Clinical Partners
Clinical Partners are an invaluable resource to Western's Nursing Program. Without the participating agencies in our service area, we would be unable to meet the nursing supply demands of our local communities.
The nursing preceptor experience at Western provides the opportunity for students to learn under the guidance of practicing nurses. These one-to-one experiences utilize the knowledge and skills of experienced nurses in the education of students, as they become competent, beginning nurses.
Western’s nursing faculty thanks all the clinical agencies and preceptors who have participated in this program and who have taken the time to give us valuable feedback for improvement. Your patience, dedication to excellence, expertise, and willingness to share your insights continue to enrich Western’s Nursing Program.
Western's Clinical Placement Vaccine FAQ
Western students pursuing degrees or certificates in health fields must meet college and clinical location requirements as outlined in program descriptions. Currently, the handbook describes program requirements such as physical fitness examinations, immunizations and knowledge of CPR. These requirements are based on best practices, student health and clinical demands.
Western recognizes some students feel conflicted about the COVID-19 vaccine and we have prepared this FAQ to help students understand how their choices regarding the vaccine may affect their studies. We urge all students, especially those students with vaccine hesitancy to base their decisions on information from peer reviewed research from established medical and public health sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) also provides guidance to Nursing education programs with regards to student vaccination status and providing clinical experiences.
No. Western understands immunizations are a personal choice and the college cannot force anyone to receive an immunization. COVID vaccination mandate has ended. Our clinical agencies recommend COVID vaccination. Students will need to report vaccination status. Clinical sites may mandate vaccines according to public health guidelines and Western must abide by the policies of each specific clinical location. Ultimately, the choice to receive any other vaccine is yours, but your vaccination status may have an impact on your ability to complete your program requirements.
COVID vaccination mandate ended in August 2023. COVID vaccination is voluntary. Our clinical agencies now recommend (not require) COVID vaccination. Students will need to report vaccination status.
Each clinical agency sets its own requirements for employees and affiliated learners, such as nursing students.
The Cooperative Education Agreements between Western’s health programs and our clinical partner agencies detail the terms under which each site will provide on-site educational experiences. These agreements account for regulatory requirements, accreditation expectations, and other guidelines, and the sites have been approved as meeting specific educational and clinical regulations. These agreements include provisions requiring students to adhere to agency policies relevant to their clinical experiences. Clinical partner policy is not under Western’s remit nor can Western determine clinical site policies.
No. Right now only students in courses with clinical requirements must show proof of vaccination.
No, not if your program has no clinical requirements. This may be subject to change as new requirements are released.
- Nursing students must submit vaccine record to CastleBranch
- Nurse assistant students must submit proof of vaccination to course instructor.
- Phlebotomy students must submit proof of vaccination to course instructor.
Proof of vaccination generally should include the person’s name, the type/brand of vaccine administered, the date(s) of administration, and the name of the healthcare professional(s) or clinic site(s) that administered the vaccine.
- Get the vaccines necessary to meet requirements.
- Withdraw from your course of study—Academic Advising in Mustang Central can help you find new opportunities at Western.
Consequences of not meeting program standards such as your grades and academic progress will be based on policy found in your program student handbook.
Refunds and grades are based on Western policies found in your student handbook. Not receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or exemption is not grounds for special circumstances.
The terms and conditions placed on all financial aid you are receiving will govern how those benefits are managed if you leave your current program or change your course of study.