Location: COL 8
Phone: 712-279-3964
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Student Health Nurse Services:

• TB Testing and Interpretation
• Vaccinations
• Titers
• General Health Information and Care
• Drug Testing (Respiratory Care Students)
• Wellness Information and Screenings
• Blood Born Pathogen Exposure Procedure
• Personal Health Conditions

(Some fees apply)

A medical examination and record of required immunizations will be required of each accepted student prior to the first day of class. Students are encouraged to carry health insurance. The costs of this coverage and all health expenses are the responsibility of the individual student.

The College recognizes chemical dependency as an illness and a major health problem. It also recognizes substance abuse as a potential health, safety and security problem. Employees and students are expected to perform College responsibilities in a condition appropriate to the level of quality and attention required. Employees and students needing assistance in dealing with their chemical dependency are required to utilize the appropriate resources within the Health System and community for diagnosis and treatment. Employees must, as a condition of employment, abide by the terms of this policy and report any conviction under a criminal drug statue for violations occurring on or off Health System premises while conducting College business. A report of a conviction must be made within five days after the conviction. (This requirement is mandated by the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988.) The appropriate licensing board will be notified of violations of this policy as required.

Procedure
St. Luke’s College assumes the responsibility of maintaining an environment, which promotes responsible behavior and respects individuals’ rights. In meeting this responsibility, the College will establish, publish and enforce regulations, which are essential to the implementation of its mission.

The possession, use, and/or distribution of drugs or alcoholic beverages on College property, is prohibited. This includes unlawful possession, use and/or distribution of illegal drugs, other chemicals having potential for abuse and/or instruments to administer such drugs.

The chemically impaired employee and student may be subject to disciplinary action which will include a report of the substance abuse to the appropriate board for review as required by licensing agencies.

Disciplinary action may also take the form of any of the following at the discretion of the authority involved:

• Reprimand
• Assessment of a fine
• Restitution for damages
• Suspension or termination of a particular privilege
• Referral for prosecution for violation of the law
• Probation

Legal sanctions under federal, state, and local laws for unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol are as follows:

Federal

The maximum penalty for manufacturing, delivery or possessing with intent to deliver a controlled substance is no less than 10 years and no more than life imprisonment and a fine of no more than $4,000,000 if committed by an individual or no more than $20,000,000 if committed by an entity other than an individual. Additionally, since this is the maximum penalty, there are many fines and penalties less than this depending on the type of drug and the weight. 21 U.S.C. 841(b)

Iowa

The maximum penalty for manufacturing, and possessing controlled or counterfeit controlled substances but the actual penalty will depend on type and weight of drug. The maximum penalty, to wit, is a class “B” felony punishable by “confinement for no more than fifty years and a fine of not more than one million dollars.” Iowa Code § 124.401 (2008).

Sioux City

For drug crimes, Sioux City outlaws the possession of drug paraphernalia. Sioux City Municipal Code § 8.20.050. A person found to have violated this provision will be fined no less than $65 but not exceeding $500 and/or by imprisonment not to exceed 30 days. A violation of this provision is considered a simple misdemeanor. For alcohol intoxication, Sioux City outlaws the use or consumption “of alcoholic liquor, wine or beer upon the public streets or highways, or alcoholic liquors in any public place, except premises covered by a liquor control license, or to possess or consume alcoholic liquors, wine or beer on any public school property or while attending any public or private schoolrelated functions, and a person shall not be intoxicated nor simulate intoxication in a public place.” A violation of this provision is considered a simple misdemeanor and subject to no less than $65 fine but not to exceed $500 and/or by imprisonment not to exceed 30 days.
*subject to federal, state, and local changes

The following physical and psychological risks are associated with the abuse of these substances:

Alcohol

Physical Effects: Depression of central nervous system, peripheral nerve damage, malnutrition, muscle wasting, muscle pain and weakness, Wernicke’s encephalopathy, stupor, Korsakoff’s psychosis, confusion, enlarged heart, edema, nonproductive cough, palpitations, esophagitis, pancreatitis, abdominal pain, weight loss, hepatitis, jaundice, ascities, cirrhosis, portal hypertension, esophageal varicies, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, infertility, aggression, mood changes, slurred speech, incoordination, nystagmus.

Psychological Effects: Loss of inhibitions and concentration, impaired judgment, blackouts, decreased social and occupational functioning.

Central Nervous System Stimulants Physical Effects:

Tremors, anorexia, hypertension, tachycardia, myocardial infarction, ventricular fibrillation, sudden death, pulmonary hemorrhage, bronchioloitis, pneumonia, rhinitis, constipation, difficulty urinating, elevated body temperature, dilated pupils, weight loss, weakness, respiratory depression, chest pain, seizure, coma.

Psychological Effects: Insomnia, paranoia, hallucinations, aggression, hypervigilance, anxiety, impaired judgment, confusion. Hallucinogens Physical Effects: Tachycardia, hypertension, increased body temperature, trembling, sweating, respiratory depression, elevated blood sugar, dilated pupils, incoordination, nystagmus, numbness, muscle rigidity, seizure, coma.

Psychological Effects: Insomnia, distorted vision, paranoia, terror, panic, flashbacks, acute psychosis, anxiety, depression, impaired judgment, belligerence, assaultive, impulsive, unpredictability.

Cannabis

Physical Effects: Tachycardia, hypotension, obstructive airway disorder, infertility, tremors, muscle rigidity, conjunctival redness, panic reaction, poor motor coordination.

Psychological Effects: Disorientation, impaired judgment, decreased memory and learning, amotivational syndrome, anxiety.

Opiods

Physical Effects: Sedation, respiratory depression, pinpoint pupils, vomiting, hypotension, slurred speech.

Psychological Effects: Mood changes, decreased sexual pleasure, apathy, impaired judgment, decreased memory.

Sedative/Hyponotics

Physical Effects: Rebound insomnia, respiratory depression, hypotension, decreased cardiac output, decreased cerebral blood flow, impaired cardiac contractility, jaundice, decreased body temperature, slurred speech, unsteady gait, nystagmus, impaired memory, coma.

Psychological Effects: Aggressiveness, impaired social functioning, mood changes, impaired judgment.

Inhalants

Physical Effects: Damage to nervous system, weakness, cerebral wasting, pulmonary hypertension, acute respiratory distress, sinus discharge, death, abdominal pain, renal failure, nystagmus, incoordination, slurred speech, lethargy, tremor, coma.

Psychological Effects: Belligerence, assaultive, impaired judgment.

Source: Boyd, M. A., & Lubbert, R. (2020): Essentials of Psychiatric Nursing (2nd Ed.). Wolter Kluwer. also.

Problems that impair an employee’s ability to perform on the job, such as evidence of substance abuse, warrants immediate referral to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counselor and/or the employee’s personal or emergency services physician. Refusal to seek referral may result in discharge. The UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s Employee Health and Wellness must certify the employee’s ability to return to work.

Employees and students must follow the recommendations for treatment. Evaluation and treatment services are offered at the following agencies: Rosecrance Jackson Recovery (712) 226-1800,  The Center for Siouxland (712) 252-1861 Boys and Girls Home & Family Services (712) 293-4700 MercyOne (712) 279-2940 Siouxland Mental Health Center (712) 252-3871, UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's (712) 279-3500, UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (319) 235-3550.

An increasing number of health care facilities nationwide are requesting the most current information on a student’s health status prior to a clinical rotation in their facility. This can include immunization records, physical health records, mandatory training records, drug testing results, and background check results. Incomplete immunization records, incomplete training records, failure to pass required background checks and/or failure to pass drug testing could result in a ban from participation in clinical rotations and thus prevent graduation.

All clinical sites require immunization, physical health, and mandatory training records. Newly accepted students or currently enrolled students assigned to clinical sites requesting drug testing and/or background testing will be advised of such a requirement before the onset of the semester. Such students will be required to comply with the testing by a deadline specified by the Department Chairperson.

St. Luke’s College utilizes several third party services to conduct required criminal background checks and drug testing. All costs associated with these services may be at the responsibility of the student.

All students are required to furnish written documentation of their immunization records to the Student Health Nurse. For detailed requirements please Student Health section of the handbook or contact the Student Health Nurse. Failure to provide documentation results in the inability to enroll and/or continue enrollment.

St. Luke’s College highly recommends that students receive the hepatitis B series and have a titer drawn. Students must receive either the hepatitis B vaccination series or sign a waiver declining the vaccination.

Requirements are subject to change.

CLINICAL AFFILIATES

Students may be scheduled to participate in learning experiences at a variety of clinical locations including clinical affiliates outside of UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s. The terms of contracts with clinical affiliates may include additional requirements for eligibility. These requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Drug testing
• Additional background checks
• Additional health screen and immunizations

The department chairperson will inform students of these requirements. Any cost associated with fulfilling these requirements may be at the responsibility of the student. 

Availability of Services

Located in the College Building, Suite 410, (712) 279-3964
Hours: Available hours will be posted each semester.

If medical assistance is needed outside of these hours please see your regular physician or an appointment may be made with:

Riverside Occupational Health Clinic
4230 War Eagle Drive
(712) 224-4339
Monday through Friday, 8:00 am -5:00 pm

Sunnybrook Clinic
5885 Sunnybrook Drive
Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Office visit cost is $25.00. College ID and payment are required at the time of your visit.

Student Health Nurse Services (Prices are subject to change)

• TB testing and Interpretation $13.00

Vaccinations:

• Influenza $20/injection
• MMR $60/injection
• Tetanus/DT $28/injection
• Tdap/Adacel $44/injection
• Hepatitis B $44/injection

Titers drawn for:

• Hepatitis B $45/test
• MMR $120/test
• Varicella $62/test (No need to fast before any titer draw)

General Health Information and Care

Drug Testing (Respiratory Care students)

Wellness Information and screenings

Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure Procedure - If you have an exposure incident while attending clinicals:

• Wash the area of exposure (skin) with soap and water or (mucus membrane) irrigate/flush with water.
• Notify instructor as soon as possible.
• Contact Student Health during office hours or UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s Employee Health during off hours immediately.

Personal Health Conditions

Any absence from class or clinical related to a health condition requires evaluation by the nurse. In some instances you may be required to present medical clearance to attend class/clinical. (See above for available providers). If the nurse is unavailable, speak to your instructor for further direction.

The Student Health Nurse will refer students for treatment of acute illnesses or injuries while in school. Students wishing to see their personal physician should make their own arrangements.

Emergency services are available through UnityPoint Health- St. Luke’s Emergency/Outpatient Department as appropriate.

My Nurse is a service that students can access by calling 279-3333 or toll-free 1(877) 242-8899. Its purpose is to answer health-related questions for the general public.

Laboratory tests can be done at UnityPoint Health- St. Luke’s on an outpatient basis. The student is responsible for the charges.

Confidentiality

Student health records will be compiled and stored assuring maintenance of confidentiality. Persons having access to health records will include the Student Health Nurse, Department Chairpersons, Chancellor of the College and the Employee Health Nurse of UnityPoint Health St. Luke’s.

If a student is unable to maintain adequate health standards, current and previous health records may be reviewed by the Department Chairperson and the Student Health Nurse to determine the student’s ability to continue in school.

Health records are scanned and assessable to the student during enrollment and post enrollment via the Student Portal.

To ensure the safety of the patients and the students, all students are responsible to complete a Student Health Medical Record Packet. These packets are mailed to the student after acceptance to the College. The packet must be completed and returned to Student Health. Students will be ineligible to participate in clinical or classroom experience until these requirements are met.

Documentation of the following immunizations must be submitted to Student Health IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIREMENT DOCUMENTATION

Chicken Pox Positive blood test for varicella zoster antibody IgG or Attach record of positive IgG test results or Two varicella vaccines at least 30 days apart Attach copy of official record of two varicella vaccines

Tetanus Adults 19-64 should receive a single dose of Tdap if they have not previously received Tdap. Otherwise, TD boosters are recommended at 10 yr. intervals. Attach copy of official record of Tdap vaccine

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)* Two MMR vaccines or Attach copy of official record of two MMR vaccines or Positive blood test for measles, mumps, and rubella titer. Attach record of positive measles, mumps and rubella titer results.

Tuberculin Skin Test Two negative Mantoux skin tests at least two weeks apart completed within the three months immediately preceding the start of your first class at St. Luke’s College or Attach record of two negative skin tests for TB (Mantoux) occurring as described in the requirement column, and read by a qualified health care provider 48-72 hours after each injection or Record of 2 negative TB skin tests by the Mantoux method in the past 12 months. The second TB skin test must be completed before the start of your first class at St. Luke’s College or Attach record of two negative skin tests for TB (Mantoux) occurring as described in the requirement column, and read by a qualified health care provider 48-72 hours after each injection.

If there is a history of a positive Mantoux skin test, provide chest x-ray results within the last three months and documentation of medical treatment for TB. Attach official report of chest x-ray within the last three months and record from health care provider confirming treatment for TB (date must be specified)

Hepatitis B Highly recommended for all students. Provide official documentation.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Annual single dose vaccination will be given through St. Luke’s College in the fall Provide official documentation if you receive the flu vaccine other than from St. Luke’s College

*If receiving the MMR, female students should not be pregnant, and they should take precautions to avoid becoming pregnant for 90 days following the vaccination.

Student Responsibilities

• All students are encouraged to obtain health insurance coverage.
• Students are required to submit the completed Student Health Medical Record packet (including the required immunizations) to the Student Health Nurse on or before the first day of class.
• A student will not be allowed to attend clinical or classroom experiences until all required health records are submitted.
• Students with ongoing health problems, which require medical supervision, will need to provide progress reports at the discretion of the Student Health Nurse.
• Students are responsible for notifying appropriate instructors of health conditions which may endanger patients or others, or which may interfere with performance in class or clinical assignment.
• All health care charges including physical examination, Outpatient/Emergency Department fees, treatments, medical supplies, medications, lab tests, x-rays, consulting, and referral physician fees are the responsibility of the student.
• If a student is hospitalized and/or has a major health problem or injury, the student must contact the Student Health Nurse. If the Student Health Nurse is not available, call 279- 3149. The student will be required to present a written verification of health status from the attending physician following hospitalization before returning to class or clinical experiences.
• When injured on hospital or school premises, students need to contact the Student Health Nurse to complete a hospital variance report within 24 hours. A copy of this report will be filed with the Student Health Nurse.
• All expenses incurred for exposures or injuries are the responsibility of the student.
• The College highly recommends that students receive the hepatitis B series and have a titer drawn. Hepatitis B vaccinations are at the student’s expense. If a student chooses not to receive the vaccination series, a waiver must be signed.

Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse

St. Luke’s College strives to protect the welfare of minors on its campus. This includes minors who are on campus or participating in off-campus college-sponsored programs. Any uncertainty about whether reporting is required should be resolved in favor of making a report.

In compliance with Iowa Code 260C.14, this policy requires all St. Luke’s College employees who, in the scope of their employment responsibilities, examine, attend, counsel, or treat a child, to report suspected physical or sexual abuse.

In compliance with Iowa Code 232.69, Mandatory Reporters are required to make a report of all suspected incidents of child abuse.

Employees designated as Mandatory Reporters include, but are not limited to, administration, instructors, staff, and students and any employees who in the scope of their employment responsibilities, examine, attend, counsel, or treat a child and reasonably believe a child has suffered abuse.

Definitions

• The definitions below are based on the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS).
• Examine: To observe, test, or investigate (a body or any part of it), in order to evaluate general health or determine a medical condition.
• Attend: To care for; to look after; to take charge of; to watch over.
• Counsel: To advise or instruct.
• Treat: To deal with (a medical condition, patient, etc) in order to relieve or cure .
• Child/Minor: Any person under the age of 18 years.
• Suspected: To believe to be the case or to be likely or probable.
• Physical abuse: Defined as any non-accidental physical injury, or injury which is at variance with the history given of it, suffered by a child as the result of the acts or omissions of a person responsible for the care of the child. Common indicators could include unusual or unexplained burns, bruises, or fractures. Behavioral indicators include behaviors such as, extreme aggression, withdrawal, seductive behaviors; being uncomfortable with physical contact or closeness.
• Sexual abuse: Defined as the commission of a sexual offense with or to a child as a result of the acts or omissions of the person responsible for the care of the child. The commission of a sexual offense includes any sexual offense with or to a person under the age of 18 years. Physical indicators of sexual abuse could include things such as bruised or bleeding genitalia, venereal disease, or even pregnancy. Behavior indicators of sexual abuse could include things such as excessive knowledge of sexual matters beyond their normal developmental age or seductiveness also may be present.

Mandatory Reporters

Training Effective January 1, 2010, all employees and students are considered mandatory reporters and must complete two (2) hours of training related to identification of child abuse within 90 days of initial employment and thereafter at least every five years in accordance with State laws for mandatory reporters. This training includes:

Prevention, intervention, and detection

Services provided through the Employee Assistance Program and Wellness Center

The elements of abuse and neglect

Procedure for reporting possible abuse to the DHS or IDIA

Legally and ethically appropriate behavior as defined by St Luke’s Regional Medical Center policies

Training records shall be maintained in Cornerstone

Abuse to be reported

1. All employees who in the scope of their employment responsibilities, examine, attend, counsel or treat a child are required to report suspected physical or sexual abuse in accordance to Section C below.
2. Mandatory Reporters are required to report all forms of “child abuse” or “abuse” under the law to the Department of Human Services as described in Section C below
3. “Child abuse” or “abuse” is defined in Iowa Code 232.68(2) to mean:

• Any non-accidental physical injury, or injury which is at variance with the history given of it, suffered by a child as the result of the acts or omissions of a person responsible for the care of the child
• Any mental injury to a child’s intellectual or psychological capacity as evidenced by an observable and substantial impairment in the child’s ability to function within the child’s normal range of performance and behavior as the result of the acts or omissions of a person responsible for the care of the child, if the impairment is diagnosed and confirmed by a licensed physician or qualified mental health professional as defined in section 622.10.
• The commission of a sexual offense with or to a child pursuant to chapter 709, section 762.2, or section 728.12, subsection 1, as a result of the acts or omissions of the person responsible for the care of the child. Notwithstanding section 702.5, the commission of a sexual offense under this paragraph with or to a person under the age of eighteen years.
• The failure on the part of a person responsible for the care of a child to provide for the adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical or mental health treatment, supervision, or other care necessary for the child’s health and welfare when financially able to do so or when offered financial or other reasonable means to do so.
• The failure to provide for the adequate supervision of a child means the person failed to provide proper supervision of a child that a reasonable and prudent person would exercise under similar facts and circumstances and the failure resulted in direct harm or created a risk of harm to the child.
• A parent or guardian legitimately practicing religious beliefs who does not provide specified medical treatment for a child for that reason alone shall not be considered abusing the child; however, this provision shall not preclude a court from ordering that medical service be provided to the child where the child’s health requires it.
• The acts or omissions of a person responsible for the care of a child which allow, permit, or encourage the child to engage in acts prohibited pursuant to section 725.1. Notwithstanding section 702.5, acts or omissions under this paragraph include an act or omission referred to in this paragraph with or to a person under the age of eighteen years.
• An illegal drug is present in a child’s body as a direct and foreseeable consequence of the acts or omissions of the person responsible for the care of the child.
• The person responsible for the care of a child has, in the presence of the child, as defined in section 232.2, subsection 6, paragraph “p”, or in the presence of the child possesses a product containing ephedrine, its salts, optical isomers, salts of optical isomers, or pseudoephedrine, with the intent to use the product as a precursor or an intermediary to a dangerous substance.
• The commission of bestiality in the presence of a minor under section 717C.1 by a person who resides in a home with a child, as a result of the acts or omissions of a person responsible for the care of the child.
• Knowingly allowing a person custody or control of, or unsupervised access to a child or minor, after knowing the person is required to register or is on the sex offender registry under chapter 692A for a violation of section 726.6.
• The person responsible for the care of the child has knowingly allowed the child access to obscene materials or exhibited to such material to the child.
• Child abuse” or “abuse” shall not be construed to hold a victim responsible for failing to prevent a crime against the victim.”

Procedures for Reporting

1. To the extent known, reporters are expected to provide truthfully and in good faith the following information:

• Name of person engaged in misconduct;
• Name of alleged victims;
• Time and date;
• Location;
• Information and evidence supporting the allegation that misconduct has occurred.

2. All employees who in the scope of their employment responsibilities, examine, attend, counsel or treat a child must report physical or sexual child abuse as indicated in 3 below when they see, know about, or reasonably suspect the physical or sexual abuse of a child. Proof that abuse has occurred is not required in order to be obligated to report.

3. Suspected abuse shall be reported to St. Luke’s College administration within 24 hours. The suspected abuse shall also be reported to local law enforcement and campus security within 24 hours.

4. If there is a reason to believe that immediate protection for the child is advisable, an oral report shall be made immediately to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

5. In compliance with Iowa Code 232.70, each report made by a Mandatory Reporter shall also be made as follows:

• An oral report shall be made within 24 hours by telephone to the Department of Human Services through the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178
• A written report shall be made to the Department of Human Services within 48 hours of submitting the oral report.

Retaliatory action against an employee for participation in making a good faith report of child abuse or aiding and assisting in an assessment of a child abuse report is prohibited. UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s will not penalize or take adverse action against a mandatory reporter because the person made a report of child abuse or other violation of this policy. Any Mandatory Reporter who believes he or she has been penalized or harassed for making a report of child abuse or was prevented from making such a report shall report such harassment or penalty to Chief Compliance Officer or Compliance Officer, who shall have the duty and responsibility to conduct a prompt investigation into the matter to determine whether discipline of the individual alleged to have penalized or harassed the Mandatory Reporter is warranted.