nursing, midwifery and paramedicine clinical placement ... · nursing, midwifery and paramedicine...

Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine

Clinical Placement Handbook

SCHOOL OF NURSING, MIDWIFERY& PARAMEDICINE

ACT, NSW, QLD, VIC

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Version 2.1

January 2012

This Clinical Placement Handbook contains information and policies for all

Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine students and their facilitators

undertaking off-campus clinical practice.

The handbook should be used in conjunction with unit outlines published for

each of the clinical units.

i

Contents

1. WELCOME TO CLINICAL PRACTICE ............................................................................. 3

2. HOW ARE CLINICAL PLACEMENTS ORGANISED? ..................................................... 3

2.1. Who organises clinical placements? ................................................................................................. 3

2.2. How am I notified about my placement allocation? .......................................................................... 4

2.3. What if I have questions or concerns regarding my clinical placement? .......................................... 4

2.4. Can I organise my own clinical placement? ..................................................................................... 4

2.5. Can I use my workplace as a placement? ........................................................................................ 4

3. WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO CLINICAL PLACEMENT? ................. 5

3.1. Mandatory documentation ................................................................................................................ 5

3.1.1. First semester of enrolment in the course ........................................................................................ 5

3.1.2. Annual requirements ........................................................................................................................ 6

3.1.3. Additional requirement (situational).................................................................................................. 6

3.2. Fitness for Clinical Practice requirements ........................................................................................ 7

3.3. What if I have a reportable outcome on my Police Check? .............................................................. 8

4. WHAT HAPPENS ON CLINICAL PLACEMENT? ............................................................ 8

5. WHAT ACU EXPECTS OF STUDENTS ON CLINICAL PLACEMENT ............................ 9

5.1. You are expected to be actively involved in your own learning while on clinical placement ............ 9

5.2. You are expected to be punctual and display professional behaviour ........................................... 10

5.3. ACU policy on Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying ............................................................... 10

5.4. Confidentiality requirements ........................................................................................................... 10

5.5. You are expected to wear the ACU Uniform and be well groomed ................................................ 11

5.5.1. Where can I purchase a uniform? .................................................................................................. 12

5.6. Items that need to be taken on clinical placement .......................................................................... 12

5.7. Use of electronic translators on clinical placement ......................................................................... 12

6. ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS & ABSENCE FROM CLINICAL PRACTICE ............ 12

6.1. Absence during clinical placement ................................................................................................. 12

7. GUIDELINES ON SPECIFIC ISSUES RELATED TO CLINICAL PLACEMENT ............ 13

7.1. Administration of medications on clinical placement ...................................................................... 13

7.2. Handling of body fluids.................................................................................................................... 13

ACU School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine Clinical Placement Handbook Version 2.1 ii

7.3. Reporting critical incidents .............................................................................................................. 13

7.4. Injury during clinical placement ....................................................................................................... 14

8. STUDENT ASSESSMENT .............................................................................................. 14

8.1. Clinical Practice Assessment – Nursing ......................................................................................... 14

8.2. Clinical Practice Assessment – Midwifery ...................................................................................... 16

8.3. Submission of completed Clinical Competency Assessment Tool ................................................. 16

9. STUDENT PERFORMANCE ISSUES ON CLINICAL PLACEMENT ............................. 16

9.1. Unsatisfactory performance ............................................................................................................ 16

9.2. At Risk of Failure – Process for Nursing and Midwifery Students .................................................. 17

9.3. Clinical Learning Contract – Process for Nursing and Midwifery Students .................................... 17

9.4. Pre-Clinical Learning Action Plan for Nursing and Midwifery Students .......................................... 18

9.5. Follow-up after failing a Clinical Unit for all Students ..................................................................... 18

10. APPENDIX A: IMMUNISATION FACT SHEET .............................................................. 19

11. APPENDIX B: FITNESS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE DECLARATION ......................... 20

12. APPENDIX C: STUDENT INCIDENT REPORT.............................................................. 21

13. APPENDIX D: CLINICAL PLACEMENT ‘AT RISK’ REPORT ....................................... 22

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES ......................................................................................... 22

14. APPENDIX E: CLINICAL LEARNING CONTRACT & PLAN ......................................... 23

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES ......................................................................................... 23

CLINICAL LEARNING CONTRACT ......................................................................................... 23

15. APPENDIX F: MANAGEMENT OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE ISSUES ON CLINICAL

PLACEMENT – PROCESS MAP .................................................................................... 25

ACU School of Nursing & Midwifery Clinical Placement Handbook Version 1.1 19

1. Welcome to Clinical Practice

Welcome to the Student Clinical Placement Handbook. Please use this book, in conjunction with clinical unit outlines, to inform yourself of important requirements relating to undertaking clinical practice in the Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Midwifery and Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine and Bachelor of Paramedicine. We hope you are looking forward to your clinical practice and learning more about becoming a Registered nurse, Registered midwife or paramedic. Your clinical practice time should be an enjoyable learning experience. You need to prepare for your clinical practice by enrolling in the relevant clinical practice units, preparing and submitting mandatory documentation and achieving the required tasks for clinical practice. It is also important to prepare yourself theoretically through classroom learning, assignment work and reading in advance. Once on clinical practice, you will find it more enjoyable and less stressful if you read about clinical situations, health problems and medications that you have encountered during each shift, in preparation for undertaking further clinical practice on your next shift. Your Clinical Facilitator will be expecting to see evidence of your learning during your clinical practice and their focus will be on supporting you in your clinical learning. If you feel you are not enjoying your learning experience on clinical practice, please find out why! Ask your Clinical Facilitator or Clinical Lecturer-in-charge for some advice and assistance. If there are specific problems, please discuss these with your Clinical Facilitator/Preceptor, Lecturer in charge or Clinical Coordinator, as they may be able to assist you settle into the clinical practice or assist you to determine if there are problems that need attention. We wish you every success for clinical practice during your Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine and Bachelor of Paramedicine

2. How are clinical placements organised?

2.1. Who organises clinical placements?

The Clinical Office has the responsibility for organising your clinical practice and for allocating you to your placements. It also maintains the records for the mandatory documentation you are required to submit and your clinical practice assessments. The Clinical Office should be your first point of contact if you have questions regarding your placements or any of the documentation you are required to submit. You can contact clinical office staff on your campus by email, phone or in person during office opening hours. The best way to contact the clinical office is via email in the first instance.

ACT (Signadou): Email: [email protected] Phone: (02) 6209 1260 Fax: (02) 6209 1113 Office Hours: Email to make appointment

NSW (MacKillop): Email: [email protected] Phone: (02) 9739 2448/2083/2464 Fax: (02) 9929 4511 Office Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10:00am-11:30am and 2:00pm-3:00pm

QLD (McAuley): Email: [email protected] Phone: (07) 3623 7200/7586 Fax: (07) 3623 7242 Office Hours: Monday & Friday: 8:30am - 1:00pm Tuesday – Thursday: 10:00am-12:00pm and 3:00pm-4:00pm

ACU School of Nursing & Midwifery Clinical Placement Handbook Version 1.1

4

VIC (St Patrick’s): Email: [email protected] [email protected] – midwifery students only Phone: 03 9953 3947 Fax: 03 9953 3355 Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00am-12:00pm and 3:00pm-4:00pm VIC (Aquinas): Email: [email protected] Phone: 03 5336 5376/5416 Fax: 03 5336 5456 Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30am-10:30am and 1:30pm- 2:30pm

2.2. How am I notified about my placement allocation?

Details of clinical placement allocation will be posted on the Clinical Office LEO site or via student email. The following information will be detailed:

• Date of placement;

• Name, address and telephone number of facility;

• Commencement time and meeting place;

• Name of agency liaison officer;

• Clinical Facilitator’s name (where applicable);

• Uniform requirements if different from normal requirements;

• Specific agency requirements / prereading.

Details regarding ward, shift or ambulance branch/station allocations will also be posted on the Clinical Office LEO site or via email if these are available. Many health care facilities will organise shift allocations on the first day. It is your responsibility to check the relevant placement information provided on the Clinical Office LEO site regularly as last minute changes may need to be communicated to you. You also need to regularly check (every one-two days) your ACU student email address. Please check on the last business day of the week prior to your clinical placement to determine if any changes have occurred. It is important that you maintain your correct semester address and contact phone number (mobile number if available) on the ACU Student Connect system so that the clinical office can place you as close as possible to your home, and contact you should a last minute change occur.

2.3. What if I have questions or concerns regarding my clinical placement?

If you have questions or concerns regarding your clinical placement allocation you should contact the Clinical Office on your campus (Refer 2.1). Email should be your first point of contact. Clinical Office staff will answer your query by reply email, and if necessary, your enquiry will be redirected to the most appropriate staff member. As per the University policy, emails will only be answered where the ACU email system is used.

2.4. Can I organise my own clinical placement?

No. Under no circumstances should you organise your own clinical placement.

2.5. Can I use my workplace as a placement?

If you have paid or unpaid employment in some nursing, non-emergency ambulance, ambulance community officer or community emergency response team capacity you should report the name of your workplace to the Clinical Office.


5

Under normal circumstances, students should not undertake clinical practice in a health care setting in which they work. However, in special circumstances, students may be able to negotiate a clinical practice placement in their workplace if:

• This placement occurs in a different area than which they normally undertake work;

• The student receives approval from the Lecturer-in-Charge of the relevant clinical practice unit;

• The student can demonstrate they will be able to meet the specific learning outcomes for the clinical practice placement;

• The student has support from their employer who verifies in writing that: o the student is undertaking different shifts for clinical practice to those for

work purposes and; o they are aware of the different scope of practice of the student registered

nurse or student paramedic compared to the Assistant-in-Nursing/Endorsed Enrolled Nurse, non emergency transport employee, ambulance community officer or emergency response team employee.

The following criteria must also be met:

• The student wears a different uniform and ID badge for work and clinical practice shifts;

• The student is able to demonstrate (verbal or written evidence) the different focus for supernumerary clinical practice compared to their paid employment;

• The student is able to demonstrate (verbal or written evidence) the difference in scope of practice for a student compared to their work role;

• The student is supervised by a clinical facilitator or instructor who is able to complete the required placement documentation.

3. What are my responsibilities prior to clinical placement?

Before you are able to be allocated to a clinical placement the Clinical Office is required to have your mandatory documentation on file. These documents are required to fulfill affiliation agreements for students on clinical placement between ACU and the Health Care Facilities. Details about this documentation are given below. You will also find specific information about each requirement on the Clinical Office LEO site for the campus on which you are enrolled as requirements often vary according to the state in which you are enrolled. Students enrolled in clinical units for each year will automatically be given access to the appropriate Clinical Office LEO site.

3.1. Mandatory documentation

Continuing and commencing students are required to submit mandatory documents to the Clinical Office. The mandatory documents you will require will depend on which campus you are enrolled in. You will find specific details regarding the requirements for your State or Territory on the Clinical Office LEO site for your campus.The mandatory documentation requirements and due dates for submission will be published by the Clinical Office on your campus. All documents are maintained in a strictly confidential manner.

If you do not provide all of the required mandatory documentation by the dates published by the Clinical office on your campus you will not be offered a clinical placement and may be awarded a fail (NN) grade as per Academic Regulations. Available: http://www.acu.edu.au/about_acu/publications/handbooks/2009/general_information/2009_academic_regulations/assessment/

A summary of the mandatory documentation you are required to supply is given below.

3.1.1. First semester of enrolment in the course

• Evidence that the minimum immunisation requirements have been met, including evidence of meeting additional immunisation requirements required


6

by each State/Territory (Information on the requirements are given in the Immunisation Fact Sheet in Appendix A);

• A Working with Children and Young People Check (Blue Card in QLD) for students attending placements in QLD, NSW and VIC. The Clinical Office LEO site has specific details regarding the requirements for your State/Territory and the application process;

• Police Check or equivalent. The Clinical Office LEO site has specific details regarding the requirements for your State/Territory and the application process;

• Basic Life Support (BLS);

• Signed Fitness for Practice declaration

• Ambulance Service physical and medical capacity test (Paramedic students only);

• Additional requirements as per state of enrollment – please see LEO site on your campus.

3.1.2. Annual requirements

• BLS Certification remains valid for 12 months and you must ensure you maintain currency of certification each 12 months. You are required to hold a current certificate in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) prior to entry to the course and updated yearly. You are required to submit a copy of your certificate to the Clinical Office. If you do not submit appropriate evidence you will not be allocated a clinical placement.

• A Fitness for Clinical Practice Declaration. All students undertaking clinical practice are required to sign an annual Fitness to Practice Declaration and submit this signed document to the Clinical Office. A copy of the form will be available on the Clinical Office LEO site or Appendix B. Please see Section 3.2 for further information on the Fitness for Clinical Practice requirement.

• Police Check or equivalent. A copy of the police check certificate, along with the original, must be presented to the clinical office. This yearly requirement varies by State, please see your campus Clinical Office LEO site for specific requirements. Please note that students studying in QLD only need to renew Police Check every three years.

• Working with children check (Blue Card in QLD) will require renewal every three years in QLD and every five years in VIC.

3.1.3. Additional requirement (situational)

• Victorian Students Only - An additional document is required to be completed and carried with you on clinical placement in aged care only. Commonwealth legislation requires you to complete a statutory declaration advising of any criminal activities, which may have occurred in countries other than Australia. The Statutory declaration will be emailed to you; it needs to be completed then returned to the clinical office for sighting and recording only. You must then carry it with you during your clinical placement. For further information please see: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ageing-quality-factsheet-policechecks-guidelines.htm


7

3.2. Fitness for Clinical Practice requirements

Students are required to ensure they are fit for clinical practice – without physical or mental impairments which could affect their own safety or the safety of the public for whom they will be providing health care. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) defines impairment as:

“Impairment is defined as a physical or mental impairment, disability, condition or disorder (including substance abuse or dependence), that detrimentally affects or is likely to detrimentally affect a:

• Registered health practitioner’s capacity to safely practice the profession;

• Student’s capacity to undertake clinical training.” (http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Notifications-and-Outcomes/Conduct-Health-and-Performance.aspx)

If you are undertaking clinical practice you are required to sign an annual Fitness for Practice Clinical Declaration form and submit this signed document to the Clinical Office. The Fitness for Clinical Practice Declaration form is provided in Appendix B and is also available on your campus Clinical Office LEO site.

If you are aware that you are not fit for practice, or if you become not fit for practice, you are responsible for reporting this as soon as possible to the Lecturer-in-Charge of the clinical practice unit in which you are enrolled, or to the Clinical Coordinator. If you are unsure you should consult the Lecturer-in-Charge of the clinical practice unit or Clinical Coordinator for advice.

It is essential, for the well being of all concerned, that you disclose any condition that you are aware of that would make you unfit for practice. If you don’t, and the condition later becomes apparent, you may become liable for exclusion from clinical practice until an appropriate professional review is undertaken. You must also provide a current certificate of “fitness for practice” (e.g. medical clearance) if you have previously been unfit for practice, but are now fit for practice. You can also view the ACU policy on Serious Health Conditions – students at: http://www.acu.edu.au/policy/student_policies/policy_on_serious_health_conditions_-_students/

Nursing and Midwifery students are automatically registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Authority (AHPRA) through their enrolment in a Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery course. Student details related to registration with AHPRA are confidential and as such are not accessible through the public register. Students are subject to the same regulations regarding professional conduct and can be subject to mandatory reporting of impairments that may place the public or patients at risk. Health care facilities can contact AHPRA regarding their concerns with or without discussion with University representatives, such as the Clinical Lecturer-in-Charge, or Clinical Co-ordinator. Please see www.ahpra.gov.au for further details. If it appears that you are not fit for practice you will be referred to the Undergraduate Course Coordinator and LIC and/or Clinical Coordinator who, after consulting with you about the circumstances, will decide what action to take. In deciding how to proceed, the Undergraduate Course Coordinator and LIC/Clinical Coordinator may require you to provide evidence of fitness to practice.

Examples of circumstances whereby you may be required to provide such evidence are:

• Physical or mental illness;

• Disability inhibiting a student’s ability to undertake clinical practice activities and assessments;

• Injury (especially if in plaster or bandages) or injury rehabilitation;

• Stress, depression or anxiety;

• Post operative recovery;


8

• Inability to meet hygiene (especially hand washing) and manual handling requirements;

• Immunocompromised;

• Pregnancy complications.

Pregnancy does not preclude you attending clinical placement. However, if there is a possibility that you may be pregnant please seek advice from the Clinical Coordinator or Clinical Lecturer-in-Charge. If you are pregnant you may be required to provide a letter indicating your fitness for clinical practice. In placing students who are pregnant, the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine will be guided by the policies of healthcare facilities or ambulance service. If you have a physical, psychological or psychiatric condition you should make an appointment with a Disability Adviser, who will develop an Education Inclusion Plan (EIP) that identifies adjustments needed for you to practise safely in a clinical venue. If you have an existing illness or disability to the extent that your ability to practise is impaired, you must advise the Clinical Coordinator and the Course Coordinator, so that where possible a modified placement that will still meet the objectives of the clinical unit can be arranged in consultation with the Clinical Coordinator, the Course Coordinator, the clinical venue and you. The Clinical Coordinator will notify the clinical venue of the strategies to be put in place to

• facilitate your progress through the placement;

• to safeguard the public.

3.3. What if I have a reportable outcome on my Police Check?

Federal and State government legislation has made it mandatory for organisations providing services, such as child care, nursing and midwifery care, teaching and paramedic support (or where there is access to dangerous materials, such as drugs of addiction) to require remunerated and non-remunerated employees to provide a satisfactory Police Check to the employer. The health care facilities that provide nursing, midwifery and paramedic clinical experience for ACU students have such a requirement. If you have a reportable outcome on your Police Check, you will need to advise the Clinical Coordinator on your campus. The Clinical Coordinator will advise you of the process according to state requirements. Should a student be denied access to a clinical placement on the basis of an unsatisfactory Police Check, the Clinical Coordinator will refer the student to the Course Coordinator and/or available course counselling.

4. What happens on clinical placement?

Students undertake clinical practice in a supernumerary capacity. This is required by the Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor or Paramedicine and Bachelor of Paramedicine curricula, which has been accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and/or The Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA). This means the student is not paid for clinical practice and is not part of the workforce in the health care setting. Nursing Placements Students on clinical placement are supported by a Clinical Facilitator or Preceptor. The student may also be “buddied” with a Registered Nurse at the health care agency. It is the role of the Clinical Facilitator/Preceptor to guide your learning while on clinical placement. Your facilitator/preceptor will provide feedback about your performance to both yourself and University staff. They will also evaluate your progress against the learning outcomes for the clinical


9

practice unit and will do this in consultation with your buddy Registered Nurse and ACU academic staff.. Students should expect to undertake at least one regional/rural placement during their course. This placement is funded totally by the student. Expenses will include transportation to the rural site, accommodation and incidental expenses incurred as a result of living away from home. Midwifery Placements Students on clinical placement are accompanied and supported by a Clinical Facilitator. As the Clinical Facilitator oversees a number of students each student will also be “buddied” with a midwife at the health care agency. It is the role of the Clinical Facilitator to guide your learning while on clinical placement. Your facilitator will provide feedback about your performance to both yourself and the University staff. They will also evaluate your progress against the learning outcomes for the clinical practice unit and will do this in consultation with your buddy midwife and the academic staff from the University. Queensland students are required to undertake at least one rural placement. The clinical coordinator will organise this placement and students will be allocated. This placement is funded totally by the student. Expenses will include transportation to the rural site, accommodation and incidental expenses incurred as a result of living away from home. Paramedic Placements Students on clinical placements are usually rostered with qualified Ambulance service staff for each shift. The student will participate as third person on the vehicle, under the direct supervision of the crew. It is the role of the ambulance service staff to guide the student while on clinical placement. They may provide feedback about your performance to both yourself and University staff. They may also evaluate your progress against the learning outcomes for the clinical practice unit via your logbook.

5. What ACU expects of students on clinical placement

5.1. You are expected to be actively involved in your own learning while on

clinical placement

When on placement, your role is to participate as fully as possible in the placement under supervision and within your scope of education and practice. You are expected to conform to the professional standards of the profession while on placement. This includes both appropriate professional behavior and attire. It is your responsibility to set personal learning objectives prior to clinical placement, discussing these objectives with your Clinical Facilitator, regularly seeking feedback on your performance throughout the placement and participating in the evaluation of your progression towards the ANMC and CAA competency standards. The learning log is used as a tool to record and track your reflections and progress. The learning log should be completed prior to your interim and final assessments and will evidence your progress towards the ANMC or CAA competency standards to your clinical facilitator. The learning log (Nursing) or logbook (Paramedicine) is used as a tool to record and track your reflections and progress. The learning log and /or logbook should be completed prior to your interim and final assessments and will evidence your progress towards the ANMC and CAA competency standards to your clinical facilitator. Students are expected to be aware of the philosophy and objectives of the health care agency in which they are placed. They are also expected to adhere to the policies and procedures of that health care agency at all times.


10

5.2. You are expected to be punctual and display professional behaviour

You are a guest in the health care agency in which you are placed and you are also representing ACU. Accordingly it is essential that you maintain a professional image and behaviour at all times. Punctuality is an important aspect of professional behaviour. As such, we expect you to adhere strictly to the starting and finishing times of the shifts nominated by the agency. Late arrival at a clinical venue is unprofessional. If you are more than 30 minutes late you may be asked by your Clinical Facilitator/Preceptor to leave the facility and will be noted as absent. Early departure may similarly be determined as absenteeism. In the case of a paramedic placement, late arrival may well mean the crew has already been dispatched onto a case. They will not be able to return to the branch to collect you and your shift will therefore be cancelled and you will be noted as absent. It is strongly advised that students arrive at paramedic placements 30 minutes early for metropolitan shifts and 20 minutes early for rural shifts. In the event of unforeseen circumstances resulting in you running late, please telephone the health care agency directly for nursing placements, and the Ambulance Duty Manager for paramedics placement and notify them of your expected arrival time. It is left to the discretion of the Clinical Facilitator/Preceptor or Duty Manager to ascertain whether your reason for late arrival (or early departure) is justified.

5.3. ACU policy on Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying

The University does not condone any form of unlawful discrimination whether it is direct or indirect, intended or unintended. The University also does not condone unlawful harassment or bullying. Such behaviours are against University policies (including the University Statute on Student Conduct and Discipline). These policies are available on the ACU intranet at http://my.acu.edu.au/staff/services/hr/working_@_acu/policies__and__procedures/equal_opportunity/ If you believe that that you are experiencing discrimination, harassment or bullying you should contact the Clinical Coordinator as soon as possible. Alternatively you could contact the University’s Discrimination and Harassment Advisers for confidential support and advice.

5.4. Confidentiality requirements

You are expected to maintain the privacy of information relating to the people for whom you care. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and Ambulance Services have codes and guidelines that govern Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine practice and you should become familiar with, and use them to guide your practice. Prior to your Nursing or Midwifery clinical placement you should go to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia website at www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au to read copies of the following documents: ANMC 2008 Code of Ethics for Nurses in Australia ANMC 2008 Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses ANMC 2006 National Competency Standards for the Registered Nurse (4th edition) Prior to your paramedic clinical placement you should go to the Clinical site to read copies of the Ambulance Service clinical placement documents and the CAA Competency standards available on the Paramedics Australasia website at: http://www.paramedics.org.au/paramedics/competency-standards/. In addition, all nursing students are required to complete and submit a Confidentiality Declaration as part of each clinical practice unit. This is included as part of the Clinical Competency Assessment Tool for each unit and is to be completed prior to each placement and submitted with the Clinical Competency Assessment Tool.


11

Confidentiality requirements also extend to the use of social media such as facebook and Twitter. Social media information exchange is not appropriate for professional debrief or discussion. All students are bound by confidentiality agreements whilst engaged in clinical placements and as such are not permitted to discuss details of patients in their care. If you have any questions about the Declaration you should consult with the Lecturer-in-Charge of the clinical practice unit.

5.5. You are expected to wear the ACU Uniform and be well groomed

Students on clinical practicum are representing ACU and as such must maintain professional appearance at all times. Health care facilities may on occasion decline an individual student placement if the students’ appearance is not reflective of their appearance standards (eg.visible tattoos and piercings). The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine has a professional dress code that you must adhere to when on clinical placement. These are outlined below:

Nursing and Midwifery Placements

• Only University approved uniform items are to be worn, including student identification. If you do not have the approved University uniform you will be asked to leave the clinical area. Students are required to wear an ACU white shirt and either navy blue knee length shorts, skirt, or long pants. Long sleeved shirts and blouses are not permitted;

• Students are to wear black or navy fully enclosed shoes, of a suitable protective material, such as leather, to meet workplace health and safety requirements. Open footwear, sandshoes, leisure shoes, and soft material shoes are not suitable. Black or navy socks are to be worn with trousers, navy or flesh coloured stockings with skirts. For Paramedicine Placements

• Students are to wear the University approved uniform, black or navy socks, black closed toe leather boots or shoes (boots are supplied in QLD), grey/navy (VIC and QLD) or bottle green (ACT) T-shirt. Students should also wear their ACU student identification card. Open footwear, sandshoes, leisure shoes and soft material shoes are not suitable. Students should also carry the approved high visibility vest, jacket, rain gear, safety glasses, helmet and riggers gloves (QLD) during their placement. For All Placements

• Underwear should not be visible through your uniform;

• In the interests of client and personal safety, jewellery is to be kept to a minimum. One pair of small stud earrings (in ear lobe), and a wedding ring is permitted to be worn;

• Visible body piercing, including oral piercing, is not acceptable and should be removed or covered;

• Fingernails should be clean, short and a natural colour without nail polish;

• Hair should be kept tidy, and long hair worn tied back with plain ties, plaited or worn up off the collar. Men with moustaches/ beards are required to keep them trimmed and tidy;

• Personal hygiene should include daily showering, oral care and the use of deodorant but avoid highly perfumed products which may have a detrimental effect on others;

• It is expected that the student uniform be clean and stain free and washed and regularly ironed;


12

• Students attending clinical placements which stipulate “non-uniform” – for example mental health placement venues -may be requested to alternatively wear neat, professional clothes with closed-toe shoes, as approved by the health care agency.

5.5.1. Where can I purchase a uniform?

The University’s uniform supplier visits the campus either during orientation week or early in the first semester. The Clinical Office on your campus will advise students when this is occurring.

5.6. Items that need to be taken on clinical placement

You are required to carry the following items at all times during clinical placement:

• University Identification Badge (student ID card). This should be clearly affixed to the front of the uniform in a position where it is visible and able to be read;

• nurse’s fob watch, with second hand (not a wrist watch) – for nursing placement;

• wrist watch or nurse’s fob watch with second hand (for paramedic placement);

• black, blue, red, green ballpoint pens (a pen with four colours in one is recommended);

• small notebook;

• eye protection/goggles;

• personal stethoscope (recommended);

• For paramedic placements it is also advisable to take water, sealed food and a small amount of money in the event that a meal needs to be purchased while away from branch/station.

Some of these items can be purchased through the University Co-Op Book Shop on most campuses. For ACT students these can be purchased at the Co-op bookshop at ANU and for Ballarat students online purchase is available only.

5.7. Use of electronic translators on clinical placement

You are not permitted to use electronic translators, in any instance, during clinical placement.

6. Attendance expectations & absence from clinical practice

In order to achieve the required level of clinical practice competence, off-campus clinical practice experience is a compulsory component of the Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine and Bachelor of Paramedicine courses. If you are allocated to a block placement you are expected to attend each day of the block on the allocated shift. If you are allocated to an ACU Flexible/Clinical Practice Model you must follow the expectations and guidelines for rostering for the health care agency supporting the ACU Flexible/Clinical Practice Model. Failure to book or attend shifts will result in a “Fail” grade (NN) for that clinical practice unit. A student should not assume that they are entitled to merely “make-up” any absent hours at some later stage in the same clinical practicum period.

6.1. Absence during clinical placement

If you are unable to attend a clinical practice shift you must notify the ward you are allocated to or the Ambulance Duty Manager, as well as your Clinical Facilitator/Preceptor. They will document your absence and notify the Lecturer-in-Charge of the Clinical Office. In all placements, if a student is unable to contact the Clinical Facilitator, they should notify the Clinical Office on their campus. It is your responsibility to provide a statutory declaration or a certificate from an authorised health professional for ANY absences from clinical placement within five (5) days of the completion of each placement. This should be attached to your Clinical Competency


13

Assessment Tool and submitted within five (5) days of completing your placement. Failure to provide appropriate documentation for absence from clinical placement may lead to a “Fail” (NN) grade in the unit. By the end of your course you are required to complete the total clinical practice hours as outlined in the curriculum. If you have been absent from placement and have outstanding clinical practice hours from that placement you may have these hours added to clinical experience at the end of each semester / year, or at the end of the course. This will be dependant on the clinical experience required for the unit and at the discretion of the Clinical Lecturer-in-Charge and/or the Clinical Coordinator.

Due to current shortages and restrictions in clinical placement days with health care facilities and once all students are firstly allocated to complete allocated clinical hours, it is highly unlikely that there will be sufficient leftover places for makeup. Students need to be aware that unpreventable delays for makeup time periods may jeopardise each affected student’s course progression and course completion timeframes. Make up clinical will be arranged by the Clinical Office when a clinical placement is available. Makeup is generally completed in weeks rather than hours/days to allow clinical facilitators sufficient time to assess clinical competence.

7. Guidelines on specific issues related to clinical placement

7.1. Administration of medications on clinical placement

When you have completed your on-campus theory content related to administration of topical, oral and parenteral medications, you may perform the relevant skill under the DIRECT supervision of a Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife or a Qualified Ambulance Paramedic, and in accordance with the agency’s requirements. The checking of Schedule 8 drugs, drugs to be administered intravenously and all paediatric medication must be undertaken by two Registered Nurses/Midwives or two Paramedics with you as the third person. The protocol of the health care agency must always be followed with respect to the checking, administration and documentation of all medications.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU PREPARE OR ADMINISTER A MEDICATION WITHOUT DIRECT SUPERVISION.

7.2. Handling of body fluids

Many pathogens can be transmitted via body substances, particularly blood. To minimise the risk of transmission, Standard Precautions should be followed by all health care workers who find themselves in situations where they are likely to be exposed to blood or other body fluids. This includes the use of personal protective equipment (eg. gloves; masks, protective eyewear, gowns and plastic aprons), safe handling and disposal of sharps and hand washing. You need to be familiar with and conform to the written policies pertaining to the handling of body fluids, standard precautions and isolation set down by every health care agency in which you practice. If you have impaired skin integrity, exuding lesions or dermatitis you should check your ‘at risk’ status and refrain from all direct client care and from handling client care equipment until the condition resolves. You must consult with the Clinical Facilitator, the agency unit manager or Ambulance Service staff if you have any condition that puts you at risk.

7.3. Reporting critical incidents

The reporting of incidents and near misses is part of the accreditation process by all health care facilities in accordance with relevant Occupational Health and Safety Acts Australia wide. Incidents involving actual or potential injury to a patient or a student will require health care facility staff or Ambulance staff to be notified and relevant occupational health and safety


14

procedures implemented. Such incidents may include falls, medication errors, IV therapy errors or any deviation from standard practice. If such an incident has occurred, you and your Clinical Facilitator or Ambulance staff member should ensure that the Clinical Lecturer-in-Charge or Clinical Coordinator receives a copy of the completed health care facility incident form. A Student Incident Report form (See Appendix D) must also be completed and submitted to the clinical office for the subsequent management of accident insurance procedures.

7.4. Injury during clinical placement

Australian Catholic University provides professional indemnity and public liability for students during clinical experience. If an injury is sustained during clinical practice, the following procedure is to be followed: Step 1: Notification

1. The student notifies the Clinical Facilitator or appropriate health care agency staff member/ambulance staff member.

2. The Clinical Facilitator or appropriate health care agency staff member or ambulance staff member notifies the Lecturer-in-Charge of the clinical unit or the Clinical Office.

Step 2: Documentation

1. The student must complete the Student Incident Report (Appendix D). 2. The Clinical Facilitator or appropriate health care agency staff member

completes copies and attaches the facility’s or ambulance service’s Incident Report Form to the completed Student Report.

3. All documentation is forwarded to the Clinical Coordinator/Clinical Office. On receipt of the documentation the Clinical Coordinator notifies the Head of School.

4. The forms are then forwarded onto the University Insurance Officer. Step 3: Treatment and Payment

1. If any treatment is required as a result of the incident, all invoices other than those covered by Medicare are to be submitted to the Clinical Coordinator.

2. For all injuries, especially needle stick injuries, students should follow the policies of the health care agency or advice of their medical practitioner regarding follow up treatment and care.

8. Student assessment

Clinical assessment in the Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Midwifery is based on the ANMC National Competency Standards for the Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife respectively. It is expected that by the end of the course, you will have been able to meet all of these competencies in order to be eligible for registration.

8.1. Clinical Practice Assessment – Nursing

Clinical assessment is conducted by your Clinical Facilitator and/or preceptor in consultation with your buddy Registered Nurse. Both an interim (placement > 2 weeks) and final assessment is conducted and recorded on the Clinical Competency Assessment Tool (Appendix D). Your completed Learning Log should be handed to your Clinical Facilitator prior to the interim and final assessment. The interim and final assessments are completed in collaboration with you and following review and discussion of your Student Learning Log. Once your Clinical facilitator has finalised your assessment you can respond and add comment in the student section of the Clinical Competency Assessment Tool. Your Clinical Facilitator may liaise with the Lecturer-in-Charge of the clinical unit when finalising your clinical assessment.


15

You will find the appropriate tool and learning log for the clinical unit you are enrolled in, on the Clinical Office LEO site for your campus. Please ensure you have the correct Clinical Competency Assessment Tool and learning log for the unit you are enrolled. The Clinical Competency Assessment tool and Learning Log in Appendix D and E respectively are examples only. You will need to print the Clinical Competency Assessment Tool and the Learning Log to take with you on the first day of placement from the Clinical Office LEO site on your campus and for the clinical unit you are enrolled in. ACU has a minimum expected level of performance for students in each semester of the curriculum against each of the ANMC competency domains.

COMPETENCY RATINGS

Competency Rating

Criteria Quality of performance Assistance Required

Proficient

Safe, accurate each time

Efficient Coordinated Confident Occasional expenditure of excess energy within an expedient time frame

Minimal supportive cues

Advanced Beginner

Safe, accurate each time

Capable Coordinated Confident Some expenditure of excess energy within a reasonable time frame

Infrequent supportive cues

Beginner Safe/accurate with supervision

Skilful in parts of behaviour Occasionally inefficient and uncoordinated Expends excess energy within a delayed period of time

Frequent verbal and occasional physical directive cues in addition to supportive cues

Novice Safe but not alone Requires supervision Accurate – not always

Unskilled, inefficient Considerable expenditure of energy Prolonged period of time Unable to demonstrate specific behaviour Lacks confidence, coordination, efficiency

Continuous verbal and frequent physical cues

Unsatisfactory Not observed, not applicable or unable to assess.

Competency ratings adapted from: Bondy, K. (1983). Clinical evaluation of student performance: The effects of criterion accuracy and reliability. Research in Nursing and Health, 7(1), 25-33. Tolhurst, G., & Bonner, A. (2000). Development of clinical assessment criteria for postgraduate nursing

students. Collegian, 7(2), 20-25.

MINIMUM COMPETENCY RATING PER YEAR/CLINICAL UNIT OF PROGRESS

The following table provides details of the minimum level of achievement for a student on clinical

placement for each year of the degree.

Minimum Requirements

Year 1 NRSG137

Year 2 NRSG261 NRSG262

Year 3 NRSG354

Year 3

NRSG3XX Specialty Elective

NRSG355 Preceptorship

Professional Practice

Novice Beginner Beginner Advanced Beginner

Advanced Beginner

Critical Thinking And

Analysis Novice Beginner Beginner Beginner

Advanced Beginner

Provision And Coordination Of

Care Novice Beginner Beginner Beginner

Advanced Beginner

Collaboration And

Therapeutic Practice

Novice Beginner Beginner Beginner Advanced Beginner


16

8.2. Clinical Practice Assessment – Midwifery

Clinical assessment is conducted by your Clinical Facilitator and/or preceptor in consultation with your buddy Registered Midwife. Interim feedback will be given and final assessment is conducted and recorded on the Competency Assessment Tool. The facilitator will meet with you to discuss your final assessments. Once your Clinical facilitator has finalised your assessment you can respond and add comment in the student section of the Competency Assessment Tool. Your Clinical Facilitator may liaise with the Lecturer-in-Charge of the clinical unit when finalising your clinical assessment. Please ensure that you have all of your correct paperwork with you on clinical placement so that you are able to have skills assessed and signed off as appropriate. There is also the requirement of the Follow through Journey program. Compiling information about the follow through journey is an essential component in order to pass particular units of study in the Bachelor of Midwifery course. You are required to familiarise yourself with the Follow through Journey record book prior to commencing placement.

8.3. Submission of completed Clinical Competency Assessment Tool

Once your Clinical Facilitator or Ambulance staff member has completed your Clinical Competency Assessment Tool, you must submit the original ONLY to the appropriate assignment box on your campus. The tool must be submitted within 5 (five) working days of completing your placement. In addition to your Clinical Competency Assessment Tool, you must also submit copies of the clinical skills completed as per the unit outline and copies of certificates and statutory declaration provided by an authorised health professional for any absences during placement. Grades for clinical units will not be processed, and an NN fail grade may be awarded unless your tool is submitted within five days of final placement, regardless of receiving a satisfactory grade for the clinical placement. It is not necessary to submit your learning log with the Clinical Competency Assessment Tool and clinical skill records. The learning log becomes part of your professional portfolio on graduation. Please ensure that copies of all documents are made prior to submission. These documents can be certified as true copies and kept for applications on graduation. The Clinical office can generally certify the Clinical Competency Assessment Tool or provide information on where you can do so.

9. Student Performance Issues on Clinical Placement

At any stage during the Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Nursing/Paramedicine or Bachelor of Paramedicine course a student may experience difficulties in meeting the requirements of a clinical placement. If you are aware of difficulties, you should firstly seek assistance from your clinical facilitator or preceptor. The clinical facilitator/preceptor may also observe clinical practice difficulties and will base their assessment on direct observation of student performance, and/or discussion with the student and clinical staff including unit managers, buddy registered nurses or Ambulance staff. Feedback may also be obtained from the patient and significant others. When a clinical practice issue is identified the clinical facilitator or preceptor will initiate appropriate learning and teaching strategies. If necessary, the clinical facilitator will collaborate with the LIC of the clinical unit for nursing placements. For nursing and midwifery units please see Appendix H for a flowchart of the process.

9.1. Unsatisfactory performance

Students may be removed, and may be awarded a fail (NN) grade, prior to the completion of assessment requirements if they display unprofessional behaviour or if it is considered


17

that their clinical performance is unsafe and deemed likely to be detrimental to client safety either through physical harm, emotional distress or neglect.

Such situations may include (not exhaustive):

• The student fails to meet the assessment requirements as detailed in the unit outline;

• The student is unable to care for patients without an inappropriate, or unattainable degree of supervision in relation to professional skills involving patient comfort or safety;

• The student is unable to perform technical procedures already taught, demonstrated and practised in a prior professional or practical situation;

• The student cannot provide adequate rationale for nursing/midwifery actions because of an inadequate knowledge base;

• The student performs in a manner detrimental to the learning experiences of other students;

• The student breaches the legal, ethical or professional codes relative to professional undergraduate students (eg. breach of confidentiality);

• The student behaves in a manner contributing to risk for self, persons in the care of the health care facility or ambulance service, the health care facility or ambulance service, or a third party;

• The student fails to adhere to the workplace requirements of the health care facility or ambulance service at which they are placed;

• The student is unable to demonstrate English language skills at a level that ensures safe and competent care is delivered to the public (NMBA, 2010: English language skills registration standard).

9.2. At Risk of Failure – Process for Nursing and Midwifery Students

• NMBA 2010 English language skills registration standard.

• The Clinical facilitator / Preceptor will discuss the ‘At Risk’ of failure situation with the student.

• The Clinical Facilitator / Preceptor will complete the Clinical Placement ‘At Risk’ Report (see Appendix H). Signatures are required from the Clinical facilitator, student and the Clinical LIC.

• The Clinical Facilitator / Preceptor will inform the LIC of the Clinical Unit that the student is ‘At Risk’ of failure as soon as possible. The Clinical Placement ‘At Risk’ Report also needs to be lodged with the Clinical LIC.

• Upon consultation with the Clinical LIC, the Clinical Facilitator / Preceptor will determine if the student performance is redeemable through the implementation of a Clinical Learning Contract (see Appendix G).

9.3. Clinical Learning Contract – Process for Nursing and Midwifery Students

• The Clinical Facilitator/preceptor must, without delay, contact the LIC to develop learning

objectives and strategies focused on alleviating any performance deficits identified.

These will be developed using the minimum competency ratings and a time frame for

achievement of objectives will be set.

• The Clinical Facilitator/Preceptor will arrange a meeting with the student to discuss the

requirements of the Learning Contract. The Clinical LIC may attend this meeting at the

request of the Clinical facilitator/preceptor and/or the student. All parties are required to

sign the Clinical Learning Contract. Copies are made for all parties and the completed

document is filed by the LIC.


18

• The student undertakes the objectives and strategies detailed in the Clinical Learning

Contract. If the student achieves the learning objectives outlined in the Clinical Learning

Contract within the timeframe specified the student can continue the allocated clinical

placement. If the learning objectives are not met within the specified timeframe the

student will be awarded a fail (NN) grade for the clinical unit by the LIC.

9.4. Pre-Clinical Learning Action Plan for Nursing and Midwifery Students

If you are identified prior to clinical placement as requiring additional support while on placement you may have a pre-clinical action plan developed for your next placement. The pre-clinical learning action plan will include strategies to support you and the areas you need to develop while on clinical placement.

If you are in one of the following categories you will also be required to have a pre-clinical Learning Action Plan developed:

• You have had an absence of one year or more from clinical practice;

• You have previously failed a clinical placement;

• You have previously been identified as at risk of failing an earlier placement;

• You have been identified by a Lecturer-in-Charge of a clinical integration unit as

requiring greater support while on clinical placement.

9.5. Follow-up after failing a Clinical Unit for all Students

If you receive a fail (NN) grade for your clinical unit you should contact the Lecturer-in-

Charge of the clinical unit to request an appointment to discuss concerns leading to the

failed placement and make plans for your next placement. The LIC will also refer you to the

appropriate person for enrolment advice.


19

10. APPENDIX A: Immunisation Fact Sheet

Immunisation Fact Sheet

Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Nursing/Paramedicine & Bachelor of Paramedicine Students

ACUs minimum immunisation requirements You are required to meet the following minimum requirements regarding your immunisation status. You should contact your health care practitioner for advice regarding immunisation. Clinical office staff will also provide you with additional immunisation information applicable in your state of enrolment (see LEO).

Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis

One documented dose of adult dTpa vaccine.

Hepatitis B

If already vaccinated, serological confirmation post-vaccination to confirm that an adequate response has resulted

or If not already vaccinated, documented evidence of the completion of at least the first injection of the three injection course and an undertaking to complete the remaining two injections within the following six months and serological confirmation post-vaccination to confirm that an adequate response has resulted

Measles, Mumps, Rubella Birth date before 1966; or documented evidence of 2 doses of MMR vaccine at least one month apart; or documented evidence of positive IgG for measles, mumps and rubella.

Tuberculin status - evidence of mantoux test

Evidence of test NSW students – refer to Clinical Office LEO for specific requirements

Varicella Evidence of history of chickenpox; or documentation of physician-diagnosed shingles; or documented evidence of a positive varicella IgG; or documented evidence of age appropriate varicella vaccination.

Why is there a minimum immunisation requirement? ACU has legal agreements in place with all placement facilities and these agreements require ACU to provide evidence of the student’s immunisation status prior to providing patient care. If you are unable to seroconvert to specific immunisations please see Clinical office staff on your campus. If you fail to meet minimum immunisation requirements as per health care facility stipulations, or are a “conscientious objector”, your ability to undertake clinical practice units may be severely impacted. You may also be required to undertake additional immunisation Some health care facilities will have immunisation requirements that may differ to the minimum requirements set by ACU. Often these requirements relate to specific clinical areas and/ or seasons of the year. You may be required to meet additional immunisation requirements set by a health care facility prior to undertaking a placement in that area. ACU also recommends the following additional immunisation To reduce health risks to students, staff and clients, the Faculty of Health Sciences highly recommends that you ensure that you are immunised against all vaccine preventable diseases, including:

• Hepatitis A – QLD students

• Influenza

• Meningococcal C

• Poliomyelitus The Australian Immunisation Handbook provides information relating to all immunisation requirements. It is available at www.immunise.health.gov.au.


20

11. APPENDIX B: FITNESS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE DECLARATION

FITNESS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE DECLARATION

I, (please print full name)……………………………..…..………… Student ID…………………………..

have read and understood the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine’s information on “fitness

for clinical practice”” in the Student Clinical Handbook for the Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of

Midwifery, Bachelor of Nursing/Paramedicine and Bachelor of Paramedicine.

I am aware of and understand my obligation to report any physical, psychological or psychiatric

condition that may affect my ability to undertake clinical practice.

I declare, to the best of my knowledge, that I do not have any condition which would prevent me from

participating in a clinical placement and am thus fit to perform and practice as a Nursing, Midwifery or

Paramedicine student.

Should I develop a physical, psychological or psychiatric condition, or should an existing condition

change at any time after the making of this declaration, I will inform the Clinical Lecturer-in-Charge or

the Clinical Coordinator without delay.

I understand that I may need to provide further documentation to the Clinical Lecturer-in-Charge or the

Clinical Coordinator, such as a current medical clearance, if I have been previously unfit for practice but

are now fit for practice.

Student’s signature:……………………………………………. Date: ……../………/………


21

12. APPENDIX C: STUDENT INCIDENT REPORT

STUDENT INCIDENT REPORT

Date:

Name/s of person/s involved in the incident:

Name and position of person reporting incident:

Address:

Telephone No.:

Date of incident: Time of incident:

Nature of incident or injury:

Location of incident:

Name of witnesses (if any):

Address:

Telephone:

Description of incident: ____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Action taken: ___________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Signature of reportee: ______________________________________________________

Student is required to follow up any injury or illness with their medical practitioner or to follow the health care agency

policies.

This incident has been reported in accordance with the facility's policy: YES NO

Please attach a copy of the Health agency’s Incident Report Form to this Report (if available).

OFFICE USE ONLY:

Reported to: LIC of Clinical Unit Date: _____________ Signature: ________________________

Must be received by the Clinical Coordinator within 24 hours of the incident.

Reported to: Clinical Coordinator Date: _____________ Signature: ________________________


22

13. APPENDIX D: CLINICAL PLACEMENT ‘AT RISK’ REPORT

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES Clinical Placement ‘At Risk’ Report

Student Name

Student ID

Unit Name and Code

Clinical Facilitator

Health Care Facility

Date student notified ‘At Risk’

Critical Incident form completed: YES NO N/A

The Clinical Facilitator is required to:

1. Identify the ANMC competency the student has not achieved 2. Describe a situation to explain why the student has not achieved the competency (evidence)

Facilitator Report:

ANMC Competency Evidence that competency not achieved Actual Competency Level

Facilitators Name/Signature: __________________________ Date: ______________________

Student Name/Signature: __________________________ Date: ______________________


23

14. APPENDIX E: CLINICAL LEARNING CONTRACT & PLAN

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES Clinical Learning Contract

Student Name & ID

Unit Name and Code

Clinical Facilitator

Health Care Facility

Date

Purpose of Clinical Contract:

Pre-clinical learning action plan

Student identified as being ‘at risk’ whilst on clinical placement

1. Evidence of Deficits Identified Within Clinical Performance:

ANMC Competency Evidence that competency was not achieved

2. Contract Confirmation

I agree to undertake the requirements documented in the Contract (overleaf)

Student Name/Signature: _____________________________ Date: __________________

Lecturer/Facilitator Name/Signature: _____________________________ Date: __________________

(Please circle)

Copy 1 – Student Copy 2 – Lecturer-in-Charge Copy 3 – Clinical Facilitator

3. Clinical Learning Contract Completion (to be completed by Lecturer-in-Charge of unit)

NN PS Date: ________________

Lecturer-in-Charge Name: ________________ Lecturer-in-Charge Signature: ________________

4. Student Follow-Up (to be completed by Lecturer-in-Charge of unit)


24

Clinical Learning Plan

ANMC

Competency

Learning objectives focused on

alleviating performance deficits

Actual

Competency

Level (as per

page 3 ACU

competency

tool)

Expected

Competency

Level (as per

page 3 ACU

competency

tool)

Strategies to be implemented to achieve

the objectives

(to be completed by the student in consultation with

the Clinical Facilitator/Lecturer-in-Charge)

Time frame

for

achievement

of

objectives


25

15. APPENDIX F: MANAGEMENT OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE ISSUES ON CLINICAL PLACEMENT – PROCESS MAP

Student identified "At Risk"of failing clinical placement

Clinical Facilitator communicates issues with Clinical LIC and in

collaboration decides on course of action, then:

• Facilitator completes “At Risk” report (Appendix F)

• Facilitator formally discusses issues with student

• Student, Facilitator and Clinical LIC sign “At Risk” report

• Copies of “At Risk” report made for all parties

• ‘At Risk’ report lodged with LIC for student record

Can performance issue be addressed via implementation of a

“Clinical Learning Contract”? (Appendix G)

YES NO

Student is removed from allocated

clinical placement

LIC & Clinical Facilitator develop learning

objectives and strategies for student

“Clinical Learning Contract”

Fail Grade (NN) awarded by LIC

Student contacts LIC to arrange meeting

to debrief, and set objectives and

strategies for next placement utilising

“Pre-clinical Learning contract”

Student referred to Course Coordinator

for course enrolment advice

Student, facilitator and LIC (if requested)

meet to discuss requirements of Clinical

Learning Contract

Student undertakes requirements of

Clinical Learning Contract within time

frames specified

Learning

objectives

NOT MET

within outlined

time frames

Fail Grade (NN)

awarded by LIC

Learning

objectives

MET within

outlined time

frames

Continue clinical

placement

MET NOT MET

nursing, midwifery and paramedicine clinical placement ... · nursing, midwifery and paramedicine...

Documents