Faculty Expectations of Students Undertaking Rural Placements

Supervision

Students engaging in practice are getting rural clinical experience and their status as students must be respected. This means they are supernumerary to the usual health facility staff, and whilst on placement, must remain under the direction and supervision of a health professional at all times.

Self-directed Learning

The role of the clinical supervisor is to facilitate learning. It is the student's responsibility to learn as much as possible from the rural placement. This is referred to as self-directed learning and health professionals are not expected to take over this responsibility.

Attendance

Theory and practice are not regarded as separate entities, therefore students are in effect undertaking extended practical classes away from the University. Attendance at clinical practice is compulsory, and students are expected to negotiate starting and finishing times directly with the health professionals they are working with.

Flexibility is, however, necessary. Students may leave the setting to look for information or research so they can better understand issues that arise during the practice experience or spend time with other health professionals. However, students must first discuss any proposal to undertake activities away from the clinical setting with the health professional they are working with.

Absence

If students are unable to attend clinical practice, they must notify the health professional they are working with and the University contact person.

Conduct and Appearance

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, acceptable to colleagues, clients and patients. If students behave in any way that is inappropriate the University should be contacted immediately.

Students are expected to be neat and tidy when they attend clinical placement . Exact dress requirements should be negotiated with each health agency at the commencement of the rural placement. Students are required to wear University identification tags at all times during clinical practice.

Confidentiality

All of the information students are witness to during a rural placement is of a confidential nature, and they must respect this confidentiality. All clients must be asked for permission prior to students being involved with their management. It is understood that there will be times when it is not appropriate for students to be involved in specific activities.