Safety Policies and Incident Reporting
Medical Restrictions and Change in Health Status
If a student experiences a change in health status, including the development of medical restrictions or conditions that impact their ability to participate in clinical activities, the following applies:
- A written medical release must be obtained from the student’s healthcare provider indicating the student is cleared to fully participate in clinical activities and meet all technical standards.
- The clearance must be submitted to the program director and clinical coordinator prior to returning to the clinical environment.
Any significant health condition that leads to missed class, lab, or clinical time may require review by the Dean for Academic Affairs and the Program Director, who may mandate medical clearance prior to the student's return.
Infection Control Procedures
In the event of exposure to a communicable disease or bodily fluids:
- The student must immediately notify the clinical instructor and site supervisor.
- The student must follow the Exposure Control Plan for Bloodborne and Airborne Pathogens/Tuberculosis, as outlined by Ogeechee Technical College.
Safety Disclaimer
Students are expected to adhere strictly to infection control guidelines and standard precautions in both the laboratory and clinical environments. Faculty cannot guarantee students will not encounter patients or specimens with communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis. Students must assume responsibility for practicing safely and using protective measures to minimize exposure. Ogeechee Technical College, its faculty, and affiliated clinical agencies are not liable for accidents, injuries, or infections that may occur during the student’s participation in the program.
Latex Allergy Management
Please be aware that many products used in healthcare settings may contain latex. Although Ogeechee Technical College and the Nursing Program strive to minimize exposure risks, a completely latex-free environment cannot be guaranteed on campus or at clinical sites.
On-Campus Precautions: The Program Director and faculty will make every reasonable eff rt to provide a latex-reduced environment during classroom, lab, and simulation activities. However, due to the nature of healthcare education and the wide variety of materials used, latex-containing products may not always be easily identifiable.
Student Responsibility and Documentation when a latex allergy is confirmed:
- Submit official medical documentation of the allergy to the Nursing Program.
- Sign an Acknowledgement of Risk and Responsibility form outlining their role in minimizing exposure.
- Consent to communication of their allergy status to appropriate faculty, clinical instructors, and clinical agencies to support safe placement and planning.
- Students who suspect they have a latex sensitivity are responsible for obtaining medical evaluation and documentation. Any associated costs are the responsibility of the student.
Risk Acknowledgement: Students with a latex allergy or sensitivity should understand that some level of risk may persist throughout the Nursing Program, particularly during clinical rotations. Ogeechee Technical College cannot guarantee a latex-free environment in any clinical agency or partner facility. Students are encouraged to remain vigilant and proactive in managing their own exposure risk throughout the program.
Airborne Precautions
Students enrolled in the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Program are not fit tested for N95 respirator masks as part of their clinical preparation. Due to this limitation, ASN students are not permitted to care for patients in clinical settings that require the use of a fit-tested N95 respirator for airborne precautions (e.g., patients with confirmed or suspected tuberculosis, COVID-19, or other airborne infectious diseases).
This policy is in place to protect student health and ensure compliance with occupational safety standards. Clinical faculty and preceptors are responsible for assigning patient care responsibilities that align with this guideline. Students should immediately notify their clinical instructor if they are asked to care for a patient requiring airborne precautions and N95 use.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy disclosures are voluntary and confidential. However, students are encouraged to notify the Program Director and clinical instructor(s) to ensure appropriate safety precautions are taken to protect both maternal and fetal health.
Before returning to clinical practice after delivery, students must provide documentation from their healthcare provider confirming their ability to resume full clinical duties without restriction.