Practicum Notes: Benefits, Conduct, and Protocols

Benefits and Privilege of the Practicum

The practicum is the most important part of your education because it provides the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills while still a student.
It’s a privilege to participate: you are a guest in the facility and must act accordingly.
A successful practicum helps you identify and explore your professional direction through real-world experience.

Role and Expectations of the Site Supervisor

The site supervisor assigns work hours, break times, duties, and responsibilities.
You must prove yourself early on to convince the supervisor that you are prepared and personally committed to performing well.
Always aim to leave a best impression and be reliable; be proactive in showing you’re present and ready to work.
Do not rely on others to search for you or remind you of duties; take initiative to be reachable and accountable.

Professional Conduct and Impression

You should consistently exert your best effort to demonstrate professionalism.
Avoid slipping into complacency; demonstrate reliability and accountability.

Career Exploration Benefits of the Practicum

A key benefit is the chance to explore what types of patients you’d like to work with after graduation.
You can experience different kinds of employment locations, which helps in making informed career decisions.

Learning Approach: Questions and Curiosity

Do your best, but don’t be overwhelmed by nerves; asking questions is essential to learning.
Ask questions broadly: there’s never a dumb question; asking questions helps prevent mistakes from assumptions.

Pre-Practicum Considerations: Site Selection and Observations

Do not choose a site where family members or known patients will be present; select a location where you can be viewed as a student rather than as a colleague.
Prefer a site where you don’t already know the patient.
Pre-practicum observations and research are valuable:
- Look for voluntary observation opportunities to view a real-life setting and note what happens there.
- Do research ahead of time: is the facility friendly and service-oriented? Does it have a good reputation?
- Consider how employees interact with coworkers, patients, doctors, and visitors.
- Assess the environment: is it fast-paced or slow-paced? For example, be prepared for fast-paced settings like the ER.
Journal during your practicum: maintain a written record of personal thoughts and reflections, and document information as required by the site (e.g., names, contact details).

Protocols, Policies, and Patient Rights

Familiarize yourself with the site's policies, procedures, and science protocols; apply all policies consistently.
Patients have rights that must be protected; you also have rights within the educational experience; patient rights come first.
Privacy is paramount: adhere to HIPAA and applicable privacy policies; protect what you see, hear, or read at the site.
Medical samples and supplies are for patient use, not for personal use; ensure proper handling and confidentiality.

Privacy, Confidentiality, and Professional Boundaries

Do not engage in discussions of office politics or share potentially compromising information.
Privacy breaches can have serious consequences for both individuals and the practice.

Ethics and Real-World Consequences: Illustrative Cases

Example: An incident where videos of employees outside of work hours harmed the reputation of the practice and led to terminations, even when the employees were unaware of being filmed.
Policy compliance is critical: violating clear policies can result in termination regardless of intentions.
In practice, colleagues’ employment references and future job opportunities can be affected by conduct during practicum and beyond.
Students should reflect on how the actions of a few can impact the whole team and upcoming career opportunities.

Orientation, Rules, and Patient-First Ethos

Site orientation (e.g., Harlem) covers rules, school protocol, and facility-specific procedures mandated for students.
Failure to comply with requirements can result in termination from the practicum.
A guiding principle emphasized during orientation: it’s a privilege to be there, and what’s best for patients always comes first.
Minor infractions are common along the way; learn from them and strive to improve.

Job Shadowing and Scheduling Options

There may be opportunities to job shadow at various facilities (e.g., Savannah Hospital).
Sites often provide a list of options for you to explore; you may have to balance practicum duties with work commitments.

End-of-Session Note and Next Steps

You may finish a session a bit early on some days.
Schedule and attend subsequent sessions; for example, the next meeting is at 05:30.

Connections to Foundational Principles and Real-World Relevance

Professionalism, reliability, and accountability are foundational for clinical practice.
Patient rights, confidentiality, and privacy are central to ethical care delivery.
Practical experience complements classroom learning by enabling application of theory to real patients and settings.
Understanding facility culture, workflows, and pace helps in choosing the right practice environment for long-term fit.
Reflective practice (journaling) supports continuous learning and quality improvement.
Clear policy adherence and professional conduct influence future employment references and career trajectory.

Key Reminders and Practical Tips

Treat practicum as a privilege; be proactive in communication and punctuality.
Ask questions actively; seek clarification to avoid mistakes.
Do pre-practicum research to evaluate fit, culture, and reputation of potential sites.
Keep patient rights and privacy at the forefront; never disclose confidential information.
Observe and learn from all interactions, including how staff communicate with patients, families, and colleagues.
Maintain a reflective journal and submit required records to the site as directed.
Be mindful of the impact of your actions on your team and future opportunities.