Nursing Field Experience:

Onboarding

Walden requires students applying for nursing practicum courses complete specific onboarding requirements in order to be approved for practicum. You must complete and renew the following onboarding requirements in CastleBranch by the onboarding deadline. CastleBranch is the system Walden uses to manage, store and track onboarding requirements. Students must upload documentation in their “To Do List” in CastleBranch that meets the criteria for each of the requirements listed below.  

Students who can’t meet a vaccination requirement due to medical or religious reasons must send an email to nursingfield@mail.waldenu.edu to initiate the process for an exemption through the appeal process.

Frequently Asked Questions – Onboarding Process

Renewal/Expiration: None

Criteria for Requirement:

One of the following is required: 

• 2 vaccinations.  If series is in process, submit where you are and a new alert will be created for you to complete series. 
• Positive antibody titer for all 3 components (lab report required).  If any titer is negative or equivocal, a new alert will be created for you to receive 1 booster shot.   

Renewal/Expiration: None

Criteria for Requirement:

One of the following is required: 

• 1 vaccination 
• Positive antibody titer (lab report or physician verification required).  If the titer is negative or equivocal, a new requirement will be created for you to receive 1 booster shot. 

Renewal/Expiration: None

Criteria for Requirement:

One of the following is required: 

• 3 dose or 2 dose (heplisav-B) vaccinations series.  If series is in process, submit where you are in the series and new requirements will be created for you to complete your series.  
• Positive antibody titer (lab report or physician verification required).  If the titer is negative or equivocal, a new requirement will be created for you to receive one booster shot. 
• Medical declination signed by your Healthcare Provider. 

Renewal/Expiration: Expires 12 months after last date of TB test  

Criteria for Requirement:

One of the following is required: 

• 1 step PPD TB Skin test:  1st step read 48-72 after given.   
• 2 step PPD TB Skin test:  1st step read 48-72 hours after given and 2nd test completed 7-21 days later and read 48-72 hours after given. 
• IGRA blood test (lab report required):  Quantiferon Gold (quant gold) or T-Spot 
• If positive results, provide a clear Chest X-Ray from within the last 24 months.   If the submitted chest x-ray is over 12 months old, a TB Questionnaire from within the past 12 months (available to download from this requirement) MUST also be submitted.   

 

The renewal date will be set for 1 year.  Upon renewal, one of the following is required:  

• 1 step or 2 step PPD TB skin test 
• IGRA blood test (lab report required):  Quantiferon Gold (quant gold) or T-Spot 
• If previous positive results, provide a TB Questionnaire.  Available to download from this requirement in CastleBranch.   

Renewal/Expiration: Expires 10 years after last date of Tdap

Criteria for Requirement:

Submit documentation of one of the following: 

• Tdap vaccine administered within the past 10 years 
• A Tdap vaccine administered within lifetime AND a Td booster administered in past 10 years 
• A Td vaccine administered within lifetime AND a Tdap booster administered within 10 years 

The renewal date will be set for 10 years from the most recent vaccine.  

• Upon renewal, only a Td booster is required. 

Renewal/Expiration: Expiration Date of Certification

Criteria for Requirement:

One of the following is required: 

• American Heart Association CPR, BLS or ACLS certification 
• American Red Cross CPR, BLS or ALS certification 
• CPR certification through the Military Training Network 
• Other certification for CPR, Basic Life Support or Advance Life Support.   

Upload documentation of your certification that includes the expiration date, which may include your CPR card, online verification, or certificate of training if the document includes the expiration date.  

The renewal date will be set based on the expiration of your certification. 

Renewal/Expiration: Updated annually from last action 

Criteria for Requirement:

Do you have Health Insurance? 

• If YES, please upload your health insurance card or proof of coverage. 
• If NO, the requirement will be marked complete.    

If you live in Canada or a country that provides universal healthcare, mark No to this requirement and it will be marked complete since you have healthcare coverage.   

Renewal will be set for 1 year for both yes and no answers.   

Renewal/Expiration: Must be updated annually for the current flu season

See guidelines for each term.   

Criteria for Requirement:

Submit documentation of a flu shot administered during the current flu season (August 1 - March 31). 

If you wish to decline the flu shot, you must submit a declination waiver signed by a healthcare professional or submit the Walden Influenza Declination form (available to download from this requirement).  If documentation states that flu shot was administered outside the flu season then there must be documentation of batch season or the vaccine expiration date for the following year. 

This will need to be renewed annually for the current flu season beginning every September 1st regardless of your vaccine expiration date.

Guidelines for Terms for Influenza (Flu Shot):   

• Course-Based Practicum Terms:   
  • Fall Terms: Flu shot does not need to be completed for practicum approval, but must be completed during the term when the flu shot becomes available after September 1st.  
  • Winter Terms:  Flu shot must be completed for practicum approval.    

    NOTE:  If the flu shot is not available by the onboarding deadline, you automatically get an extension through September 15th for Walden’s requirement.   Most facilities like Walgreens, CVS, or other pharmacies begin offering the flu shot in August.  If the flu shot is not available in your area, you may receive an extension through October 1st through Walden.  Any delays in completing requirements in a timely manner may risk a delay if your practicum site has a specific deadline to complete onboarding processes.      

  • Spring Terms:  Flu shot must be completed for practicum approval.   
  • Summer Terms:  Flu shot does not need to be completed for practicum approval.    
• Tempo-Based Practicum Terms:   
  • August – September Terms:  Flu shot does not need to be completed for practicum approval, but must be completed during the term when the flu shot becomes available after September 1st.  
  • October Terms:  Flu shot must be completed for practicum approval.

    NOTE: If the flu shot is not available by the onboarding deadline, you automatically get an extension through September 1st for Walden’s requirement. Most facilities like Walgreens, CVS, or other pharmacies begin offering the flu shot in August. If the flu shot is not available in your area, you may receive an extension through September 15th through Walden. Any delays in completing requirements in a timely manner may risk a delay if your practicum site has a specific deadline to complete onboarding processes.

  • November & December Terms:  Flu shot must be completed for practicum approval. 

    NOTE:  If the flu shot is not available by the onboarding deadline, you automatically get an extension through September 15th for Walden’s requirement. Most facilities like Walgreens, CVS, or other pharmacies begin offering the flu shot in August. If the flu shot is not available in your area, you may receive an extension through October 1st through Walden. Any delays in completing requirements in a timely manner may risk a delay if your practicum site has a specific deadline to complete onboarding processes.

  • January - March Terms:  Flu shot must be completed for practicum approval. 
  • April – July Terms:   Flu shot does not need to be completed for practicum approval.  

Renewal/Expiration: Expires 12 months after last physical exam

Criteria for Requirement:

Please provide documentation on the status of your physical health completed within the last 12 months.  

Any documentation is acceptable as long as it is signed by a health care professional.  A copy of your most recent annual exam printed from your health care provider’s electronic records portal is acceptable with no signature.  You may utilize the Walden Physical Examination Form if a doctor requests a form to complete. This form is available to download from this requirement. 

Renewal will be set for 1 year from the date of the physical examination.   

Renewal/Expiration: Expires on the expiration date for insurance  

Criteria for Requirement:

Select one of the following options to the questions, which will assign a requirement:     

• I am a Nurse Practitioner Student:  Please submit a copy of your current liability insurance coverage with a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 aggregate coverage.  Your coverage MUST be for Nurse Practitioner Nursing students.   
• I am a Nurse Education, Nurse Informatics, Nurse Executive, Public Health Nursing, or DNP student:  Please submit a copy of your current liability insurance coverage with a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 aggregate coverage.  Your coverage MUST be for Nursing Students.   
• I am an Undergraduate student (BSN):  Professional Liability Insurance is not required.   

The renewal date will be set based on the expiration date of your coverage.   

NOTE:  Students must have valid Professional Liability Insurance to cover the first week of the term in order to be approved for practicum.  If a student’s Professional Liability Insurance is set to expire during the term of the course, it must be renewed prior to the expiration date or practicum hours must be suspended until the insurance is renewed.   Students must maintain their insurance during the course.   

Renewal/Expiration: Expires 12 months after last training certification date  

Criteria for Requirement:

Please provide a copy of your Certificate of Completion of HIPAA training (must be completed within the last 12 months).  Renewal will be set at 1 year.  If you have not had this training or cannot document this training, it is available through CastleBranch by ordering the following package WN42hipaa.  If you complete the training through CastleBranch, you must upload the certificate of completion of training to this requirement.   

Renewal/Expiration: Expires 12 months after last training certification date 

Criteria for Requirement:

One of the following is required:  

• Certificate of Completion of OSHA training in connection with Bloodbourne Pathogen and Hazard Communication.    
• OSHA training completed through CastleBranch.  If you have not had this training or cannot document this training, it is available through CastleBranch by ordering the following package:  WN42osha.   Upload the following certificates of completion for training to this requirement in one file at the same time:  BFC15101, BFC15102, BFC15103, and BFC15104. 

Training must be completed within the last 12 months.   

Renewal will be set at 1 year.   

Renewal/Expiration: Must be updated annually for Non-U.S. Citizens

Criteria for Requirement:

Are you a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident or Eligible Non-Citizen (e.g. Refugee, Asylum Granted, Parolee)? 

• If YES, the requirement will be marked complete. 
• If NO, please upload proof of one of the following: 
  • If you are completing practicum in the U.S., upload proof of your eligibility (e.g. Visa). 
  • If you are completing practicum in your home country, upload proof of citizenship in your home country. 

Renewal will be set at 1 year for students marking NO to the citizenship question.   

* Requirement for Packages Ordered After 12/15/2022 *

Renewal/Expiration: None

Criteria for Requirement:

Have your received the primary series for the COVID-19 vaccination?   

• If NO, the requirement will be marked complete.    
• If YES, please upload your vaccine record for the COVID-19 vaccination primary series (i.e., Immunization Card, State Health Department Record, Immunization Record, etc.).  Vaccination documentation must include:  Your Name, Administration Dates, and Vaccine Manufacturer.  
  • One of the following is required to be fully vaccinated for the primary series: 
  • 2 doses of the Pfizer, Oxford-Astra Zeneca, Moderna or Norvax.  If receiving the two-part vaccination series and only one vaccine has been received, submit vaccine record for the first vaccine and a new requirement will be created for you to submit your second vaccine. 
  • 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson 
  • Other authorized vaccines for the primary series as authorized by the FDA.   

Have you received a COVID-19 Booster? 

                (NOTE:  This will be added to your “To Do List” after your Vaccination is marked Complete)   

• If NO, this requirement will be marked complete.  
• If YES, upload your vaccine record for the COVID-19 booster shot.   

* Requirement for Packages Ordered Before 12/15/2022 *

Renewal/Expiration: None

Criteria for Requirement:

COVID-19 Question  

Students must comply with the COVID-19 requirements of their practicum site(s), which may require COVID-19 vaccination and/or COVID-19 testing. 

Answer this question to select which option you are selecting to document your status for the COVID-19 requirement. Once your answer this question, a subsequent requirement will be added to your “To Do List” within 2-5 days for you to document either the COVID-19 vaccination, exemption, or consent to testing.   

Which of the following are you going submit for COVID-19? 

• Vaccines (completed series and optional booster vaccine) 
• Exemption for the COVID-19 vaccination through Walden University  
• Consent to COVID-19 Testing 

COVID-19 Requirements:   

• COVID-19 Vaccination:  You have selected the option to document your COVID-19 vaccination (completed series and optional booster vaccine).  Upload your vaccine record for the COVID-19 vaccination (i.e., CDC Immunization Card, State Health Dept. Record, Immunization Record, etc.).  Vaccination documentation must include:  Your Name, Administration Dates, and Vaccine Manufacturer.   
  • One of the following is required to be fully vaccinated: 
    • 2 doses of the Pfizer, Oxford-Astra Zeneca, Moderna or Novax.  If receiving the two-part vaccination series and only one vaccine has been received, submit vaccine record for the first vaccine and a new requirement will be created for you to submit your second vaccine. 
    • 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson 
    • Or other authorized vaccines for the primary series as authorized by the FDA.   
  • Have you received a COVID-19 Booster?      

 (NOTE:  Added to your “To Do List” after Vaccination is Complete)   

• If NO, this requirement will be marked complete.  
• If YES, upload your vaccine record for the COVID-19 booster shot. 

 

• COVID-19 Vaccination – Approved Exemption:  You have selected the option to document your exemption for the COVID-19 vaccination.  Upload your approved exemption letter from Walden University from the COVID-19 vaccination.  Contact nursingfield@mail.waldenu.edu for the exemption process.    

 

• Testing for COVID-19:   You have selected the option to complete testing in accordance with policies of your practicum site.  By selecting this option, you are confirming you are not fully vaccinated or approved for an exemption.  Type your full name in the box below to confirm the following statement:  I understand I may be required to undergo COVID-19 tests in accordance with policies required of my practicum site. 

Renewal/Expiration: Expires 12 months after last drug test completed  

Criteria for Requirement:

A drug test must be completed through CastleBranch.   

Drug tests must be completed immediately because tests do get cancelled if not copmleted.        

CastleBranch will register you within 24 hours of ordering a package.  Once the status of your drug test is updated to “Registered” in your “To-Do list”, click on the blue plus sign by the Drug Test and select the download file link to review instructions and print the registration form. 

Students must follow all directions of CastleBranch very carefully to avoid delays.   

• You must search for collection sites in CastleBranch by zip code to find a collection site.  
• You may contact CastleBranch for assistance in finding a collection site.  
• You must schedule your drug test.   
• You must bring the registration form and a government-issued ID to the drug test site. 

Drug test results are available within 3-5 business days after completing your test.   

If results must be reviewed by the Medical Review Officer (MRO), it may take longer.    

Drug tests must be completed annually at least 12 months prior to the term.   

Click here for Steps to Renew a Background Check or Drug Test

Renewal/Expiration: Expires 12 months after last background check completed  

Criteria for Requirement:

A background check must be completed in the state where the practicum experience will occur.  Students must select the state where the practicum experirence will occur when ordering a package through https://walden.castlebranch.com/.   

The background check will be completed through CastleBranch.   

Students must follow all directions of CastleBranch very carefully to avoid delays.  Students must sign consent release forms before a background check begins by CastleBranch.  

Background checks may take several months to complete so it is highly recommended to order your package and complete required forms early to avoid any delay.

How to Track & Review Background Check:

Click the “View Results” link within your background check section in your “To-Do List” and your background check will display as a PDF for you to monitor progress and review your completed check. 

If there is an orange alert icon (!) for your background check in your account in myCB, please follow all instructions in CastleBranch to avoid delays or contact CastleBranch immediately.             

Background checks must be completed annually at least 12 months prior to the term.   

Click here for Steps to Renew a Background Check or Drug Test

 

Renewal/Expiration: Expires 12 months after last background check completed 

Click here for Steps to Renew a Background Check or Drug Test

Criteria for Requirement:

Each state may have different state-specific requirements as part of the background screening process.  Students must have a background check package for each state where the practicum experience will occur ordered through https://walden.castlebranch.com/.       

You must complete all requirements in the package and follow all directions of CastleBranch to avoid delays.  Your tracker in myCB will include the steps needed to complete/fulfill the requirement(s).   

Examples of state-specific requirements may include the following:  fingerprinting, child/adult abuse screens, state forms, clearance forms,  etc.   

Background checks and drug tests must be completed annually within the last 12 months prior to the term start. Some field sites may require a more recent background check and/or drug test. If your field site requires an updated background check and/or drug test, the Office of Field Experience will contact you via email.