EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM
STUDENT HANDBOOK
CLASS OF 2003 2005
All
Contents Revised: 7/03
EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM
STUDENT HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Purpose
of Student Handbook
..
.4
Observation of Rules and
Regulations
..
4
Section I:
University and Program Overview
I. Description
and Objectives
..
..
.
5
II. Institutional
Vision and Mission Statements
..
..
.
6
III. Program
Mission
.7
IV. Program
Goals
7
V. Accreditation
..
.
7
VI. Advisory
Committee
...
.
7
VII. Certification
Requirements
.
8
VIII. Program
Faculty
.
9
IX.. Code of
Ethics
10
X. Professionalism
...
11
XI. HIPAA
11
XII. Chain of
Command
.
12
Section II: Student
Responsibilities
I. Fidelity
..
..13
II. Ethics/Morals
..
..
.13
III. Confidentiality
of Patient Records and Information
..
.
14
IV. Impaired
Functioning
.
..14
V. Student
Responsibilities
....16
VI. Faculty
Expectations
.16
VII.
Injuries/Illness
.
..18
VIII. Penalties
20
IX. Clinical
Dress Code
..21
X. Student
Supervision
..22
XI. Repeat
Radiograph Policy
22
XII. University
Sponsored Activities
23
XIII. Absences Due
to Emergency, Special Circumstances, or Illness
23
XIV. Appeal of the
Faculty Members Decision
.
..23
XV. Professional
Activities & Day
.
..23
XVI. General
Attendance Policy
.
..24
XVII. Didactic
Attendance Policy
.
..24
XVIII. Clinical
Attendance Policy
.
...24
XIX. Clinical
Tardiness Policy
..
25
XX. Clinical
Assignments
..
..25
XXI. Clinical
Education Transfers
..
.25
XXII. Clinical
Education Meals/Breaks
..
26
XXIII. Malpractice
Insurance
..
26
XXIV. Compensatory Time
Clinical Education
..26
XXV. CPR
Certification
.26
XXVI. Lead
Identification Markers
.26
Section III: Student
Rights and Protection
I. Standard
Precautions
..
..27
II. Health
Requirements
..
..27
III. Health
Insurance Policy
..
.27
IV. Student
Employment Policy
.
.28
V. Student
Records
29
VI. Energized
Radiographic Laboratory Policy
.29
VII. Radiation
Protection Policy
..29
VIII. Student
Pregnancy Policy
.29
VIII. Notification
of Pregnancy Form
..31
Section IV:
Radiography Program Curriculum
I. Student
Admission Requirements
32
II. Program
Completion Requirements
32
III. Curriculum
Policy
33
IV. Clinical
Competency Evaluation Policy
.
.
33
V. Radiography
Program Grade Policy
.
.
.34
Section V:
Disciplinary Procedures
I.
Stipulations
for Dismissal/Suspension
.
35
II.
Readmission
Criteria
35
III. Appeal
Mechanisms
..36
IV. JRCERT Non-Compliance
Policy
.
..36
Statement of Understanding
38
Personal Data Sheet
..39
PURPOSE OF THE STUDENT
HANDBOOK
The purpose of
this handbook is to provide the student a guide of useful information regarding
the organization and policies, as well as the academic and clinical components
of the Radiography Program at East Tennessee State University (ETSU).
OBSERVATION OF RULES AND REGULATIONS
Students
enrolled in the ETSU Radiography Program are responsible for observing
university rules and regulations as stated in the current University
Undergraduate Catalog and Spectrum. In
addition, the rules and regulations of each clinical education center must also
be observed. The clinical education
centers, while separately located, are considered an integral part of the
college campus. The radiography
faculty and ETSU reserves the right to change, delete, supplement, or otherwise
amend at any time the information, rules, and policies contained herein without
prior notice. Changes shall go into
effect whenever the proper authorities so determine, and shall apply to both
present and prospective students. It is
the student's responsibility to secure a University Undergraduate Catalog,
Spectrum, Radiography Program Policy Manual, and Radiography Program Clinical
Competency Manual. Students entering
the Program of Radiography must complete the required curriculum as stated in
the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog in effect at the time of acceptance.
EAST
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
RADIOGRAPHY
PROGRAM
SECTION
I: UNIVERSITY AND PROGRAM OVERVIEW
I. DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
The program of study correlates
didactic and clinical instruction enabling the student to be competent in their concentration area with
a humanistic approach enabling graduates to
competently perform tasks identified in the scope of practice as autonomous
health care providers. Students admitted to the program must have a
strong and diverse academic
background that will facilitate individual judgment, critical thinking skills,
and utilization of appropriate
professional decision-making skills.
Students must also possess psychomotor,
cognitive, and affective skills demonstrating competence, flexibility, responsibility, and sensitivity to client
populations. As recommended by Elder
& Nick (1997) the program of study
emphasizes the attainment of knowledge and skills as they relate to human relations, communication,
ethics, critical and analytical thinking, and reasoning
skills.
The primary objective of the program
is to prepare students to qualify as contributing members of the allied health team dedicated to the conservation
of life and the maintenance of health,
which includes prevention and treatment of disease by:
A.
supporting the
University's mission by educating students to become responsible, enlightened, and productive citizens.
B. providing a
quality education, didactic and clinical practice, in the allied health sciences for the preparation of health
professionals for advanced positions or leadership
roles according to the criteria set by the accrediting and professional agencies.
C. broadening
the student's knowledge through study in the liberal arts and sciences to generalize their theoretical
learning.
D.
fostering
independent critical thinking, life-long learning, and the necessary skills to adapt to
changing environments.
E. developing
the student's ability to function and communicate effectively as an active member of the health care team
appreciating social, mental, intellectual, physical,
and spiritual factors that influence the health of diverse populations.
F. promoting
the professions associated with allied health addressing the importance of specific roles and associated
professional issues.
G. providing
competent practitioners with education at the baccalaureate level that provides in-depth concentrated learning
experiences and promotes student sensitivity
of the health care environment.
H. expanding
opportunities for job mobility and promotion.
I. providing the health care community with a professional
appropriate workforce.
The
Radiography Program offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Allied Health. Students are assigned among six agencies for
clinical experience during the program of study. After graduation, students are eligible to apply for admission to
write the Registry examination as administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Upon successful completion of this
examination, the graduate will be able to place the initials R.T.(R) after
their name. The professional
radiographer recognition denotes a practitioner that is trained in the
administration of penetrating ionizing radiation to humans or animals for
diagnostic or research purposes. The
radiographer is part of a medical team who performs effectively by:
A.
applying knowledge of
anatomy, physiology, positioning, and radiographic
techniques to accurately demonstrate anatomical structures on a radiograph
or other image receptor.
B. determining
exposure factors to achieve optimum radiographic techniques with minimum radiation exposure to the
patient.
C. evaluating
radiographic images for appropriate positioning and image quality.
D. applying
the principles of radiation protection for the patient, self, and others.
E. providing patient care and comfort.
F. recognizing emergency patient conditions
and initiating life-saving first aid
and basic life-support procedures.
G. detecting
equipment, malfunctions, reporting the same to the proper authority, and knowing the
safe limits of equipment operation.
H. exercising independent judgment and
discretion in the technical performance
of medical imaging procedures.
I. participating in radiograhic quality
assurance programs.
J. providing patient/public
education related to radiographic procedures and radiation protection/safety.
II. INSTITUTIONAL
VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS
ETSU's
vision is to become the best regional university in the country. The mission of ETSU is to educate students
to become responsible, enlightened, and productive citizens; Conduct
scholarship that improves the human condition; Serve business, education,
government, health care systems, and community; and, enhance the cultural
environment of the region. ETSU is an institution of higher education designed
to improve the quality of life in the service area by preparing students for
careers and professional service at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral
levels.
The Radiography Program supports the
institutional philosophy of broad undergraduate programming inclusive of a
liberal arts education with "special programs leading to a primary level
of expertise in the arts and sciences and in selected professional fields"
serving "business, education, government, health care systems, and
community." This degree also
supports the mission of the Division of Health Sciences by serving "the
state, region, and nation as a comprehensive academic health science
center." Program goals regarding
teaching, research, service, and life-long learning support the college and
department's missions of integrating "teaching, research, and service to
create an environment conducive to quality education...with experience
necessary for life-long learning in the health professions.
III. PROGRAM MISSION
The mission of the Radiography
Program is to serve the respective allied health professions, the university, and the community through the
accomplishments and activities of the
faculty and students.
IV. PROGRAM GOALS
A.
To support the Universitys
mission of becoming the best regional university in the country
B. To
provide a quality education, didactic and clinical practice, in the allied
health sciences for the preparation of health professionals for advanced
positions or leadership roles according to the criteria set by the respective
accrediting and professional agencies
C. To
broaden the students knowledge through study in the liberal arts and sciences
to generalize their theoretical learning
D. To
foster independent critical thinking, life-long learning, and the necessary
skills to adapt to changing environments
E. To
develop the students ability to function and communicate effectively as an
active member of the health care team appreciating social, mental,
intellectual, physical, and spiritual factors that influence the health of
diverse populations
F. To
promote the professions associated with allied health addressing the importance
of specific roles and associated professional issues
G. Provide
competent practitioners with education beyond that of a two-year graduate with
in-depth concentrated learning experiences and promote student sensitivity of
the health care environment
H. To expand opportunities for job mobility
and promotion
I. To
provide the health care community with a professional, appropriate workforce
V. ACCREDITATION
A. Sponsoring
Institution Accreditation:
East
Tennessee State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
B. Program
Accreditation
The Radiography Program
is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on
Education in Radiologic Technology.
VI. ADVISORY COMMITTEE
A. The
Radiography Programs Advisory Committee functions in accordance with
institutional guidelines and supports the missions of the institution and
program. The committee is representative
of clinical education agencies, academic interests, institutional
representatives, radiography students, and/or communities of interest.
B. The committee shall meet on the third
Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in the months of March, July, and October. The committee chairperson distributes the
agenda, and the minutes are recorded and filed. The advisory committees responsibilities are inclusive of
program planning, evaluation, and external validation. The committee acts as an information
resource. Specifically, the committee
periodically reviews the curriculum ensuring that new techniques and procedures
are reflected, revisits the program goals and outcomes, assists in exit and
postgraduate evaluations of student capabilities, serves in a public relations
capacity with the medical and allied health communities, and assists in the
placement of graduates.
VII. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Upon completion of all requirements for
graduation from ETSU, students are eligible to apply for admission to the
certification examination in radiography administered by the American Registry
of Radiologic Technologists
(ARRT). ARRT examinations are available
at Sylvan Technology Centers throughout the country. Graduates passing the ARRT examination are registered in Radiography.
The Registry requires candidates to
be of good moral character as well as graduates of an accredited program.
In the Examinee Handbook, the ARRT states that a charge of a misdemeanor or felony indicates a
lack of good moral character for Registry purposes. Those convicted
of such a crime may be eligible for registration if deemed appropriate
by the ARRT. The ARRT may be contacted at (612) 687-0048 for individual
consultation.
VIII. PROGRAM
FACULTY
Shirley J. Cherry, MBA,RT(R) Director, Imaging
Sciences
Director,
Radiography Program
Assistant
Professor, ETSU
Mark A. Hagy, M.S.,R.T.(R) Clinical
Coordinator
Assistant
Professor, ETSU
Vickie Henegar, R.T.(R) Clinical
Instructors
Amber Barker,
R.T.(R) Holston Valley
Medical Center Kingsport, TN
Karen Tipton, R.T.(R) Clinical Instructor
Indian
Path Medical Center Kingsport, TN
Sherry Sneed, R.T.(R) Clinical
Instructors
Christy Barr, R.T.(R) Johnson City Medical
Center
Johnson
City, TN
Glen Mitchell, R.T.(R)CT)(MR) Clinical
Instructors
Wanda Wiseman, R.T.(R) Laughlin
Memorial
Hospital
Greeneville,
TN
Larry Brewer, R.T.(R)(N)(CNMT) Clinical Instructor
Sycamore
Shoals Hospital Elizabethton, TN
Dexter Brummitt, R.T.(R) Clinical
Instructors
Janice Bowden, R.T.(R) Quillen Medical Center
Mountain Home, TN
IX. CODE OF ETHICS
1. The Radiologic
Technologist conducts himself/herself in a professional manner, responds to patient needs, and supports
colleagues and associates in providing quality
patient care.
2. The Radiologic
Technologist acts to advance the principle objective of the profession to provide services to
humanity with full respect for the dignity of mankind.
3. The Radiologic
Technologist delivers patient care and service unrestricted by concerns of personal attributes or the
nature of the disease or illness, and without discrimination, regardless of sex,
race, creed, religion, or socioeconomic status.
4. The Radiologic
Technologist practices technology founded upon theoretical knowledge and concepts, utilizes
equipment and accessories consistent with the
purpose for which it has been designed, and employs procedures and
techniques
appropriately.
5. The Radiologic
Technologist assesses situations, exercises care, discretion and judgment, assumes responsibility for
professional decisions, and acts in the best interest
of the patient.
6. The Radiologic
Technologist acts as an agent through observation and communication to obtain pertinent information for the
physician to aid in the diagnosis
and treatment management of the patient, and recognizes that interpretation
and diagnosis are outside the scope of practice for the profession.
7. The Radiologic
Technologist utilizes equipment and accessories, employs techniques and procedures, performs
services in accordance with an accepted standard
of practice, and demonstrates expertise in minimizing the radiation exposure to
the patient, self and other members of the health care team.
8. The Radiologic
Technologist practices ethical conduct appropriate to the profession and protects the patients
right to quality radiologic technology care.
9. The Radiologic
Technologist respects confidences entrusted in the course of professional practice, respects the
patients right to privacy, and reveals confidential
information only as required by law or to protect the welfare of the individuals
or the community.
10. The
Radiologic Technologist continually strives to improve knowledge and skills by participating in educational and
professional activities, sharing knowledge with colleagues and investigating new
and innovative aspects of professional practice. One
means available to improve knowledge and skills is through professional continuing
education.
Adopted by: The American Society of Radiologic
Technologists The American Registry of
Radiologic Technologists
X. PROFESSIONALISM
Because various health care agencies
are affiliated with the Department of Health Related Professions, students can participate in the clinical
environment. Students are expected to demonstrate
professional behavior at all times.
This requires that the student:
·
must
be responsible for his/her own actions.
·
must abide by the clinical agency
standards, procedures, policies, rules, and regulations.
·
must exhibit a good attitude, maturity,
responsibility, punctuality, initiative, and enthusiasm.
·
must avoid non-patient connection
distractions.
·
ask questions of staff/instructor. Questions should be constructive, asked in a
tactful manner, and should be geared to learning
outcomes.
·
must refrain from gossiping, spreading
rumors, needless complaining, loud talking, boisterous laughing, gum chewing, and
any other activities that could disturb patients and would be out of place in the
clinical/university setting.
·
should take criticism constructively. Complaints or grievances should be discussed with the appropriate
instructor. Hostile attitudes will not
resolve conflicts. Energy should be focused to promote
improvements in clinical
competency.
·
act in a manner indicative of someone
eager to learn.
·
maintain professional relationships with affiliate
staff and staff at all times.
·
not exhibit rudeness, lack of cooperation,
flirting, nor overly friendly attention as these
behaviors are unacceptable.
·
have patient-centered conversations in the
presence of a patient. Other than
the exchange of purely
technical information, all remarks should be made with the patients comfort and
sensitivities in mind.
XI. HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) further ensures confidentiality of patient
records. Prospective and current
students must maintain patient confidentiality. Consequences will be federal charges.
CHAIN OF COMMAND
ETSU CLINICAL
AGENCIES
President CEO
Vice President, Health Affairs Vice President
Dean, College of Public &
Allied Health
Chair,
Department of Health Related Professions
Director,
Imaging Sciences Director of Radiology
Program Director
Didactic Instructors Clinical Coordinator
Clinical
Instructors Clinical Staff
Students
EAST TENNESSEE STATE
UNIVERSITY
RADIOGRAHY PROGRAM
SECTION II: STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
I. FIDELITY
An obligation to uphold the dignity and
honor of your chosen profession exists in your
personal and professional life. Achievement of professional and personal
integrity will
enhance and promote the status of this
allied health profession. This implies
that you
will:
A. practice
radiologic technology in accordance with recognized and accepted criteria.
Identify yourself as a student technologist.
B. support
and cooperate with local, state, and national societies that strive to advance
the knowledge, understanding, and new developments in medical imaging.
C. holistically
embody physical and emotional health that affords maximum proficiency. Consequently, personal, professional,
social, and economic status will be enhanced.
D. respect
the dignity and individuality of every human regardless of race, creed,
nationality, color, economic, disability, or other status.
E. interpret
the art and science of radiography and its role and function to individuals and
the public to promote an understanding of radiologic technology.
II. ETHICS/MORALS
A. Students
accepted into a program in the Department of Health Related Professions are
expected to demonstrate professional behavior and demeanor that is expected of
a health care provider. Professional
behavior encompasses a broad range of expectations, including the expectation
of trustworthiness and at all times keeping the welfare of the individual
receiving care a priority.
B. To this end, any instance of student
intent to misrepresent facts will be cause for
immediate program dismissal.
Misrepresentation of facts, verbal or written, can include but not necessarily be limited to, the
following situations:
1. bribery in any form.
2. deliberate
withholding information about a patient, patient care, and/or self.
3. plagiarism in written
reports/assignments.
4. presenting another student's work as
one's own.
5. cheating in any form.
6. forgery or falsification of any
document in any form.
C. Students
guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through
participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the course
instructor.
III. CONFIDENTIALITY
OF PATIENT RECORDS AND INFORMATION
In
the process of performing one's assigned duty in the healthcare facility, it is
possible to overhear information regarding patients, physicians, and/or
hospital staff, which must be considered confidential. You are directed, therefore, not to discuss
outside the healthcare facility, or even with other healthcare facility
students or employees these bits of information. Even casual conversation with other students may be overheard and
thereby violate the right of privacy of others. Be particularly careful about your conversation in elevators,
eating-places, and other places of assembly within or outside the healthcare
facility.
A. Any
discussion of patient information must occur for the purpose of fulfilling
clinical assignments. Idle conversation
regarding patient care is not exhibiting appropriate demeanor for healthcare
professionals.
B. The
patient owns the information contained in their medical record and the
healthcare facility owns the medical record document. Therefore, students cannot remove original, microfilmed, or
photocopied medical records from the facility's premise. Any health data that identifies a patient,
physician, or healthcare provider by name is considered to be confidential
information.
C. Confidential
information is privileged information that may not be disclosed without proper,
written authorization from the patient.
Not only is medical information confidential, but also identifying
information, such as a patient's age, address on discharge, and the service or
medical unit on which the patient was hospitalized. Unauthorized disclosure of health information is a breach of
confidentiality punishable by state or federal law. Students who release health information without proper
authorization will be dismissed from the program.
IV. IMPAIRED
FUNCTIONING
A. East
Tennessee State University must maintain a safe, efficient, academic
environment for students and provide effective, safe patient care while
students participate in the clinical setting.
The presence or use of substances, lawful or otherwise which interfere
with student judgment or motor coordination, poses an unacceptable risk for
patients, colleagues, the institution, and the healthcare agency. Therefore, the unlawful use, manufacture,
possession, distribution, or dispensing of alcohol or illegal drugs, the misuse
of legally prescribed or "over-the-counter" drugs, or being under the
influence of such substances while engaged in any clinical experience poses an
unacceptable risk and is strictly prohibited.
For purposes of this policy, "being under the influence" is
defined as meaning that the student's judgment or motor coordination is
impaired due to the presence or use of any of the substances mentioned above.
B. If
a student appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or is
functioning in any impaired manner, the faculty or agency personnel responsible
for that student has the responsibility of dismissing the student from clinical
experience that day. All time missed
must be made up in accord with the Program Attendance Policy.
1. ALCOHOL: Alcohol use by any student while performing
assigned responsibilities is prohibited.
"Being under the influence" means that alcohol or drugs, or a
combination of drugs/alcohol affects the student, in any detectable manner,
which interferes with safe performance of duties. Symptoms of influence are not confined to those consistent with
misbehavior, nor to obvious impairments of physical and mental ability, e.g.
slurred speech or difficulty in maintaining balance. A determination of "influence" can be established by a
professional opinion, a scientifically valid test, and, in some cases such as
alcohol, by a layperson's opinion.
2. LEGAL DRUGS: Being under the influence of a legal drug,
prescribed
or self-administered, by any student while performing assigned responsibilities
is prohibited if use or influence may affect safety of self, patients,
co-workers, or the public. If
determined that a student does not pose a safety threat to others and
performance is not affected, the student will be allowed to carry out assigned
responsibilities.
3. ILLEGAL
DRUGS: The use, sale, purchase,
transfer, or possession by any student of an illegal drug, which is defined as
any drug (1) which is not legally obtainable, or (2) which is legally
obtainable but has not been legally obtained, is prohibited. This includes marijuana. The presence in any detectable amount of
illegal drugs while performing assigned responsibilities is prohibited. Students may be required to take blood
tests, urinalysis, and/or other drug/alcohol screening tests:
a. as part of a periodic physical
examination.
b. when
clinical supervisory personnel (faculty or hospital employee), fellow students,
or a student's self-professed use determine that the circumstances justify
testing.
4. Student's
consent to submit to such tests is required as a condition of program
acceptance. Student refusal to submit
to such tests may result in disciplinary action, including program dismissal,
for a first refusal or any subsequent refusal.
The student will assume testing cost.
5. Policy
violation can result in disciplinary action including program dismissal for a
first offense. A specific plan will be
developed on an individual basis. Students may be required to provide evidence
of routine or random laboratory testing and counseling.
6. ETSU
provides student counseling and assistance services to those who are identified
as requiring help. Upon program
dismissal for policy violation, a plan for rehabilitation will be devised which
may include mandatory counseling, periodic drug/alcohol screening, and periodic
reporting before consideration of student program re-admission. The student
must assume the responsibility for plan compliance before a student's request
for program re-admission can be considered.
V.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
A. To the Physician:
1. Competently carry out all orders of
medical staff physicians.
2. Do
not discuss or criticize a physician with a patient, the patient's family,
and/or friends. The student should
never express a personal preference for the services of any physician to the
patient, patient's family, or friends.
3. Do
not interpret radiographs or fluoroscopic images nor express an opinion of
diagnosis or treatment to the patient, patient's family, or friends.
4. Accord healthcare team members with
respect and consideration.
B. To
the Patient:
1. Comprehend
your responsibility to the profession and to the patient. Carelessness and neglect of any duty towards
the treatment and care of patients is not tolerated.
2. Patients
should be treated with compassion, dignity, and the right to privacy. The obligation of patient privacy extends
from the onset of patient care to infinity.
Under most circumstances you cannot divulge information concerning a
patient's condition, state of affairs, or any other personal information.
C. To the Supervising Radiologic
Technologist:
1. Recognize and appreciate the technical
expertise of radiographers.
2. Demonstrate
tolerance and understanding of limitations or inadequacies of others.
3. Resist
adverse criticism of staff. As your
technical competency increases, you should rely less on others for their
assistance.
VI. FACULTY
EXPECTATIONS
The faculty has high expectations of
students enrolled in an allied health program.
The following areas highlight these general expectations.
A. Conduct: Students are to refrain from gossiping,
needless complaining, smoking except in designated areas, loud talking, boisterous
laughing, gum chewing, and any other activities that could disturb patients or
is out of place in the clinical/ university setting. Kind and courteous behavior and consideration for the patients,
public, staff, and fellow students will enhance your professional image and
afford personal satisfaction from your education. Personal conversations should not be conducted in the presence of
patients. Conversations in or around
patient rooms, waiting areas, or any area where patients/families are present
should be limited to only those matters concerning the patient.
B. Conflict
of Conscience: If requested or
required to perform duties to which personal objection occurs because of
religious or personal convictions, you should discuss this matter with your
instructor. If relief is not
immediately available, you will be expected to complete the assignment and then
bring the matter to the attention of your instructor. Resolution will be aimed to the mutual advantage of the clinical
agency and the student.
C. Criticism: It is easy to criticize but more difficult
to make suggestions or modifications necessary to improve conditions. Complaints and/or grievances should be
discussed directly with whom the complaint or grievance is directed. This may involve the clinical instructor,
clinical coordinator, didactic instructor, and/or program director. Hostile attitudes will not resolve
conflicts. It is recommended that
energy be used to promote improvements.
D. Ethics: All individuals participating in healthcare
share the responsibility of observing a Code of Ethics that requires, in
general, that good is to be done and evil is to be avoided. The Code of Ethics requires truthfulness,
honesty, and personal integrity in all human activities. Furthermore, all clinical students share
some degree in the responsibility for observing a Code of Ethics that regulate
the activities of doctors, nurses, and allied health personnel. In general, the following applies to all
clinical settings and students:
1. All information concerning patients or
the healthcare facility's business must be kept in strict confidence and not
discussed with non-concerned parties.
Confidential information should never be discussed with individuals
outside the healthcare facility. Refer
to confidentiality of patient records and information for additional
description.
2. A student's private, as well as
professional life, should be conducted according to the highest moral
standards. Students are not to burden
patients or employees with their own personal problems.
E. Horseplay: Playful friskiness is always out of place in
the clinical environment. Such actions
frequently result in neglect of duty and in unfortunate accidents or incidents. Students are expected to reflect the
seriousness of their involvement by dignified and faithful performance of their
duties.
F. Impaired
Functioning: Unauthorized
possession or consumption of intoxicating drugs or beverages on the healthcare
facility/university premises by students is prohibited. Students who report for clinical education
in an intoxicated condition or use intoxicants during clinical experience are
subject to disciplinary action that may include dismissal. Students should report incidents of apparent
intoxication whether involving students or others to their clinical instructor,
clinical coordinator, and/or program director.
Drug possession and/or use is likewise prohibited. Please refer to the section on IMPAIRED
FUNCTIONING for Additional information on this subject.
G. Language: Boisterous or coarse language is always out
of place in the clinical setting.
Students will be expected to use appropriate language in all
conversations.
H. Personal Affairs: Students should not discuss personal
problems or business matters at a healthcare facility. It is inappropriate for students to unburden
themselves to others at a clinical agency.
Students should not approach physicians for attention to their personal
needs. Students requiring a physician's
attention should make suitable arrangements.
Physicians should not be "circumstanced" by students while
attending to their hospitalized patients.
I. Strangers
and Difficult Persons: Proper
handling of difficult persons is important in order not to disturb
patients. In all cases, the clinical
instructor or clinical supervisor should be notified immediately to secure help
from qualified healthcare facility/university personnel. Do not use force, except in self-defense
against other employees, students, patients, or visitors. All students should be aware for
unauthorized persons loitering in or around the healthcare facility. Reporting the presence of suspicious persons
to a supervisor, clinical instructor, clinical coordinator, security guard, or
administrative personnel is required.
J. Telephone Courtesy: Courtesy in using a telephone can make
friends for the healthcare facility and make clinical experience more pleasant
for you and for those interacting with you.
Appropriate telephone etiquette can enhance client/facility relationships. In using a telephone, please keep in mind
the following rules:
·
Answer promptly.
·
Identify yourself by
name/department.
·
Give accurate and careful
answers.
·
Read back messages for
clarity.
·
Transfer calls tactfully.
·
Always say
"please" and "thank you".
·
Use a helpful and pleasant
tone of voice at all times.
·
Hang up gently.
K. Theft: Since clinical
healthcare facilities are open 24-hours, you should be alert to entry of
unauthorized persons. If individuals
who do not appear as an employee or a student, or who might be outside their
work area, please offer assistance in destination direction. Employee and student cooperation is
imperative to minimize theft. Students
need to ensure that supplies and equipment are stored in approved areas and
maximum-security measures are observed.
Bringing excessive amounts of money or valuables to the healthcare
facility or university is not recommended.
Healthcare facilities and ETSU are not responsible for the loss or theft
of personal items. Clinical/university
property may not be removed from the premises except by written authorization
from the department head or administrator in advance. Theft by students is, of course, cause for student termination.
L. Tips and Gifts: Acceptance of money by students from a
patient or other persons with whom the healthcare facility does business is not
permitted. Anyone wishing to make a
donation or gift to the hospital should be referred to a supervisor or to
administration. Solicitation of
personal gifts or donations by students is prohibited. Sometimes patients and others wish to
provide a nominal gift, such as a box of candy at Christmas time or other
appropriate times, as an expression of appreciation for goodwill or
services. These may be accepted
graciously but should not be encouraged.
It is emphasized that gifts of more than nominal value must be refused
as they are inappropriate and unacceptable.
M. Weapons:
Students are forbidden to bring firearms, knives (other than ordinary
pocketknives), or other weapons to the healthcare facility/university
premises. Violation of this policy or
engagement in violence of any type on the healthcare facility/university
premises is subject to dismissal from the clinical agency and disciplinary
action by university officials.
VII. INJURIES/ILLNESS
The Department of Health Related
Professions attempts to maintain a safe environment for students enrolled in a
program of study. Should an incident
occur while a student is performing assigned clinical responsibilities, the
following policies must be followed:
A. Supervising faculty, and if appropriate,
clinical personnel, must be notified immediately upon student injury or illness
requiring medical attention. Students
(as stated in contractual agreements) are considered guests in the clinical
agency and are therefore, responsible for securing and financing any medical
treatment required as a result of accidental injury or illness. Students must realize that although a
medical facility may offer/suggest treatment within the facility, the student
will assume charges for service. All
students are individually responsible for obtaining adequate health insurance
or for bearing any costs incurred for medical treatment while on campus or in
assigned clinical facilities. A student
wishing to purchase health insurance through a policy available to ETSU
students may contact the Comptroller's Office for appropriate forms. Students are strongly encouraged to have
adequate health insurance while enrolled in a program of study.
B. For injuries or health problems
occurring during a clinical assignment requiring treatment and not life
threatening, options to consider are:
1. treatment from an independent physician
and/or facility of the student's choice at cost to the student.
2. treatment by the clinical agencys
emergency department at cost to the student.
C. Supervising and program faculty and
appropriate clinical personnel must be immediately contacted if any student is
responsible, or involved in, an unusual incident in the clinical area. Examples of such include, but are not
limited to:
1. unusual occurrences to self, patient,
staff, or visitor
2. injury to self, patient, staff, or
visitor
3. formal complaints lodged against a
student
4. major equipment damage attributed to
student misuse
5. misadministration of pharmaceuticals or
procedures to correct
patient
6. contamination of patient or environment
7. any activity which may, or does, result
in adverse consequences to patients or personnel.
D. The student and clinical instructor must
submit a completed report to the program director within 24 hours. Additionally, clinical facility's incident
protocol procedures must be strictly followed and necessary reports completed
and properly signed.
VIII. PENALTIES
Radiography students must follow stated policies and
procedures of the program, the
university, and the clinical agencies. In the advent of policy/procedure non-
compliance standing punitive protocol recognizes the
following actions:
A. Unprofessional
and/or unethical conduct (review/action individually assessed).
B. Student falsification of any record,
clinical or didactic will be individually assessed.
C. Whenever a student is going to report to
the clinical facility later than the
designated time, she/he must inform the
clinical instructor or supervisor.
Clinical instructors/supervisors must be notified by 7:30 A.M., if not,
students will receive a fifty percent (50%) grade reduction in the attendance/ethics
category for each absence.
D. Unexcused clinical absences will result
in a 20% grade reduction in the
attendance
category of the clinical grade.
E. Excused and unexcused clinical absences
must be made up within a one (l) week period (7 days) of the absence. Each unexcused absence, which is not
compensated for in this time frame, will result in a 20% reduction in the
attendance category of the clinical grade.
F. One tardy/semester will not constitute
a grade cut. Successive tardy(s) will
result
in
a 20% grade reduction in the attendance category of the clinical grade.
G. Students will receive a 50% reduction in
the attendance category for leaving the clinical facility without approval from
the appropriate personnel.
H. Any student found in a clinical session
without their film badge will receive a ten- percent (10%) deduction in the
Ethics section of the clinical grade and WILL BE SENT HOME to retrieve his/her
radiation monitor. This time must be
compensated.
IX. CLINICAL
DRESS CODE (AT THE CLINICAL AGENCY)
This
profession is one in which a person must maintain himself/herself in a neat,
professional,
and conservative manner at all times during their clinical experience.
Students
must dress as follows:
A. Two
student identification pins must be purchased.
Student identification pins and film badges must be worn. (Film badges to be worn at collar level).
B. Uniforms
are to be purchased from the Uniform Corner (formally known as Winks
Uniforms). The program faculty has selected approved
uniforms. Students may choose only from
selected styles:
a. Shirts,
white - select from faculty approved
shirts
b. Slacks
or skirt, white select from faculty approved shirts
c. Lab
jacket, white (all students must purchase at least one lab jacket with a
monogram). Purchase faculty approved
lab jacket
C. Program
patch with semicircular student patch must be sewed on the left shoulder of
shirts and lab jackets two inches below the shoulder seam. The patch was sewed on free of charge and is
provided by the Uniform Corner.
D. Solid
white shoes with a solid white rubber sole, socks, hose, etc.
(Standard). Shoes must be polished and kept clean. Clogs are NOT permitted in
the
clinical agencies.
E. Uniforms
are to be kept neat, clean, pressed, and in good repair at all times.
F. No
large or cumbersome jewelry may be worn.
Long earrings and hoops will not be permitted. (Subject to institutional discretion).
G. No
perfume or cologne is allowed in the clinical area. Conservative makeup is acceptable.
H. Students
must maintain a professional appearance at all times. A conservative appearance in grooming is mandatory.
I. Students
who have long hair must wear it pulled back or on top of their heads. (Subject to institutional discretion).
J. Beards
must be kept neat and clean.
Compliance to this dress code is
essential. If non-compliance occurs, a
reduction of 10%
will result in the dress category of the
clinical grade for each infraction. In
addition, the
student may be sent home to comply with
the dress code and will be required to return to
clinical that day. All time missed must be made up in accord
with the Program Attendance
Policy.
Some clinical agencies require an
additional hospital identification badge.
This is to be worn with your student program pin and not to replace it.
All students must adhere to this dress
code. Furthermore, individual clinical
agencies may or may not have additional stipulations.
X. STUDENT
SUPERVISION
A. All students during their clinical
assignments must be supervised by the following
standards:
1. The clinical instructor shall assume
responsibility for supervision and
evaluation
for the radiography student at each clinical agency.
2. A qualified registered radiographer
reviews the request for the radiographic
examination to:
(a) determine student capabilities to
successfully complete the examination;
or
(b) determine if patient condition
contraindicates student performance
of the examination; or
(c) ascertain student competency for
procedure performance.
B. If any of the above is questionable or
negative, the radiographer should be present in
the
radiographic room.
C. The qualified registered radiographer
must check and approve the radiographs in
reference
to image quality prior to patient dismissal.
Direct supervision regarding
film
critique is mandatory throughout the program.
D. Prior to competency validation, the
radiography student is under direct supervision
of a registered technologist. Once
competency is obtained and the
above
circumstances warrant such action, the
student will be under indirect
supervision.
1. Direct supervision is defined by
the JRCERT as student supervision by a qualified practitioner who reviews the
procedure in relation to the students achievement, evaluates the condition of
the patient in relation to the students knowledge, is present during the
procedure, and reviews and approves the procedure.
2. Indirect supervision is defined
by the JRCERT as student supervision by a qualified practitioner immediately
available to assist students regardless of the level of student
achievement. Immediately available is
interpreted as the physical presence of a qualified practitioner adjacent to
the room or location where a radiographic procedure is being performed. This availability applies to all areas where
ionizing radiation equipment is in use.
E. Under NO circumstances should a student
perform mobile radiography without
supervision. A technologist MUST ACCOMPANY a student
during mobile
radiography
regardless of competency level.
XI. REPEAT
RADIOGRAPH POLICY
Students will be allowed to repeat
radiographic examinations one time only, and this must be performed with a registered radiologic technologist
present in the radiographic room to
assist. If the repeat is not
satisfactory, the technologist must perform the additional films while the student observes.
Repeats shall be recorded in the appropriate portion of
the Clinical Log Book. This
document will be reviewed by program faculty and
included in the written clinical
objective grade.
XII. UNIVERSITY
SPONSORED ACTIVITIES
Absences
occasioned by university sponsored activities absences must be excused by all
faculty members as long as the number of absences does not exceed the number
prescribed in an established and previously announced departmental policy and
the faculty member has been informed in advance of the intended absence. An excused absence means only that students must be allowed a
reasonable opportunity to complete all assignments and tests missed because of
the excused absence. It is the
responsibility of the student and of the faculty or staff sponsor of the
activity to inform the faculty member in charge of the cause of the upcoming
absence. Transmitting a Class Absence
Authorization form to the faculty member should provide this information. These forms can be obtained from the office
of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
However, it is not necessary to obtain permission for absences from the
office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, nor does this office inform
the faculty members of the expected absences.
XIII. ABSENCES
DUE TO EMERGENCY, SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, OR
ILLNESS
In the case of an emergency (e.g.,
deemed appropriate, death in the family or illness) absence from class and/or clinical may be excused, and the
student will be allowed a reasonable
opportunity to complete all assignments and tests missed. In such cases it is the responsibility of the student to
explain the situation to the faculty member as soon as possible. The faculty
member may require verification of the emergency situation or illness from the student. Students confined at home or in a hospital
for an extended period of time
should notify the faculty member from whose class/clinical site he/she will be absent so that arrangements can be made
for completion of assignments if feasible.
The number of such absences may
not exceed stated policy for the class and the student must make arrangements to complete missed assignments and/or
clinical education time.
XIV. APPEAL OF THE FACULTY MEMBER ' S
DECISION REGARDING EXCUSED/UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
If the student has evidence that a
faculty member has not excused an absence which should have been excused within the guidelines stated above,
the student can appeal the decision of
the faculty member to the chairperson of the department and/or dean of the college or school in which the course was
offered.
XV. PROFESSIONAL
ACTIVITIES & DAY
Student involvement in different
professional organizations/functions is encouraged. Clinical time accumulated due to professional educational
activities must be pre- approved by the
program director. The use of
professional educational time requires a 24-hour
notice to the clinical instructor.
Professional educational activities cannot be used to shorten program length or be scheduled during the last
semester clinical week.
One professional day is available to
each student during the program of study to provide an opportunity for advancement within the field (orientation,
interviews, etc.). A request must be submitted in writing with appropriate
documentation one (1) week prior to the designated
date to the program director, clinical coordinator, and clinical
instructor. Each request will be reviewed and evaluated
on an individual basis and professional merit.
Activities reviewed as
non-professional will follow the unexcused absence policy.
XVI. GENERAL
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance is a contract between
faculty and students. It is expected
that students will attend class and
clinical regularly and provide the faculty with a reason for any absence. Failure
to attend classes or clinical regularly can affect students' grades and
financial aid. Each department within
the university has the right to set a maximum number of absences (including absences due to university activities
and illnesses) permitted during an
academic term.
A. The
program recognizes all breaks and holidays as published in the academic calendar.
B. Absences
due to university-sponsored activities are excused if they do not exceed course credit number and faculty are informed in advance.
C. Attendance
to professional activities may be allowed in lieu of normal class attendance. Prior approval by the program director must
be obtained.
D. All students must abide by the
attendance policy as stated in the university catalog.
E. No
delinquent clinical time is carried from one semester to the next unless approved by the
Program Director.
XVII. DIDACTIC ATTENDANCE POLICY
Protocol
regarding student absence from RADT didactic courses is as follows:
A. Attendance
to all RADT didactic courses and labs is mandatory.
B. The
professor must be notified by phone or by e-mail on or before 8:00 a.m. on the day of
the absence.
C. In
the case of an emergency (example:
death in the family or illness) absence from
class may be excused if it does not exceed the number of credit hours.
D. Maximum
absence number, excused or unexcused, cannot exceed course credit hours. Absences
exceeding the didactic course credit hours will result in a 1-point final grade
reduction per absence.
E. It
is the responsibility of the student to get all notes from other class members.
F. The
individual instructor will state make up test policy. Unless notified otherwise,
tests will be administered the next class meeting in the event of an absence or
inclement weather.
G. Tardiness is not condoned in the
classroom. Each tardy will result in a
1-point
final grade reduction per
occurrence.
XVIII. CLINICAL ATTENDANCE POLICY
Protocol
regarding student absence from the clinical area is as follows:
A. Notify
the: 1. Clinical instructor; or 2. Supervising technologist prior to scheduled
time. NO EXCEPTIONS (Prior to
7:30 AM). If a student fails to notify
either of the above, a 50% grade reduction will occur in the attendance/ethics
category.
B. Unexcused clinical absences will result
in a 20% grade reduction in the
attendance
category of the clinical grade.
C. Excused and/or unexcused clinical
absences must be made up within a one-(l) week period (7 days) of the
absence. Each unexcused absence, which
is not compensated for in this time frame, will result in a 20% reduction in
the attendance category of the clinical grade.
D.
The student assumes responsibility
for obtaining clinical course notes missed due to
his/her absence.
E. The
clinical instructor will state make-up test policy. Unless notified otherwise, tests will be given the next class
meeting in the event of inclement weather.
F. Each
semester the designated number of clinical hours must be completed according to
the course outline. No delinquent
clinical time will be carried over from one semester to the next unless
approved by the program director/division chair.
G. Excused and unexcused clinical absences
must be made up within a one-(l) week period (7 days) of the absence and
approved by the clinical instructor.
Each absence, which is not
compensated for in this time frame, will result in a 20% reduction in the
attendance category of the clinical grade.
XIX. CLINICAL TARDINESS POLICY
A. Excessive
tardiness is not tolerated. Tardiness
is when any student reports to the clinical facility or classroom later
than the scheduled time.
B.
Whenever a student is going to
report to the clinical facility, or didactic class later than the designated time, he/she must
inform the appropriate instructor.
Clinical instructors must be
notified by 7:30 A.M. and university professors by 8:00 A.M. on the day of occurrence. One tardy/semester will not constitute a
grade cut. A second and/or successive tardy(s) will result in a 20% grade
reduction in the attendance category
of the clinical grade.
C.
Missed clinical time resulting from
a tardy must be made-up and scheduled as approved
by the clinical instructor.
XX. CLINICAL ASSIGNMENTS
Radiography
student clinical assignments criteria is as follows:
A. The
number of student seats in accordance to professional standards and clinical agency resources.
B. Clinical
agency and student residence proximity.
C. Conflict
of interest.
The ETSU radiography program cannot
guarantee any student specific clinical agency site assignment(s). The program reserves the right to alter
clinical education assignments as needs
dictate.
XXI. CLINICAL EDUCATION TRANSFERS
Due to the limited student
enrollment according to professional standards and clinical resources, clinical site transfers are
limited and require faculty approval.
Clinical site transfer protocol is
as follows:
A. A written request including rationale
and justification and request to convene a faculty
meeting must be submitted to the program director. The program director will
notify the student of the meeting date/time.
B.
The student will attend the
scheduled faculty meeting and allowed an opportunity to discuss request rationale and justification addressing
pertinent faculty questions and/or
statements.
C.
The faculty, in closed discussion,
will recommend transfer approval vs. non- approval.
D. The
program director and/or clinical coordinator will notify the student in writing
of the
faculty's decision regarding their transfer request.
XXII. CLINICAL EDUCATION - MEALS/BREAKS
Meal
and break times are inclusive of the scheduled clinical education hours.
Students are not allowed to leave the clinical education center during
meal/break times unless approved by the clinical instructor.
XXIII. MALPRACTICE INSURANCE
The
ETSU Radiography Program requires all students to purchase and maintain
professional liability insurance. Provider information and cost is distributed
during initial program registration.
All students must document coverage prior to participation in
clinical. Liability insurance must be
renewed annually. Students are required
to submit appropriate documentation to program officials.
XXIV. COMPENSATORY TIME - CLINICAL EDUCATION
Missed
clinical time must be made-up (within seven (7) days), pre-arranged and
approved by the clinical instructor and documented utilizing the
instructor-student conference form.
It
is the student's responsibility to ensure all time is recorded promptly and
accurately on appropriate forms (kept by the clinical instructor). Student participation in clinical education
is permitted only during scheduled hours.
At no time can a student participate in program activities exceeding 40
hours, unless on a voluntary basis.
Clinical education hours cannot be accumulated prior to normal
scheduling unless approved by the program director and under no circumstances
to shorten program length.
XXV. CPR
CERTIFICATION
Students must provide documentation of
current CPR certification to continue participation
in the clinical phase of the Radiography Program. Failure to present such documentation
will result in clinical course failure.
XXVI. LEAD
IDENTIFICAITON MARKERS
Radiography students must use their
own-initialed right and left lead markers to properly identify radiographic
anatomy. These markers will be made available for your purchase at the clinical
site. NOTE: These markers must be present on all films that the student performs
for competency grading requirements.
EAST TENNESSEE STATE
UNIVERSITY
RADIOGRAHY PROGRAM
SECTION III: STUDENT
RIGHTS AND PROTECTION
I. STANDARD PRECAUTIONS
A. Students receive classroom instruction
regarding Standard Precautions during ALHE
2010 Introduction to Allied Health as well as ALHE 2020 Patient Care and
Assessment. Both of these courses are
required to be taken as prerequisite courses;
however, the course content is reinforced during the five clinical education
courses throughout the program.
B. Students
with disease states that require airborne, droplet, or contract precautions must provide
written diagnosis to the Program Director and Clinical Instructor. Dependent
upon diagnosis, the student may be able to continue clinical with directions
regarding patient contact or may be asked to continue clinical with directions
regarding patient contact or may be asked to discontinue the clinical course until
the illness is resolved. All
information is confidential and is not released
unless mandated by law.
C. Should any unusual occurrence (i.e.
needle stick, exposure to body fluids, patient falling, exposure to TB, etc.)
during clinical education,
1. Immediately report occurrence to the
Clinical Instructor and to the Clinical Supervisor of the health care
facility.
2. The health care agency incident report
must be completed as soon as possible.
(A report must be submitted within 24 hours of the occurrence.)
3. The clinical coordinator is to be
notified of the incident.
4. The student is advised of affiliate
protocol for management of the incident and encouraged to follow the physicians
recommendations.
5. The student, as any patient, is
responsible for any health care costs incurred and has the right to refuse
treatment.
II.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
All students entering this health science field are
required to submit to a physical examination and tuberculin test or chest x-ray
one month prior to admission. Tetanus immunization must be current and the HBV
series must have been started. Documentation certifying HBV completion is
required. In addition, each student must complete an essential function
analysis that involves walking, hearing, vision, and lifting.
III.
HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY
Students are strongly encouraged
to have, or purchase, health insurance.
For uninsured students, medical insurance is available at low rates
through ETSU. Hospitals agree to treat
students for accidents/injuries sustained while in the clinic setting; however,
it is the student's responsibility to pay for this treatment. Neither ETSU nor the clinical affiliate
assumes responsibility for absorbing the cost of treatment. Billing for treatment and/or services rendered
shall be directly to the student or his/her insurance carrier.
IV. STUDENT EMPLOYMENT POLICY
Under no circumstances, shall student
employment interfere with the clinical and/or the didactic educational
component. Students requiring financial
assistance should contact the financial aid office at East Tennessee State
University. Students are advised that
didactic or clinical schedules will not be altered to accommodate personal
working schedules.
V. STUDENT RECORDS
The Radiography Program in the following
three locations maintains student records.
1. A
student folder is maintained in the Nave Center Admissions Office.
2. A
student clinical folder is in the Clinical Coordinators Office.
3. The
current semester clinical records are in the Clinical Instructors Office at
the Clinical Affiliate. Those records,
with the exception of the COE Checklist and Clinical Grade Sheet are given to
the Clinical Coordinator at the end of each semester.
Records are in file cabinets within a
locked room or in a locked file cabinet to ensure privacy. Should a technologist complete a competency
on a student during hours that a Clinical Instructor is not on staff, the
technologist must ensure security of the document by placing it in a locked
drawer, cabinet, or container.
VI. ENERGIZED
RADIOGRAPHIC LABORATORY POLICY
An overview of Radiation Safety is
provided in the ALHE 2010 Introduction to Allied Health. Since this course is a prerequisite, all
students will have received instruction in radiation safety prior to using the
laboratory.
An energized radiographic laboratory
facility is located in the radiography area at the Nave Center. The units
meet all state and federal regulations.
The units are utilized to obtain objectives in courses as stated in the
curriculum. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES
shall students be allowed to operate ionizing equipment without the guidance of
a faculty member. All students must
abide by the laboratory policy.
The purpose of the lab is to coordinate
actual practice with didactic material. Labs may also be used for research
purposes as long as theories are valid and of an educational nature (this must
also be supervised).
VII.
RADIATION PROTECTION POLICY
A. To
insure that all student radiologic technologists are learning in a safe working
environment, the amount of radiation received is
monitored. One dosimeter and holders will
be issued for each student. The badge
holder must be loaded and positioned
for accurate radiation measurement.
Each student must exercise care to
correctly use the badge and prevent loss or damage to it. An extra badge or replacement badge may be ordered as
needed by contacting the clinical coordinator.
B. It is the responsibility of each
student to wear the assigned badge whenever he/she is in the clinical area or energized lab. The badge must be worn on the collar of your uniform. If wearing a lead apron, the student should
wear the badge outside of
the apron at the collar level.
C. Any
student found in a clinical session without their film badge will be issued a one (1)-point
deduction in the ethics section of the clinical grade and will be sent home to
retrieve the radiation monitor. This time must be compensated. Students
are not
allowed to participate in the laboratory component without their film badge. Therefore, the student will receive an
unexcused absence and a one (1) point
per incident grade reduction from the final didactic course grade.
D. Students
are not allowed to hold patients during x-ray exposures. They
must stand completely behind a lead
shield unless they are observing or assisting during fluoroscopy. Students are expected to practice the ALARA principle
through recognized radiation
safety strategies as instructed in the program.
E. Each
month new exposure badges are issued and badges of the previous month will be collected. The old badges are then taken to Research
and Sponsored Programs on the ETSU
campus. That office retains the
results. The Radiation Safety Officer contacts the program director
should any student receive a
monthly exposure of 50 mrem or more.
Should this occur, a conference will be conducted
between the student, clinical coordinator, and/or program director.
F. To obtain a record of a film badge reading, the student must
request this from the Radiation Safety Officer from the Research and Sponsored
Programs on the ETSU campus.
VIII.
STUDENT PREGNANCY POLICY
Since ionizing radiation
has been determined to be harmful to the developing embryo/fetus, the following recommendations and issues of
compliance are required to protect
the health of the student and child.
The pregnant student may elect to notify
the Program Director and/or Clinical Coordinator. Once the pregnancy is declared, a conference will be held with
the Program Director and/or Radiation Safety Officer to review radiation risks,
dose limit guidelines, and the cardinal principles of radiation protection.
The pregnant student will be
administered a fetal badge. This badge
will be worn at the waist with or
without an apron. All students must
meet the same clinical requirements for graduation; however, scheduling of
clinical activities involving fluoroscopy, C-Arms, and portables may be
rearranged as possible to accommodate minimal radiation exposure to the fetus. The pregnant student must maintain as much
distance between the radiation source and her person as practical and remain
well behind the control booth during radiographic exposures whenever
possible. During fluoroscopy,
portables, surgical procedures, and special procedures, the pregnant student
must wear a 0.5 mm Pb equivalent apron.
Under no circumstances will the pregnant student be allowed to hold
patients during x ray exposure.
The recommendations of the National
Council on Radiation Protection Report #116 states that a dose limit to the fetus from occupational exposure of
the pregnant mother shall not exceed
.05 per month or 0.5 rem for the entire gestational period.
The student may request a leave of
absence when either she, her physician, or the Program
Director feels she is no longer able to function in a manner conducive to learning.
The return of the student must be approved by her physician. Students seeking to resume coursework will meet with the Program Director and
didactic faculty and decisions
will be based on individual circumstances.
The student is rescheduled for missed
class work and clinical hours will be rescheduled with the Clinical
Coordinator.
Once the pregnancy is declared, the
student has three options to consider:
Option I:
The student may
elect to withdraw from the radiography program and return within a one-
year period.
Option II:
The student may
elect to continue in the radiography technology program fulfilling all
program
requirements as contained within the curriculum and adhere to all radiation
protection
guidelines and recommendations as follows:
1. The student will be required to purchase
an additional film-monitoring device to monitor the exposure to the fetus.
2. The student
will be required to adhere to all provisions in the ALARA program and
acknowledge the risks to the embryo/fetus.
3. No more than 5 mSv (0.05 Rem or 500 mrem)
of exposure is to be received by the student during the pregnancy.
4. The equivalent dose limit in a month to
the embryo-fetus cannot exceed 0.5 mSv (.05 Rem or 50 mrem).
Option III:
The student may
withdraw the declaration of pregnancy at any time. Retraction of the
pregnancy
declaration will require the student to abide by the general guidelines for
radiation
workers. Therefore, the student after
pregnancy declaration retraction will be
monitored
according to the general guidelines for radiation workers as described by the
Nuclear
Regulatory Commission and State Laws.
EAST TENNESSEE
STATE UNIVERSITY
RADIOGRAPHY
PROGRAM
NOFICATION OF
PREGNANCY FORM
I submit this
notification of pregnancy to the Director of the ETSU Radiography Program and
my Clinical Instructor.
I,
_____________________________________________, ____________ chose to continue
my enrollment in this program. (do, do not)
Student:
____________________________________ Date:
_________________
Conference Date: ___________________
Attended By: _____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Comments:
________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Student: ____________________________________ Date: _________________
Program Director: ___________________________ __ Date: _________________
EAST TENNESSEE STATE
UNIVERSITY
RADIOGRAHY PROGRAM
SECTION
IV: RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM CURRICULUM
I. STUDENT
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission
to the professional curriculum under the Baccalaureate Allied Health degree is
a competitive process and is separate from the students admission to
ETSU. A limited number of students are
admitted annually. Each applicant is
evaluated on the basis of academic record, clinical observation, and personal
interview. To be granted an interview
in March or April of the year intended to enter the program, each prospective
student must have sent recent college transcripts to ETSU, have been advised by
the program director within the past six months, and provided a copy of the
clinical observation sheet with a minimum of 10 hours observation documented.
A. To
become a candidate for admission, the student must:
1. maintain a college GPA of 2.5 or better
on a 4.0 scale.
2. complete
prerequisite general core curriculum and other allied health core courses as
required obtain a grade of C- or better.
3. complete
the general core curriculum as indicated on the program advisement sheet during
the freshman and sophomore years.
4. observe
a minimum of 10 hours and document on appropriate program forms.
5. interview with program faculty.
6. be accepted to a clinical affiliate.
B. To
be accepted to the program, the student must:
1. successfully complete the registration
process with the program director.
2. provide verification of current CPR
certification.
3. complete
and submit the dosimeter request form, malpractice insurance form, and the
health verification form.
4. attend the program orientation.
5. meet specific health and/or essential
functions.
II. PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
The
radiography student must meet the following requirements to graduate from the
program:
A. Successful completion of admission and
health requirements
B. Successful
completion (C-) or better in every RADT and ALHE course. No "RADT" or radiologic specific
course may be dropped. All general core
courses completed during the program must be passed.
C. The
student must obtain a satisfactory rating on all Clinical Competency
evaluations and Clinical
Performance evaluations.
D. The
student must maintain a minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
E. The
student must exhibit ethical and professional conduct at all times.
F. Compliance
to program policies regarding attendance, ethics, policies, and procedures.
III. CURRICULUM
POLICY
Radiography didactic and clinical courses
compliment each others educational objectives and are carefully designed to
afford knowledge to the student in a structured and timely fashion. Therefore,
if any student chooses to eliminate any part of the radiography curriculum,
that student will be terminated from the program immediately.
Upon
approval of the radiography faculty and the program director, the curriculum is
subject to change as needs dictate.
The
Clinical Radiography III course is an intense schedule that includes 40 hours
per week for a period of 13 weeks of clinical education. The clinical component of the program must
be treated as a course with a designated time schedule. Therefore, no additional courses may be
taken during the Summer Semester.
IV. CLINICAL
COMPETENCY EVALUATION POLICY
The clinical instructor/clinical
coordinator grades clinical competency examinations during each semester. These examinations will be practical in
nature and a permanent part of the
student's record.
These examinations are based on
clinical guidelines and requirements to be completed in a said period.
A passing grade must be achieved on
each competency before continuance to the next level. A student may be tested on previous
competencies at the instructor's discretion.
V. RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM GRADE POLICY
Due to the close patient contact and
radiographer responsibilities, mastery of academic material and technical
competency are required. Therefore, the grading policy in all radiography
courses is as follows:
Grade Scale -
Academic Grade
Scale - Clinical
95 100 A 96 100 A
93- 94 A- 95 A-
92 B+ 94 B+
86-
91 B 91 93 B
85 B- 90 B-
84 c+ 89 C+
76 - 83 C 86 - 88 C
75 C- 85 C-
74 D+ 84 D+
70 - 73 D 81 83 D
0-69 F 80 D-
0 79 F
Students must maintain a grade of
"C-" or higher in each allied health and radiography course to remain
in the program.
Earning a grade of "D" or
"F" in any allied health or radiography course, or a grade of F in
any general core course, the student will be terminated from the program.
Students are responsible to seek
academic counseling from the course instructor and/or the counseling center
located on the main campus.
EAST TENNESSEE STATE
UNIVERSITY
RADIOGRAHY PROGRAM
SECTION
V: DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
I. STIPULATIONS
FOR DISMISSAL/SUSPENSION
Administrative
action will be initiated at the discretion of the Program Director following
documented reports of substandard, unethical, or inappropriate conduct by the
student. Immediate suspension and
possible termination may result from any one of the following reasons:
A. Earning
a "D" or "F" grade in radiography or allied health classes
or an "F" in a general education course (automatic termination).
B. Insubordination.
C. Possession
of or use of alcohol or any mood-altering chemicals, or reporting for
class/clinical under the influence of such substances.
D. Failure to
accomplish didactic and/or clinical assignments and objectives.
E. Unprofessional
and/or unethical conduct.
F. Breach
of medical ethics.
G. Gross
carelessness in regard to safety of patients or colleagues.
H. Dishonesty/cheating/theft.
I.
The participating clinical agencies
retain the right to reject any student whose
behavior may be hazardous to the agency.
J. Repeated
tardiness
K. Falsification
of sick time.
L. Falsification
of records.
M. Release
of confidential information regarding patients and/or hospital or clinic
personnel or activities.
II. READMISSION
CRITERIA
A. Students will be considered for readmission
to the first semester of the radiography
program only one time on a space available basis.
B. Readmission
applicants to the first semester must reapply and will be ranked with new applicants.
C. A
formal letter of intent must be submitted to the radiography program director
to apply for readmission. The deadline is April 1 of the year intended
to enter the program.
D. If
an individual is out of the program curriculum more than two academic years, the student must
challenge via divisional tests or repeat all radiography courses.
E. Readmission
applicants and program transfers applying to subsequent semesters are
considered on a space available basis determined by the instructor/student ratio as
recommended by the readmission screening committee.
Students are considered
for readmission in the following order:
1. Withdrawal for justifiable reasons
(non-academic).
2. Withdrawal for failure of a support
course (one course is required, but not included into the ALHE or
professional cores is required for the chosen program,
but is not a radiography course).
3. Withdrawal or failure from a
radiography course.
III. APPEAL
MECHANISMS
A system of due process is available
to all students enrolled at East Tennessee State University. For the
appeal of final course grades, academic dishonesty, dismissal from academic programs, academic status, and
academic requirements, refer to the ETSU undergraduate
catalog and the Spectrum.
The radiography program has
established a system of due process to appeal an unfavorable evaluation received from the personnel at the
clinical agency. After the student
reviews the evaluation and disagrees, the appeal protocol is as follows:
A. The student must meet with the clinical
instructor and review the completed evaluation;
B. If
the clinical instructor deems the evaluation to be valid and the student is in disagreement, the student may request a
meeting with the clinical coordinator within
five (5) days of the occurrence. The clinical coordinator has the authority to review the evaluation, and reflect any
warranted revisions if they verify that the evaluation
was completed arbitrarily, capriciously, or prejudicially.
C. If the student
is not satisfied with the clinical coordinator's decision, then s(he) must request a meeting with the program director
within five (5) days of the meeting with
the clinical coordinator. The program director has the same authority as the clinical coordinator.
D.
If the student is not satisfied, she/he
can request a meeting with the radiography faculty
committee who will decide the validity of the evaluation. This decision is final.
IV. JRCERT
NON-COMPLIANCE POLICY
The radiography program:
· Follows due process upon written receipt
of signed allegation indicating non-compliance with the STANDARDS or not
following JRCERT accreditation policies.
· Acts when alleged practices or conditions
indicate substantial non-compliance for
the program with the STANDARDS or fail to follow the JRCERT accreditation
policies.
· Reports substantial complaints to the
United States Department of Education or appropriate state agency regarding the
accredited program.
The
Radiography program director will facilitate investigation and resolution in
determining if said complaint relates to program compliance with the STANDARDS
or established accreditation policies:
A. If
no, the complainant will be notified within twenty (20) days following the
receipt of the complaint.
B. If
yes, acknowledge allegations to the complainant within twenty (20) working days
upon receipt and provide the policy and procedures pertaining to investigation
and resolution.
C. Receives
written, signed allegation(s) of non-compliance with the STANDARDS or JRCERT
accreditation policies.
D. Maintains
confidentiality of complainants identity unless authorized to disclose
identity by the complaint or required legally.
E. Ensure
reasonable program and institutional efforts are made to resolve the complaint
or unless efforts are nonproductive; notify the JRCERT Executive Director of
the substance of the allegations requiring a written response to the finding
submitted within a reasonable time period (30 working days).
F. Provide
the program advisory committee and the sponsoring institution copies of the
notification.
G. May
request further information/materials relative to complainant allegations,
sponsoring institution, program, or other relevant sources.
H. If
allegations are determined to be unsubstantiated, unrelated to the STANDARDS or
established accreditation policies, or without merit, the President of the
University, the program director, and complainant are notified of this
determination within ten (10) working days.
I. If
the investigation reveals program substantial compliance with the STANDARDS or
may not be or may not have been following established accreditation policies
one of two actions will result:
· The program will submit a report and
documentation within thirty (30) days of notification of the JRCERT
determination, demonstrating that the substantiated allegations have been
corrected. If the JRCERT is the
complainant are notified of satisfaction, the university president, program
director, and the complaint are notified of satisfaction and resolution of the
matter.
· If the response is determined inadequate
or lacking evidence of continuing substantial compliance with the STANDARDS or
adherence to accreditation policies, the program may request a site visit as
soon as feasible in that the allegation investigation of non-compliance with
accreditation policies can occur.
EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
RADIOGRAPHY
PROGRAM
STATEMENT
OF UNDERSTANDING
Welcome
to the Radiography Program at ETSU.
Your education should be a rewarding experience leading to a satisfying
and challenging career. Specific
policies have been developed to foster your educational growth and workplace
preparedness. These are meant to help
you make responsible decisions. If at
any time you feel uncertain about program expectations, contact the Program
Director or Clinical Coordinator at ETSU for clarification.
By signing
below, you are verifying the following:
1. I
understand all information regarding a patient or former patient is
confidential and is to be used only for educational purposes in a non-patient
instructional settings.
2. I
understand that I am a guest in the affiliate education centers, and I will
conduct myself accordingly. All known
rules and regulations will be followed.
When in doubt, I will contact my Clinical Instructor, Clinical
Coordinator, or Program Director for clarification.
3. I
understand the clinical education centers vary in location and all students are
expended to meet the same clinical requirements. Therefore, distance and weather do not change the program
schedule unless ETSU closes.
4. I
understand that I have been selected by my Clinical Instructor. Therefore, placement of students at clinical
affiliate is a privilege. Preference of
assigned clinical sites may be requested, but it does not guarantee placement
at that facility.
5. I
understand that I may not function independently as a staff technologist. The Clinical Instructor will determine
appropriate supervision consistent with accrediting guidelines, and I will
request a registered technologist to be present when I repeat any radiograph.
6. I
have reviewed this handbook, and I agree to abide by the statements above and
published herein. I understand that
failure to meet any program expectation may result in negative consequences
from administration action.
Student
Signature: _________________________________ Date: ______________
EAST
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
RADIOGRAPHY
PROGRAM
PERSONAL DATA
SHEET
Name: ___________________________________________________________________
(Last) (First) (Middle)
Address:
_________________________________________________________________
(Street) (City) (State) (Zip)
Telephone
Number: Cell
Phone Number:_______________
E-mail
Address: _______________________
How often do you check your email?
______________________
In
Case of an Emergency, Contact:
Name:
___________________________________________________________________
(Last) (First) (Middle)
Address:
_________________________________________________________________
(Street) (City) (State) (Zip)
Telephone
Number: ( )
Should
you move, change your phone number, or change your name, please inform Ms. Kay
Benicasa in the Nave Center Admissions Office.
Thank
you,
Shirley
J. Cherry, MBA, RT(R)
Director,
Imaging Sciences
Director,
Radiography Program