Experiential Learning Requirements

Experiential Learning “supports students in gaining hands-on learning that helps them transition to employment”^[1]. Experiential Learning can take the form of co-operative education, degree work placement, clinical/field placement, fieldwork/simulation labs, capstone/applied research projects, and service-learning.

Placement Requirements Processes and Guidelines Fall 2024

Program Clinical Placement Requirements

Labs & Clinical Applications Attendance

Attendance is mandatory for all labs, clinical orientations (school and placement), and clinical practice. In order to provide quality practicum placements, students will be placed in a variety of healthcare facilities and agencies in the region contracted by the college. Student practicum placements will involve working the hours dictated by the needs of the practicum agency and/or assigned preceptor’s schedule. For example, eight or twelve-hour shifts may start as early as 6:30 am and evening shifts may finish as late as 11:00 pm.

Students must complete the practice hours’ as per the requirements of the course. Patterns of absenteeism or inconsistent attendance and punctuality in lab and clinical will affect the consistency of student learning, skill competency, and evaluation by the Instructor. A student who misses lab/ clinical hours will jeopardize successful course completion.

When a student is unable to be present for lab or clinical, the student must do the following at a minimum of one hour prior to the scheduled time

• contact the Lab/Clinical/Placement Instructor/ Faculty advisor via email and/or telephone (voicemail) prior to scheduled start time
• contact the clinical unit by telephone.

Failure to notify their Lab/Clinical Instructor/ Faculty advisor and clinical unit in advance reflects a lack of accountability and may result in a failing grade. The students who miss clinical hours will be required to communicate with their clinical instructor to identify if the student will be able to meet the course requirements to be successful in the course.

Evaluation Methods Policy

The passing grade of “C” set by the program for individual courses supersede the College grading system. A “P- Pass” grade is required for all students to achieve in order to successful in al lab and clinical courses

Evaluative methods used in courses in the PN program include, Reflective assignments, lab/lecture guides/manuals, learning goals, clinical practice evaluations, and return demonstrations.

Performance Test Policy

Attendance is mandatory for all evaluative methods. To participate in the return demonstration test students must provide a Centennial College photo-ID card. Students who do not have official photo-ID will be permitted to engage in the return demonstration test with a substitute photo-ID, but they will be required to produce photo-ID at the program or department office within 24 hours or the next business day following the return demonstration test.

Failure on the part of the student to adhere to the above criteria will result in a grade of “F – Fail” for that evaluative method if the student did not:

• notify the Instructor via email in advance of the scheduled return demonstration test. (The Instructor will schedule the missed return demonstration on a case by case basis.)
• provide Centennial ID or official photo-ID to their lab or clinical instructor

In order to participate, in all lab and clinical application courses in the PN program, students must be capable of fully meeting all the criteria and components outlined in the College of Nurses of Ontario (2012) document: Requisite Skills and Abilities for nursing practice in Ontario. (Please review prior to attending lab and clinical each semester while in the program).

Lab skills and/or clinical client assignments/responsibilities cannot be modified, even on a temporary basis. For example, a student who has sustained a physical injury may not modify their client assignment or responsibilities in the clinical placement. In such case, a student must provide appropriate documentation to the Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling by first contacting them and booking an appointment. Students will be required to provide, Physician or Nurse Practitioner documentation that states he or she can participate in all physical activities required in the course.  If, at any time in the program, a student has any concerns about his/her ability to meet this requirement, please notify the lab or clinical instructor.

Based on the principles of public safety, Centennial College has suspended clinical and onsite unpaid field placements. Field and clinical placements, and all or part of unpaid internships may be moved to teaching at a distance where feasible. In programs where placements or unpaid internships cannot not be facilitated through alternative/distance models, students will be allowed to complete these components at a later date.

Students are not required to complete the work experience component of their program while public health directives are in place and students may complete placement requirements at a later date. However, students may opt to complete their placement requirements at sites currently deemed as essential workplaces (that are willing to accept the student) either onsite, following appropriate health and safety protocols, or remotely. Students who voluntarily accept such placements will be asked to read and sign a Student Informed Consent form in order ensure that they understand their rights and the potential health and safety risks. Similarly, employers and/or placement hosts will be required to complete an Employer/Placement Health and Safety Site Checklist.

The status of clinical/field placements and co-op work terms will be subject to public health directives and the reopening plan. Students may complete their placement requirements at sites that are permitted to open, either onsite, following appropriate health and safety protocols, or remotely. Students will be asked to read and sign a Student Informed Consent form in order to ensure that they understand their rights and the potential health and safety risks. Similarly, employers and/or placement hosts will be required to complete an Employer/Placement Health and Safety Site Checklist.

If workplaces are not permitted to open, placements and work terms may be completed remotely where feasible. In programs where placements or unpaid internships can not be facilitated through alternative/distance models, students will be allowed to complete these components at a later date.

CLINICAL AGENCY UNIFORM GUIDELINES

Footwear and hosiery
• Designated footwear is to be used only within clinical agencies.
• Clean, low-heeled white duty shoes; laced or loafers; leather or vinyl uppers with crepe or rubber soles; running shoes may be worn if they are used only for clinical; must be entirely white with no color stripes or markings/logos
• White or beige-colored stockings; white ankle socks

Sweaters, Warm-up Jackets
• White cardigans, or warm-up jackets that match uniforms may be worn. Please remove these sweaters or warm-up jackets prior to giving direct patient care.

Jewelry, Make-up and Personal Hygiene
• A plain gold wedding band, watch with a second hand and stud earrings may be worn; hoop earrings are not to be worn as they are a safety hazard. No other visible jewelry/piercings are permitted.
• Students may be asked to cover visible tattoos
• Hair longer than shoulder length must be tied back
• Fingernails must be kept short, clean and free of polish
• Good grooming and personal hygiene must be maintained; this includes regular bathing, use of deodorants/antiperspirants and good oral hygiene
• Avoid using perfumes, aftershave and other scented products as many people have allergies and sensitivities to these products

Photo I.D.
• Centennial College photo identification should be either worn or on your person at all times on college property and during clinical practice. Photo I.D. pictures will be taken during Semester 1 via https://myphoto.centennialcollege.ca/

COVID-19 Vaccine

Please note that while the College does not require COVID-19 vaccination, students are required to follow the policies in place at work-term/placement sites. This means that you may be required to provide proof of vaccination to your employer/placement host in order to participate in and complete your work term/placement.