Orientation

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.

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

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

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.

• Matthews JHU Bookstore – Pricing/Ordering

• Scrubin Uniforms – jhu.scrubin.com. Access Code: jhu410

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

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