Practicum Injury or Exposure Situation Protocol

University's Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure (BBPE) Program

Each student is provided a BBPE card to be carried with them at all times when in a clinical/practicum setting. In the event of a blood borne pathogen exposure or body fluid exposure while on a clinical/practicum rotation, follow these steps.

Step 1: Clean it

  • Wash the exposed area immediately.
  • Wash needle sticks and cuts with soap and water
  • Flush splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin with water
  • Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or sterile irrigants

Step 2: Get treated

Seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that the exposed person seek treatment within 1-2 hours after initial exposure. Call Boynton’s 24 hour help line if you don’t know where to go: 612-625-7900.

Students are not eligible for Workers Compensation. Students should submit any bills for post-exposure care to their insurance plan and contact Boynton Health Service at (612) 625-7900 for assistance with costs not covered by insurance.

Step 3: Identify the source patient

Identify the source patient with the help of your faculty or preceptor.  The source patient’s blood should be tested after consent is obtained according to your treatment site practices. If the source patient has a known history of HBV, HCV, or HIV, it is unnecessary to test for the specific disease. Results of the source patient’s testing will be made available to you to the extent possible under the laws and regulations concerning disclosure of the identity and infection status of the source patient. If it is not possible to identify the source patient or obtain a blood sample, the institution’s standard procedures should be used to assess the level of risk to you and then provide treatment accordingly.

Step 4: Report it

BSN and MN students in practicum rotations with faculty should report the exposure to their faculty and faculty will facilitate reporting to the appropriate person in the organization.  Students must also report the exposure to Boynton Health Service at (612) 625-7900 (24 hours).

BSN and MN students in immersion practicum rotations that are with preceptors should report the exposure to their preceptor (and other individuals determined by the preceptor) AND their supervising faculty for the immersion practicum rotation.  Students must also report the exposure to Boynton Health Service at (612) 625-7900 (24 hours).
DNP students in practicum rotations should report the exposure to their preceptor (and other individuals determined by the preceptor) AND their supervising faculty. Students must also report the exposure to Boynton Health Service at (612) 625-7900 (24 hours).

Step 5: Get follow-up testing as directed through Boynton Health Service

Injury during practicum/clinical rotation

If a student is injured while engaged in a practicum/clinical experience that is part of a BSN, MN or DNP course

  • BSN and MN students in practicum rotations with faculty should notify the faculty immediately.  Seek medical attention as needed.
  • BSN and MN students in immersion practicum rotations that are with preceptors should report the injury to their preceptor (and other individuals determined by the preceptor) AND their supervising faculty for the immersion practicum rotation.  Seek medical attention as needed.
  • DNP students in practicum rotations should report the injury to their preceptor (and other individuals determined by the preceptor) AND their supervising faculty. Seek medical attention as needed.

The costs of medical services are covered by the student’s health insurance. The University is not responsible for the cost of health care services. Students are required by the University to have health insurance.