chapter 7 makely

practicum

real-life learning experience obtained through working on-site in a health care facility while enrolled as a student.

different terms for the practicum experience

clinicals, externship, internship, hands-on experience, professional practice experience

Benefits of a Practicum Experience

opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired during the classroom portion of your training in an actual health care setting while still a student. If you perform well, your practicum could also result in an employment recommendation or a job offer when you graduate.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

true or false: your site supervisor has the right to terminate your practicum at any point in time f he or she believes that your appearance, attitude, or performance negatively impacts the site’s patients,

true

why must you prove yourself in the early stages of your practicum

to convince the site supervisor that you are prepared and personally committed to performing well.

how its performance during practicum evaluated

based on criteria established by your school and educational program.

vaccinations typically requirees for clearance for a practicum

MMR, tetanus, diptheria, pertussis, hep b

research to do beofre a pracitcum

• review the companys website and printed materiasl

• ask for permission to contact the site ahead of time. speak with the site supervisor and introduce yourself

• travel to the site prior to start date. note:ravel time. What time do you need to leave home in order to arrive at your site on time? How much traffic should you anticipate? What if the parking lot is full? What if your bus connection is running late? Imagine the “worst-case scenario” and have contingency plans.

things to do during a practicum

keep a small notepad with you and take notes. Write down questions that you may want to ask later on. When you think of a question, it may not be the appropriate time to ask it.

what can journaling help you do

regroup” your feelings, process your experiences, and reflect upon what you've learned.

when should you read a patients medical records

never unless instructed to do so

how is a private information shared

on a need to know basis

need to know basis

information is made available only to those people who need to know it to care for patients and conduct the site’s business.

Health care facilities have injury and illness prevention programs and hazard communication programs to identify:

Which hazards are present and how to prevent injuries from them e How to use the hazard communication system e Which chemicals are present and where they're stored and used. e How to respond to chemical and biohazard spills ¢ How to access and use personal protection equipment e How to report and respond to a fire ¢ How to report an injury or illness during work hours and complete the necessary paperwork

basic safety tips to keep in mind to help prevent accidents at the site:

• Never run in the hallways; walk on the right-hand side of the hall. Use handrails when climbing or descending the stairs.

• Watch out for swinging doors.

• Don’t play around; rowdy and childish behavior will not be tolerated.

• Always check labels; don’t use anything from a container that’s not labeled.

• Place litter in containers. ¢ Dispose of needles in designated sharps containers.

• Wipe up spills using gloves and other precautions when called for. Prevent situations that could lead to slips, trips, and falls.

• Avoid using malfunctioning equipment and report the situation to your supervisor. Don’t use electrical cords that are damaged. e Report any injury to yourself or others immediately.

office politics

clique-like relationships among groups of coworkers that involve scheming and plotting

one reason why sites provide practicum experience

having students present in the facility helps keep the staff “on their toes.”

what shoukd you do on the last day of your practicum

personally thank everyone at your site with whom you worked. Let them know how much you appreciate the opportunity to be there and the encouragement and support they provided.

List three benefits of the practicum experience.

enhancing practical skills, building professional network , gaining real-world experience

good ways to prepare for a practicum

• review the sites printed materials and online information

• inquire about the dress code

• call your site supervisor to confirm your start date and assigned hours

• determine the travel time to the site and locate parking lots

when you should visit the site of your practicum

a few days before your first day

why do employers often hire graduates who did their practicum at their facility

• hit the ground running

• familiar with procedures

• completed orientation and ready to work

• operate the facility equipment

• know how to process the paperwork

what can create negative issues when using social media during a practicum

• naming the facility where you are doing your practicum

• posting pictures of a coworkers party involving alcohol etc

• identifying by name your patient

• texting family during work hours

basic safety tips when working in a healthcare facility

• place litter in containers,

• watch out for swinging doors

• use handrails when using the stairs

• never use damaged electrical cords

true or false: when you ask questions you do not have to write them down, just ask again if you are unsure

false

ways to ensure success during your practicum

display good attendance and punctuality. display enthusiasm, initiative and positive attitude. good communication and teamwork skills. maintain patient confidentiality.

reasons for putting your practicum site first (4)

participating is a privilege, you are a guest, site supervisor can terminate your experience with good reason, your performance could impact the sites reputation

what if anything should you do if you must be absent for a day during your practicum

call your instructor and site manager

when is it acceptable to help yourself to free samples at your practicum site

never

what is appropriate clothing for your practicum

clothes consistent with the sites dress code

how should you handle office politics during your practicum

avoid office politics