Practical Nursing Next Steps

Class Information

The Practical Nursing program requires two days per week in a clinical setting (some evenings may be required), with an additional two days per week in class.   

Program Commitment

To succeed in the Practical Nursing program, you should plan on a minimum of two hours of preparation for each clinical day, and at least eight hours of preparation for each nursing (NUR) course. Generally, expect to dedicate 2 to 3 hours outside of class for studying, reading, and coursework, for each hour in class. The program requires the same level of commitment as a full-time job.   

Mandatory Orientation

An in-person New Nursing Student Orientation will take place during the summer, likely in July or August.   

CastleBranch Requirements

• Students must purchase the student clinical clearance data warehouse through CastleBranch and complete all requirements by the program’s July 1 deadline. Failure to meet the July 1 deadline will result in the student receiving a Professional Warning Report (PWR). Every time a submission deadline is missed, the student will receive an additional PWR. Three PWRs results in automatic dismissal from the program. (Note: Annual flu vaccine deadline is the only exception, and is required by November 1. See below.)
• Your CastleBranch package code is site-specific and will be provided to you from the Department of Nursing shortly after program acceptance. 
• CastleBranch will collect demographic information to perform a local and national background check.
• CastleBranch requires a physical exam within the past year and up to date immunizations. While you wait for your code and purchase, start collecting this paperwork from your healthcare provider and/or make all necessary appointments. 
• In addition to uploading your VTSU Health Form to the college, you must also upload it to CastleBranch.
• You are required to obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association or the Red Cross before classes begin. Other CPR certifications will not be accepted. Your BLS card must be uploaded to CastleBranch by July 1. 
• Your annual flu vaccination is the only exception to the July 1 deadline. The current year formulations are available in the fall; you must receive your flu and vaccination no later than November 1.

Clinical Supplies

• Watch that is calibrated to read seconds 
• Stethoscope 
• Penlight 
• Bandage Scissors 

Computer

Nursing students must have a personal laptop with a privacy screen for use in class. Chromebooks, older MacBooks, and tablets will not work with our required testing software.

Uniforms

The uniform policy, detailing the specific scrubs that need to be purchased, will be posted in CastleBranch in May. 

Background Checks & Criminal History

As part of admission to and progression in the Vermont State University Nursing Program, all students are required to complete a national background check through CastleBranch (DISA). This background clearance is used to determine participation in clinical learning experiences with our partner agencies. Clinical facilities have the right to review background check results and conduct state abuse registry screenings. If you have a criminal history, you must notify Admissions immediately and disclose this information. Vermont State University and its clinical partners reserve the right to deny student entry into clinical experiences based on background check findings, abuse registry results, or employment eligibility status with a clinical partner.

• In addition, former employees of clinical partner organizations who are not eligible for rehire may also be denied clinical placement. Because clinical experiences are a required component of the nursing curriculum, students who are denied placement at a clinical site will be unable to continue in the program and will be withdrawn

Upon graduation from the nursing program, students will complete the FBI fingerprinting process for licensure in the state of Vermont. This process is separate from the VTSU background and completed through the State Board of Nursing. The FBI fingerprinting process may yield results that render a student ineligible for licensure in Vermont.

Vermont State University does not determine licensure eligibility and cannot override the State of Vermont licensing requirements.

If a graduate is unable to obtain licensure due to information revealed during the fingerprinting process, this outcome is not the responsibility or fault of Vermont State University, as licensure decisions rest solely with the Vermont State Board of Nursing.

Students who have concerns regarding past criminal history or questions regarding Vermont’s licensure requirements to contact the Vermont Board of Nursing directly for guidance on Vermont’s Second Chance Determination process.