etc.

Once you complete the above requirements, then you receive a letter with your final acceptance.

[jenrninmi, MSN, RN]

We didn't have to have ours done until we were accepted.

[FutureNurse2005]

As far as I know, we dont have to do physicals. We just have to have our immunizations up to date, have first aid/cpr.

Why do you need a physical?

[career seeker]

Check with your state epidemiology department about discounted labs. The state of alaska provides certain labs for free. It is not generally advertised (not mant providers are aware of the service) but it is available. I had all of my immunity screening and HIV screening at no charge. Since I worked at the medical office where they were drawn, I opted to pay the $3. shipping to the lab. The school health center may also provide discounted immunizations. Labs can be pretty pricy. I would shop around if hte state does not provide screening at discounted rates.

[MryRose]

I know I have had all the immunizations, but at 44, I have no idea what my Mom did with that info. I have no idea where they were even given so no way to find them.

How does one go about proving they have had all their immunizations??

Do school records show this?? Immunizations were required here.

Thanks,

MaryRose

[AnnaN5]

Speaking of immunizations.....Varicella (chicken pox) is a common one asked on a lot of forms for the nursing schools I have applied to. 2 doses one month apart are recommended for adults with no history of the disease and you must provide the dates of the doses or a written statement from your doctor confirming when you had chicken pox. I had chicken pox when I was 6 years old but I never went to the doctor. I had them for my younger sisters 2nd birthday so of course there are tons of pictures of me covered in chicken pox but I don't think that will be an acceptible form of proof. :chuckle If you have already had chicken pox and get the varicella vaccination is there adverse effects? I am just wondering because if I have no way to prove that I actually had chicken pox, the only other thing the school will accept is getting the vaccination.

[Vsummer1]

Our school doesn't require it -- the hospital where we do clinical's requires the physical and either an immunization record or titers proving immunity. If you dont' have them, you don't do clincals.

I had the rubella proof from when I was pregnant, but they wanted all titers. Turns out my childhood vaccinations didn't stick, and I had to take the MMR again. Titers proved varicella. The school had a visiting nurse van who didn't charge us for the shots and labs (I don't have medical insurance).