There will be times when
opinions of the profession itself will be formed by the impression you
make. How you look, what you say, how you say it, and even the way in
which you touch someone or direct them in treatment will reveal your
regard for them and for yourself in relation to them. Respect for others
is more than politeness: it is an attitude, a consistent regard for
persons and their dignity.
It is hoped that you will conduct yourself in a manner
which will enhance another's view of OT students, whether they are
instructors, clients, or fellow students.
Professionalism in the Fieldwork Setting
There is a role change that must not go unrecognized
when you transition from an academic setting to a clinical setting, a
student role to a professional student role. Orientation sessions and
professional development seminars taught by the Academic Coordinator of
Clinical Education are compulsory and will cover the impact of the role
change and student adaptation to the clinical setting.
You will be evaluated on professionalism and
professional image along with instrumental skills at your fieldwork
site. There will be expectations of the facility for dress code and
etiquette. You must clarify these expectations early in your placement.
These standards of courtesy, consideration, dress and general behaviour
will reflect upon you and the profession you represent.
During your fieldwork there will be an expectation
that you are a self-directed learner from a professional faculty. You
will receive guidance but will be expected to learn on a continuum
towards independence in the delivery of primary occupational therapy
service. You will have opportunities to integrate theoretical knowledge
gained through the academic curriculum with practical application skills
in a clinical or community setting. Your clinical preceptor is a
volunteer mentor, not an academic instructor; there to guide you but not
to provide you with information. You bring this knowledge base with you
from the academic setting.
Communication skills are of vital importance to your
development in fieldwork. You will be evaluated on your communication
with your supervisor(s), the team and the client. This will include both
written and verbal communication. Your communication will reflect your
abilities to assess, problem solve and develop treatment programs for
clients.
You will be responsible during fieldwork to follow the
procedures and protocol of the placement as you would if you were an
employee of the agency/facility. The University provides malpractice
coverage for students during their clinical placements. You will also be
expected to adhere to the policies and procedures of the Faculty.
If any difficulties arise in fieldwork, the Academic
Coordinator of Clinical Education is available to discuss the issues
with you and to develop resolutions to any problems. If you feel you
require additional support to develop skills in this area, the Academic
Coordinator of Clinical Education will direct you to appropriate
resources.
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Department
of Occupational Therapy