Range of Services

Emergencies

If you believe you are having (or another student is having) a medical emergency, call Campus Safety and Security at x4600 (641/269-4600 off campus).

Examples of medical emergencies include, but are not limited to:

  •  loss of consciousness
  •  severe bleeding
  •  severe pain

These are only examples.  If you believe the situation is a medical emergency, call for help immediately.

Unmanageable/Severe Physical Distress

If you are experiencing discomfort or symptoms which are difficult for you to manage, call Student Health and Counseling Services (SHACS).  Our number is x3230 (641/269-3230 off campus).

  • If SHACS is open, tell the receptionist that you would like to see a nurse for an urgent care appointment.
  • If SHACS is closed, you are welcome to access our after-hours urgent/on-call consultation service.  Just follow the message instructions and press 2 to speak to a nurse.  Once you are connected, you will speak with a nurse who will ask you about your symptoms and situation, collaborate with you in developing a coping plan, and make recommendations regarding the type and timing of treatment you should pursue.

Appointments

If you feel ill and/or have symptoms or physical issues which concern you, but your need is not of urgent or emergency proportions, there are two ways you can schedule an appointment to see a nurse:

  • Call SHACS, or
  • Use our OpenCommunicator site to schedule an appointment on line 

Phone Consultation

If you are not sure if you need to see a nurse, call SHACS to speak to a nurse to consult about this by phone.

Self-Help

Sometimes you may injure yourself or feel ill during a period when SHACS is closed.  If your symptoms are mild, you most likely will treat yourself with standard approaches to care, such as using throat lozenges for a sore throat;  bandaging a cut;  taking an over-the-counter analgesic for aches and pains;  or getting extra sleep.  If your symptoms persist, call SHACS to speak with a nurse.