Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program - Siu

CHAPTER 1CLINICAL EDUCATIONCLINICAL EDUCATIONThe clinical education received in this program provides the student with the necessary clinicalbackground in the manipulation of equipment and performance of required ultrasound exams andprocedures. Exposure to multiple Radiology departments is required, and will provide interactions with avariety of patients, Sonographers, and Radiologists. Each student must become proficient in all areasof these basic skills before the student can successfully complete the program and be eligible to becertified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.CLINICAL HOURSA certain number of clinical hours are required for each semester. These are cumulative hours, andare not transferrable between semesters. Unless otherwise advised by SIUC faculty, students areexpected to be at clinical during all required hours, excluding a 30-minute lunch period. If a studentdoes not complete these hours during the allotted time she/he may be put on Radiologic SciencesProgram Probation with the possibility of dismissal from the Program. Individual consideration will begiven to the student with a valid excuse after consultation with the Clinical Instructor and designatedSIUC faculty.STUDENT EVALUATION OF CLINICAL EXPERIENCEAt the end of the clinical course the student is required to complete an evaluation of the respectiveclinical experience. This is an opportunity for the student to provide an evaluation of her/his clinicalexperiences. Through candid evaluations, the faculty can identify the strengths and weaknesses of aparticular clinical affiliate and utilize this information for continuing program evaluation. Thisinformation is also useful in matching students with affiliates that rate high in providing clinicalexperiences that may address potential weaknesses.11Revised JULY 2019

CLINICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTSClinical Education Requirements are designed to help the student learn to adjust to the policies andprocedure of the professional work force.Rules1.Prompt attendance in all clinical assignments must be maintained.2.The student must rotate through all clinical assignments and gain workingknowledge of the equipment, exams, and procedures performed.3.If time is missed from clinic, the student must have all time made up beforegraduation. If a prolonged illness or injury occurs which would not allow a student tomake up the time prior to the beginning of the next semester, the make- up time willbe left to the discretion of the Program Director/Clinical Coordinator. However, allmissed time will be made up before graduation.4.The student must satisfactorily complete all clinic competency objectives on orbefore the assigned deadlines.5.The required number of completed clinical evaluations, competencies, time sheets,journal entries, and assignments must be turned in by the assigned deadlines.6.The student must contribute to the department by assisting in maintaining cleanand well-stocked sonography exam rooms. This includes, but not limited to,cleaning rooms/transducers and stocking linen/supplies.7.The students must demonstrate compassion and professional conduct at all timeswhile working with patients.12Revised JULY 2019

8.The student must communicate properly with patients.9.The student must be able to communicate and work with fellow students,hospital staff, Sonographers, and Physicians.10.Professional conduct and dress will be exhibited by the student at all times whileassigned to the clinical area.11.The student must be able to cope and function during stressful situations.12.The student must complete the required competencies within the specified timeand is expected to retain proficiency.13.Students will not be permitted in the clinical area except during their scheduledhours. This means students are not to come to clinical during their time off unlessapproved by their Clinical Instructor.Any infraction of the above rules will result in the necessary disciplinary actions. The student mustdisplay professional behavior at all times.Each student must demonstrate proof of personal health/ medical insurance prior to attending theirclinical rotation. They must also have a current TB test and CPR certification on file along with acriminal background check and recent drug test. A statement indicating an understanding of allhandbook policies must also be signed. These items will be posted to Desire2Learn.During the clinical rotation, students are assigned to an affiliate hospital/outpatient imaging center fora specific number of hours each week. The shifts may vary per institution. Students are responsible forconfirming clinical hours with their clinical instructors prior to the first day of clinical. Students may notexceed assigned hours per week unless it is voluntary to make-up missed time. Students may not“bank” hours in advance to take days off. Make-up days are to be completed only during schoolholidays or during designated make-up times.13Revised JULY 2019

HOUSING CONSIDERATIONSStudents in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography specialization of the Radiologic Sciences programsequence who are "off-campus" during their clinic rotations have several decisions to considerregarding housing.Housing Arrangements:1.If you utilize University Housing during "on-campus" semesters, you must contact theHousing Contract Supervisor in advance of your "intent to vacate" and your reasonsfor vacating. (Contact University Housing, at 453-2301.)2.You must submit to the Housing Contract Supervisor a completed copy of thememo developed by ASA Radiologic Sciences for the purpose of vacating.3.You must follow the instructions given you for vacating so that you are notassessed any additional charges.Off-Campus Arrangements:Students are responsible to make their own off-campus housing arrangements.14Revised JULY 2019

CHAPTER 2CLINICAL POLICIESPOLICY MANUALThe student is required to read the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Department Policy Manual atthe beginning the clinical rotation. A form is available on Desire2Learn stating each student hasread and understands the Department Policy Manual. The student must complete and sign thedocument and must then electronically scan and post it in the appropriate drop box on D2L.ATTENDANCE POLICYDuring each semester, there are scheduled clinical days. One personal day may be taken during eachsemester; all other absences must be made-up either during breaks or finals week. Requests for timeoff or any change to the predetermined schedule, including use of the personal day, must be made via“Schedule Change Request” form available on Desire2Learn. The request form must be completed andsubmitted to applicable drop box on D2L at least one week in advance to be considered an excusedabsence. Failure to complete and submit the form in the appropriate manner will result in theabsence being considered unexcused. Each unexcused absence will result in disciplinary actions andthe clinical semester grade will be reduced by one letter grade (the equivalent of 8%). The onlyexceptions to this will be made at the discretion of SIU faculty.Any student missing a total of five excused days during the semester will have their clinical semestergrade lowered one letter grade (or 8%). If a total of six excused days are missed, the grade will belowered two letter grades and the student may be dismissed from the program. If a student isabsent for three or more consecutive days due to illness, it is required that he/she obtain astatement from his/her personal physician attesting to the student's illness or injury, and his/herfitness to return to classes and clinical patient contact.If extenuating circumstances are involved, a committee comprised of clinical and SIUC faculty willreview the situation and make any recommendations. In cases of bereavement, up to 3 days of15Revised JULY 2019

excused absence will be granted but must be made up prior to completion of the applicablesemester. Any additional time off due to bereavement will be considered excused absence(s) butwill contribute to the cumulative total absences and will be subject to possible grade reduction.The student is expected to report to the clinical facility at the designated time. Tardiness is notconsidered responsible, professional behavior. Three late arrivals, each in excess of 10 minutes,will be considered the equivalent of one absence for grade determination. It is the student'sresponsibility to call the Clinical Instructor 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the clinical timeperiod if he/she is not going to be present or will be late. Failure to do this will be considered anunexcused absence for that day.16Revised JULY 2019

The following table summarizes the responsibilities of the student, Clinical Instructor andUniversity faculty as they relate toward tardiness and absences from a clinical site.PARTICIPANTStudentACTION-RESPONSIBILITY1. Tardiness (greater than 10 minutes): Notifies Clinical Instructor via predetermined communicationmethod and SIU faculty (via email) as to late arrival prior to 30minutes from start of scheduled day shift. Reports to Clinical Instructor upon arrival in clinic area. If tardiness is less than 1 hour and the department has scheduledpatients, the student makes up time at end of day shift.--all other instances of tardiness must be made up according tothe SIU DMS program “Attendance” policy. Any act of tardiness requires the completion and submission of a“Schedule Change Request” form by the end of the same day.2.Illness, Prolonged Illness or Injury: Notifies Clinical Instructor via predetermined communication methodand SIU faculty (via email) as soon as possible of illness/injury. Communicates daily to notify Clinical Instructor and SIU faculty ofprolonged absence. Notifies Clinical Instructor if taking any medication that will altertotal performance/behavior. Schedules make-up time as soon as health allows.Clinical Instructor1.2.3.4.5.Documents all tardiness/absences on student time sheet.Keeps student informed of time to be made up.Counsels and advises students.If necessary, assigns student to noncritical areas.Keeps University faculty informed of student status or of potentialproblems.University Faculty1.2.3.4.5.Reviews all records.Advises Clinical Instructor, as needed.When necessary, counsels and advises students.Makes final decisions concerning extended/prolonged absences.Makes final decisions concerning disciplinary actions for habitualtardiness.17Revised JULY 2019

REQUEST FOR TIME-OFF POLICYStudents requesting time off for personal reasons must follow the SIU DMS “Attendance” Policy. All jury duty time must be made up. All time off taken to meet training requirements for anymilitary service (Reserves, ROTC, etc.) must be made up. Attendance will be required for special field trips, observations or seminars. Any hours ofabsence will be treated as course hours missed. Students are advised to schedule medical, dental and other appointments outside of classclinic hours to avoid penalty. Students with children are advised to have contingency arrangements made for childcare incase of illness or other unforeseen circumstances.INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICYThe following guidelines are proposed to assist you in determining student attendance procedures. Ifbad weather (snow, ice, flooding, tornado, earthquake, etc.) occurs on a clinical day, the student isresponsible for finding out if the local university in the clinical site area is closed.This reference site must be coordinated with your clinical instructor the first week ofclinical. If they are closed due to hazardous road conditions, then the student is excused fromgoing to clinical even though SIUC may be open. The student must write “Snow Day” on this/herTime Sheet, and this absence will be verified by the Clinical Supervisor. Inclement weather days donot apply towards cumulative absences for grade consideration. However, if the local university isopen but the student chooses not to report to his/her clinical site, then he/she must make up theday according to the SIU DMS “Attendance” policy and the occurrence will apply towards cumulativeabsences for grade consideration.18Revised JULY 2019

UNIVERSITY HOLIDAYS POLICYAll students will follow the holiday schedule for Southern Illinois University Carbondale as printed inthe official bulletin. Clinical Instructors may use their discretion on hospital holidays that are notobserved by SIUC.TRANSPORTATION POLICYStudents are responsible for transportation to and from school and the clinical facilities.Students may park only in designated areas, both at the University and clinical sites.EMPLOYMENT POLICYDue to the concentrated and intensified nature of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, fulltime employment is not recommended. If a student must accept employment, this implies that thestudent will: Not accept employment hours which conflict with class/clinical time. Students will be counseled not to work if grades warrant concern.DRESS CODE POLICY (unless determined otherwise by the CI / Hospital policy)1.All clothing and jewelry must be consistent with the assigned clinical site’sguidelines. If no such dress code guidelines are in place, students must wear solidmaroon scrubs and solid white lab coat or maroon polo-style shirt with solidwhite lab coat and nice dress pants with dark colored shoes, (no open toeshoes).2.All students must wear the SIU student name badge each clinical day. Forfacilities that supply the student with a separate badge, the identificationbadge must be worn so that the picture, name and department are easilyvisible at all times.3.Hair, including beards and mustaches, is to be clean, neatly groomed, and19Revised JULY 2019

kept in such a way as not to interfere with student duties or safety. Hairthat is longer than the collar on males, or longer than the shoulder onfemales, is to be pulled back and fastened to prevent contamination and todecrease the spread of microorganisms such as pseudomonas andstaphylococcus.4.Perfume, cologne, scented body lotions/sprays, etc. should not be applied onclinical days to prevent triggering adverse patient reactions.5.Fingernails are to be clean, trimmed, and extend no further than 1/4"beyond fingertips. Clear or conservative nail polish may be worn.MOBILE TECHNOLOGY POLICYUnless authorized by the Clinical Instructor or SIU Faculty for a specific date/situation, mobile devicesare to be used only during the designated lunch break and are not to be accessed during clinical hours.Any student accessing a personal mobile device during clinical hours will be instructed to leave for theremainder of the day. Regardless of the time of day of the infraction, the entire day will be consideredan unexcused absence and will be subject to grade reduction and must be made up prior to thecompleting the clinical semester. Each unexcused absence will result in disciplinary actions and theclinical semester grade will be reduced by one letter grade (the equivalent of 8%). The only exceptionsto this will be made at the discretion of SIU faculty. This policy includes, but is not limited to, cellphones and smart watches.20Revised JULY 2019

STUDENT SUPERVION IN THE CLINICAL SETTING POLICYPurpose:To ensure adequate and proper supervision during all clinical assignments.Policy:Students must perform medical imaging procedures under direct or indirect supervision of a qualifiedsonographer. Students shall not take the responsibility or the place of qualified staff. A student isnever to perform a clinical examination without either the direct or indirect supervision of theirassigned sonographer.Indirect supervision- The student will perform an imaging study with the assigned sonographer, bothstudent and sonographer will scan the patient. The sonographer may not be present in the exam roomfor the entire length of the exam, however, the sonographer will be immediately available to assist thestudent. The sonographer is ultimately responsible for the exam.Direct supervision- The student will perform an imaging study with the assigned sonographer, bothstudent and sonographer will scan the patient. The sonographer will be present in the exam room forthe entire length of the exam. The sonographer will always be present to assist the student. Thesonographer is ultimately responsible for the exam.It is encouraged that students perform diagnostic examinations under direct supervision of a qualifiedsonographer until clinical competency is achieved (this does not include pre or post scanning aspractice). As the student improves his/her knowledge of ultrasound, anatomy, physiology, pathology,patho-physiology and clinical competency the clinical instruction may become more indirect to allowthe student time to perfect their scanning skills and gain confidence. The assigned sonographer willalways be immediately available and is always responsible for the exam in progress.21Revised JULY 2019

DUE PROCESS AND GRIEVANCE PROCESSThe Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Director must address issues in which the student failsto follow the university policies or sonography curriculum guidelines.If issue is related to curriculum or clinical policy, Program Director determines necessary course of action and presents to student. If student wishes to appeal the Program Director’s decision, the student may contact theDirector of the School of Allied Health at 618-453-8860. The Grievance procedures that willbe followed are for the College of Applied Sciences and Arts. The University Grievance Procedure is outlined in SIUC’s Undergraduate Catalog.WORKPLACE HAZARDS, HARRASSMENT, COMMUNICABLE DISEASES, ANDSUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICYIn the event that a student is concerned with workplace hazards, harassment, communicablediseases, or substance abuse, he/she should contact the Program Director or faculty immediately.The Program Director will work with the facility to ensure the safety of the student.GENERAL INFORMATIONFor information about admission policies, transfer credit, tuition and fees, refund policies, academiccalendars, academic policies, graduation requirements, and student services please see SIUC’swebsite at www.siuc.edu . All grading policies are available on each course syllabus.22Revised JULY 2019

RAD 409 - SONOGRAPHY CLINICAL ROTATIONTentative partment & Facility Orientation paper and forms dueScan protocol paper dueKnobology paper due1st Personal/Professional Growth Assessment dueTotal of at least 4 clinical competencies must be documentedin Gradebook2nd Personal/Professional Growth Assessment dueTotal of at least 8 clinical competencies must be documented inGradebook3rd Personal/Professional Growth Assessment due4th Per

This handbook is designed to serve as an informational guide to assist in the orientation of students to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Clinical experience. General information that applies to all students . Upon completion of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, the student shall possess the technical skills necessary to: · Obtain .