Frequently Asked Questions
I have read the information on the incoming student web page, and have read all of the answers to the Frequently Asked Questions here. Where can I find more information about the SON?
Please see the ODU SON student handbook found on the web at www.odu.edu/nursson. Students should be familiar with all of the policies within this document.
Why do I have to have a health physical with vaccination and serum titers for entry into the SON?
Our partner Health Care Facilities must have all employees and students nurses working with patients follow OSHA and Joint Commission policies. This is for the protection of patients and employees and student nurses. All of our health physical requirements are the requirements followed by our partner facilities.
What is a titer?
A serum titer is a test of your blood for immunity to disease. You are required to have serum titers of Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, and Hepatitis B on file with the SON. Proof of vaccination or disease is not sufficient.
Where can I get CPR Training?
You must be certified in CPR as a health care provider and your course must include AED training. The SON recommends CPR training through the American Heart Association as this certification is valid for two years. We do accept CPR training from the American Red Cross as well. With this certification you will need to re certify every year. CPR certification is available for a fee. You can contact the American Heart Association or American Red Cross for available classes in your area.
What if my Hepatitis B titer comes back negative?
Your health care provider will make the decision whether to give you a Hepatitis B booster vaccination and then re draw the serum titer in 4-6 weeks, or to begin the 3 vaccination Hepatitis B series again. Again you will have a repeat serum titer drawn 4-6 weeks after the last vaccination. You will be asked to sign a waiver acknowledging non-immunity to Hepatitis B until you have a positive serum titer.
What if my PPD is positive?
Your health care provider will determine follow on health care which will include a Chest X-Ray. A copy of the reading of this Chest X-Ray will need to be included with your health physical on file with the SON.
What happens if I earn a grade of C- or less on a prerequisite course during the summer?
You are not eligible to begin the nursing curriculum. You should notify us immediately and drop any nursing courses in which you have enrolled.
Where should I have my criminal background information sent?
Have your Criminal Background information sent to you. Do not have the criminal background check sent to the SON.
When will the textbook list for fall courses be available?
Your book list for your first fall semester was attached to the welcome letter you received in mid-June. Textbook lists are also within each course syllabi available on the Blackboard site for each course. Blackboard sites are available for students a few days before the beginning of the semester. You will buy the bulk of the books necessary for the curriculum during the first fall and spring in the SON.
When will I need my uniform?
after spring break of the sophomore year.
If I change my mind about starting nursing this fall may I defer my admission to next year?
No. you must reapply.
If there is room in my schedule of classes, may I take courses listed at the junior or senior years? (i.e. double up on courses?)
No. Nursing courses must be completed in the order in which they appear on your curriculum guide. Each course has content and skills required by subsequent courses.
May I switch from the Traditional schedule to the Accelerated schedule?
No. there is limited room in each schedule and switching is not an option.
What happens if: I find out that I am pregnant and my baby is due during the semester? I must have surgery? I must miss a week of more of class/lab/clinical during the school semester?
If you are unable to attend lab/clinical experiences due to illness/injury/child birth for more than a week, you will not be able to pass the course. You will have to request a leave of absence until you are able to return with written permission from your physician.
What happens if I fail a nursing course?
You may petition to readmitted to the nursing major only once.
What should I do if I observe someone cheating?
Please review the University Honor Code which can be found on the Honor Council website
I completed courses at another college/university during the summer. What now?
You must send an official copy of the transcript to the ODU Office of Admission s and an unofficial copy to the School of Nursing.
I took three years of a foreign language in high school (or two years each to two foreign languages). How do I make sure that I am exempt from that general education requirement?
You must send an official high school transcript to the ODU Office of Admissions.
I have a learning disability. Is it possible to get accommodations for my needs?
Contact the Office of Disabilities for specific information.
Am I able to choose the hospital I desire (closest to my house) for clinical experiences?
No. Nursing clinical experiences may be assigned in any of the seven-city Hampton Roads area. Students to not have a choice of clinical practice sites and are purposely rotated through a variety of sites to experience how nursing is actualized in different types of settings.
Where do we practice and how do I get to clinical sites?
Clinical experiences may be assigned in any of the seven-city Hampton Roads area. A nursing student must provide their own transportation; a good map and dependable vehicle is a must!
I already have some experience as a candy striper (nurses aid, corpsman, medic, EMT, LPN, etc.) Can I "place out of nursing courses?"
No; there is not an "opt out" option as such skills do not match entire courses in the nursing curriculum.
Will I be able to work (full time, part time) while I am a nursing student?
The BSN curriculum is rigorous. Students are encouraged to NOT work if possible; if necessary, students should work as little as possible.
What should I do if I am stuck in traffic and will be late to a lecture/exam/clinical/laboratory experience?
Contact your instructor directly by phone as soon as possible. If all else fails, contact the School of Nursing (757-683-4299)
I know attendance is very important. Should I come to clinical/laboratory experience if I am ill?
Each clinical faculty will review the policy for missing clinical in the event of illness. Missing clinical/lab experiences is not encouraged as it is not possible for you to make up the experience. However if you are ill and could possibly endanger your patients we do recommend that you miss clinical/lab. You will contact your clinical faculty immediately. You will also be required to provide a note from your health care provider regarding the illness.
How can I protect myself from "catching" something in the hospital?
You wil review procedures dictated by OSHA and the Joint Commission regarding protection of health care providers before you enter any health care facility. You will review these procedures prior to each and every clinical/lab experience.
Do I need liability insurance? Health insurance?
Liability insurance is provided for nursing students by the University for nursing courses in which they are enrolled as a part of the curriculum. It does not cover working in a health care facility as an aide, patient care partner, etc. on your own time. Health insurance is definitely recommended. If you are injured while in a clinical facility you must provide payment for any treatment rendered.
How can I find out about scholarships for nursing students?
Contact Ms. Ann McNeal in HS Room 2134; go to DiscoverNursing.com; check with ODU financial aid office.
May I complete the nursing curriculum part time?
No. nursing is a practice discipline with a licensing exam required after graduation. Part time study puts a student at risk for passing the licensing examination due to the length of time between initial nursing courses and senior courses if stretched out over 4-6 years of part time study.
May I complete the nursing major first and then finish other requirements (minor, second major) a semester or two later?
No. you should graduate immediately upon completion of the nursing major to be eligible to take the licensing exam in a timely manner.
If I am having problems in a course or clinical, to whom should I turn?
Always first contact your faculty member. If you are unable to resolve any issues there, follow the guidelines in the University Catalog and School of Nursing handbook.