Orientation

We look forward to welcoming you to the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing community during your upcoming orientation. It has been a pleasure working with you during the application process and we are excited to assist you in your transition from an accepted student to Hopkins student!

Orientation Spring 2024


MSN (Entry into Nursing)

  • Thursday, January 18, 2024 – required in-person sessions and activities. 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  • Friday, January 19, 2024 – required in-person sessions and activities. 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

  • All students are required to also participate in an asynchronous virtual orientation. More details will be provided.

Orientation Fall 2023


DNP Advanced Practice and Post-Master Certificate Tracks

  • Tuesday, August 29, 2023 – from 12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. EST

  • All students are required to also participate in an asynchronous virtual orientation. More details will be provided.


books

Approximately one month before the beginning of your program, your book list should be available on the Matthews Book Center website, where you can search by semester. If your books are not listed contact [email protected].

EAST BALTIMORE CAMPUS MAP

The Johns Hopkins East Baltimore campus includes the School of Nursing, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, and the Johns Hopkins Hospital.  Refer to the JHMI Map for parking and building locations.

Making the Transition

Pre-Enrollment Compliance Requirements (click to download)

All enrolled degree/certificate-seeking students must register and complete a background check, drug screening, certifications, and required vaccines and medical tests. The School of Nursing has contracted with CastleBranch to track and approve these compliance requirements. It is your responsibility to maintain, renew, and update each requirement by the expiration date and to keep copies for your personal records.

  • If you have been admitted for the Fall semester, please wait until May 1st to begin the compliance process. The compliance due date is July 15th.

  • If you have been admitted for the Spring semester, please wait until October 15th to begin the compliance process. The compliance due date is December 15th.

  • If you have been admitted for the Summer semester, please wait until March 1st to begin the compliance process. The compliance due date is May 1st.

Follow these instructions to purchase the correct package from CastleBranch:

  • Visit jhu.castlebranch.com/JO78/package-selection
  • “Please Select” the appropriate degree and package. (If you aren’t sure which to select, contact Student Affairs at the number below.)

  • Continue your order with CastleBranch and fill in all information to complete order. If you have your JHU email, please use it when registering. If you do not have access to your JHU email when you are registering, please use a personal email that you check frequently.

Important Background Check and Drug Test information

  • Castle Branch will conduct the background check and no further action is required on your part. If you have not had continuous US residence for the last 7 years, you will be required to purchase an additional international background check for any country that you resided in during this time.

  • CastleBranch will email you instructions for your drug screening once you have placed your order. (Please be aware that a “dilute negative” drug test result will not be accepted as a result for your drug screening, and you will be required to take another test at your expense.) If you will not be in the US within sufficient time to complete the drug screening prior to the compliance deadline, you will also be required to purchase an international drug screening.

  • The cost for international background check(s) and drug tests varies by country and can be substantial. If you have any questions about this process please contact [email protected].

Your CastleBranch account will also list the required medical documentation for compliance. Upload a scanned copy or image of your documentation to each appropriate requirement. All medical documents must be submitted and approved through CastleBranch. Do not submit any documents directly to the School of Nursing.

Documentation of COVID vaccination is required of all JHSON students. Documentation MUST be uploaded to the Johns Hopkins Vaccine Management System (VMS) https://vms.jh.edu/my-vaccines and to CastleBranch. Please read this important letter from the School of Nursing’s Administration regarding exemption requests. 

If you are having technical issues with CastleBranch, please contact their service desk at 888-723-4263 x7196.

Students have access to over 100 computers throughout our buildings. Additionally, the school requires students to own a laptop for use at home or while in the building. If you already own a computer that you wish to use for school work, ideally it should be no older than three years old with sufficient processing power and memory to run current versions of Microsoft Office, and possibly more demanding applications such as statistical software and Second Life. Computer Recommendations

B.U.R.P.S./Talk Like a Nurse

The link above includes useful terminology that can be  used throughout your  program.

The following items are required for all Master of Science in Nursing, Entry into Practice students:

Equipment

  • Watch with a second hand

  • Stethoscope (Littman Classic II or III recommended)

  • Aneroid blood pressure cuff (Adult size)

  • Pen Light

Uniforms

You have 3 options for purchasing JHSON uniforms. You will not need to purchase a lab coat if you are in the MSN Entry into Nursing Program. If you need a lab coat in any other program, you will be informed by your clinical instructor or preceptor. Most advanced practice sites will require that you wear a Johns Hopkins School of Nursing lab coat. If you are required to purchase a coat you may do so from one of the vendors below.  Additional information is available in the Catalogue.

MSN, Entry into Nursing students will need white and navy scrub tops and navy scrub pants.  Scrub tops must be purchased through the vendors below. Navy scrub pants can be purchased from any vendor. The Matthews JHU Bookstore can also assist with the purchase of scrub skirts if required for religious purposes.

Shoes must be non-permeable, and preferably black and blue. Sneakers, canvas shoes, and Crocs are not permitted.

All students in degree and certificate programs are required to have health insurance coverage. All students will be automatically in the Student Health Plan (SHP.) Students can waive SHP insurance with documented insurance coverage that meets University requirements. International students are required to purchase the University’s insurance plan. For more information, visit https://nursing.jhu.edu/information/current-student/student-affairs/health-safety/index.html.

Visit the SON Housing Page for information on finding the perfect neighborhood and dwelling in Baltimore to meet your needs as a nursing student!

For information about refunds and how to sign up for electronic refunds, visit SEAM Refunds.

For questions regarding advising and registration, please contact Terica Prater, Program Administrator at: [email protected]

Visit the Student Disability Services page for information about services and the process to request accommodations.

Students must submit official transcripts verifying the completion of courses and/or the awarding of a final degree if you completed courses after your acceptance.

Send to:

Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
Office of Admissions
525 North Wolfe Street
Student House 100
Baltimore, MD 21205

You may link to our Transfer of Credit policy here: https://e-catalogue.jhu.edu/nursing/policies/transfer-graduate-credit/.