Preparing for clinical placements

Here are some tips from University of Newcastle:

https://www.newcastle.edu.au/about-uon/governance-and-leadership/faculties-and-schools/faculty-of-health-and-medicine/resources/for-students/student-placement-information/the-placement-experience

HOW SHOULD I ACT ON PLACEMENT?

At all times you should demonstrate professional behaviour and comply with all attendance requirements, actively participate in learning experiences, and demonstrate respect for peers, supervisors and patients / clients. You should:

• be punctual
• dress professionally for your placement and adhere to any School or Facility specific dress codes (like uniforms)
• demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity
• display UON student identification card (with photograph) or School-specific placement cards (with photograph) as directed by your School
• adhere to the rules, regulations and by-laws of the placement facility
• show consideration in regards to the rights and properties of others
• meet the statutory and / or facility requirements regarding privacy and confidentiality
• refrain from any form of misconduct such as:
  • inappropriate behaviour and /or language
  • knowingly performing procedures beyond your level of learning
  • demonstrating intimidation
  • argumentation and disrespect

In some placement facilities mobile phones may interfere with the effective operation of electronic equipment. Just in case, make sure your mobile phone is switched off before attending a placement facility unless otherwise informed.

WHAT ARE THE PATIENT / CLIENT RIGHTS?

All patients/clients have a right to free and informed consent. You must always ask a patient/client for their consent to see them, talk with them, undertake a physical examination, access their patient/client notes or be involved in their care. You need to make sure that the patient/client understands that you are a student.

While most patient/clients are generous and will allow you to interact with them, some patients/clients may decline consent. It is expected that you will respect this decision.

It is an expectation that all students obtaining consent are familiar with the process and are aware of particular circumstances which influence the provision of informed consent. These include the patient's culture, language barriers or impact of medical or psychiatric illness. You should review your course notes for specific guidance or discuss the relevant issues with your Course Coordinator or placement supervisor.

Patient information is confidential. You should not identify a patient in any documentation or assignments. Any form of copying or photographing of patient information is not permitted. Each Health Facility will have a policy about the process of accessing a patient's record.

From RCH:

http://www.rch.org.au/studentorientation/2_preparing_for_placement/Preparing_for_placement/

Preparing for Practice

In order to get the most out of your placement at RCH it is important to:

• Be prepared - have a good understanding of the situation and gather as much information as possible. E.g. read the Unit Record; speak to other professionals involved; know the names of the parents and patient; know the medical condition of the child; organise an interpreter if required.
• Know your role - negotiate with your supervisor prior to meeting the family what your role and responsibilities will be: e.g. are you there to observe, should you contribute etc.
• Be respectful - Demonstrate respect and give your full attention in the meeting. Be aware of how your presentation, (Nonverbal behaviours) is perceived by others.
• Have a purpose - So that you can feel confident in the questions you ask; know what information you are trying to retrieve and what you can offer the family; don't feel embarrassed if you don't know the answer or feel that the topic requires a higher level of experience/knowledge - let them know you will find out and then check with your supervisor. 
• Be honest - introduce yourself as a student and don't be offended if the family would prefer to work with a qualified professional. This is a teaching hospital and most of our famlies are aware of that.
• Respect confidentiality and privacy - read, understand and sign the confidentiality and privacy agreement given to you at the beginning of your placement. Close the curtains or doors when discussing personal information with families; utilise private spaces where required and possible and obtain consent to share personal information with other agencies.

These are the videos I'm watching for IM:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YkHXtiSsuc&list=PLpy31mWaA4A4YVv4uIo11P8mA8tScc6SJ

plus my OUM ones on Moodle (same topics but far more boring).