Clinical education requirements place students in the patient care setting of several clinic affiliates, each with its own institutional policies and procedures. The following guidelines apply to clinical rotations in all affiliates.
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Clinic affiliates provide the specific experience(s) to fulfill clinic education objectives. Students may be asked and should assist in any area the affiliate requests as needed to provide adequate patient care and expand a student’s experience. Tasks expected of practitioners, such as transporting patients and stocking supplies, may be requested of students and should be provided as needed.
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Students should observe the policies for clinic personnel in the affiliate, such as patient care protocols and safety procedures.
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Each program has a faculty member in the role of clinical coordinator. This person’s purpose is to visit affiliates to assess student progress; discuss student progress with clinic instructors/preceptors and supervisors; observe and advise students in clinic tasks; and seek input and suggestions from clinic personnel regarding improvement of clinic education.
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Students should have cell phones, smartphones or other electronic devices put away and turned off while in clinic. They should never be used in patient care areas.
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An affiliate may request students observe specific starting and concluding times. Provided these demands do not interfere with other scheduled program activities, students are expected to comply with these requests.
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Students are prohibited to interrupt patient care to question or dispute a request made by the clinic supervisor or preceptor, that isn’t life threatening. Resolution of such conflicts should occur at a time in which patient care will not be compromised. If requested by the student or the clinic affiliate, the program’s clinical coordinator will assist in the resolution of the issue.
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To avoid putting students in an awkward position, the department requests clinic personnel direct questions and comments regarding policies, procedures, and personnel of the program directly to appropriate college faculty or administration. Students should avoid such discussions and bring the issue to the attention of the clinical coordinator, or program director.
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Students should demonstrate responsibility and dependability regarding the use of time, equipment, and supplies at their disposal in the clinic setting.
