For more detailed information, please refer to the Nursing Program Student Handbook on CANVAS.
Each nursing student is assigned a dedicated faculty advisor to support academic and career planning.
Advisors are trained to help you stay on track and achieve your goals. You’ll meet with your advisor at least twice each semester to ensure steady progress through the program.
Nursing students must wear official Longwood University uniforms in clinical settings to identify themselves as learners in the clinical environment.
Required uniform for clinicals
A white lab coat, with the Nursing name badge, is worn when not in uniform.
Purchase Uniforms
Uniforms are purchased in the fall of your sophomore year at Follett Bookstore/Longwood University.
Fittings
The Bookstore staff will arrange an annual uniform fitting for nursing students. Students will be notified of fitting dates.
Clinical agencies require verified documentation before students can begin clinical experiences.
Students must submit all required materials and report any changes in criminal history to the Nursing Department Chair before returning to class or a clinical setting.
Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the program.
Failure to meet documentation deadlines by July 15 may result in administrative removal from lab and clinical courses.
Deadline: July 1
Rising junior and senior nursing students must complete all required clinical documentation by July 1 each year.
Students who have not submitted documentation by July 15 will be administratively dropped from:
Several documents (marked with an asterisk *) must be updated annually or as needed. Please review the checklist provided by the Department of Nursing for specific items.
Must hold American Heart Association BLS for Health Care Provider certification.
Certification must include:
Nursing students must have a complete immunization record submitted by July 1 prior to fall sophomore nursing courses.
Nursing students are required to be in compliance with all health requirements as outlined in the Longwood University health policy and are responsible for obtaining documentation of required immunizations, tests, and titers from their healthcare provider.
Students must provide documentation for the following:
Additional immunizations may be required by clinical partners.
Deadline and Submission
Students must complete a panel urine drug screen through CastleBranch by July 1 prior to the start of sophomore fall courses.
Results
Results will be posted on CastleBranch’s secure website.
A negative result is required for program participation.
Physician Follow-Up
If your drug screen yields questionable results, a physician contracted by CastleBranch will follow up.
Students are expected to respond promptly during the physician’s office hours to address any concerns.
Program Eligibility
Students who do not provide a negative test result may be ineligible to continue in the nursing program.
A positive drug test may result in dismissal from practicum activities and the program.
Ongoing Testing
Additional drug screenings may be required at any time at the request of:
Timely completion and compliance with drug screening policies are essential for clinical participation and program standing.
Background checks must be ordered through CastleBranch.
Initial Requirement (Sophomore Year)
A criminal background check must be completed by July 1 prior to starting fall sophomore courses.
Students must order the background check through CastleBranch.
Results are posted on CastleBranch’s secure website and must show no disqualifying findings.
Follow-Up Requirement (Senior Year)
An additional background check is required before entering senior year, also due by July 1.
Program Implications
A positive background check may impact a student’s ability to continue in the nursing program.
The Department of Nursing has access to track results directly through CastleBranch.
Timely and clear background checks are required for clinical site placement and continued enrollment in the program.
Submission Platform
All sophomore-level students must submit documentation using the
CastleBranch Medical Document Manager.
If you need help with CastleBranch or have questions about the documentation process, please contact the Department of Nursing.
Deadline July 1
All clinical documentation must be submitted prior to fall sophomore courses.
Required Documentation
Deadline July 1
Annual follow-up documentation must be submitted.
Required Updates
Deadline July 1
Annual follow-up documentation is due
Required Updates
Additional Requirement
A second Criminal Background Check
Class of 2024: 100% first-time pass rate
Class of 2023: 100% first-time pass rate
Class of 2022: 98% first-time pass rate
Class of 2021: 93.48% first-time pass rate
Class of 2020: 100% first-time pass rate
Class of 2019: 98% first-time pass rate
Class of 2018: 100% first-time pass rate