letha.black@actx.edu
(806) 354-6073
West Campus Allied Health 131
Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
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Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.
Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.
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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc
The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.
NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.
The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students. If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .
RSPT-1167-001 Practicum II - Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
Prerequisites: RSPT 2305, RSPT 1411 and RSPT 1166
Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized plan developed by the employer, college and student.
Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website
Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:
Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:
Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me
You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.
(1 sem hr; 8 practicum)
Clinical
End-of-Course Outcomes: As outlined in the learning plan, apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry and will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry.
Demonstrate the following competencies in the clinical setting:
In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .
If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".
Students are expected to exhibit professional behavior while in the clinical setting as set forth in the Student Handbook. Failure to do so will result in immediate dismissal from the clinical facility, a written incident form will be placed in the student's file, and counseling will be conducted with the Program Director, Director of Clinical Education, and the Associate Dean. Return to the facility requires approval of the Program Director, Director of Clinical Education, and the facility Department Manager. A second incident of reported or observed unprofessional behavior will result in dismissal from the program.
Grievance Procedure: If a student is having a problem with course policies or the instructor, he or she should first try and resolve any such problems through the instructor. If the problem is not resolved, the student may proceed to Respiratory Care Program Director (Becky Byrd), Associate Dean of Health Sciences (Kim Boyd), Dean of Health Sciences (Kim Crowley), Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, (Becky Burton) IN THAT ORDER; OR go to the Vice President of Enrollment Management (Bob Austin).
Clinical Guidelines
The clinical application courses in the program allows students to apply the theory and procedures covered in classroom and laboratory teaching. In these courses, students will practice Respiratory Care in clinical affiliates under direct supervision of adjunct clinical instructors (preceptors).
A small portion of the required clinical hours is set aside to give credit for attending seminars directly related to Respiratory Care and participating in community service activities. Every student will be required to document attending at least 32 hours of seminars prior to graduation. Seminars available include local continuing education classes and district, regional, state and national educational conferences. Every student will also be required to document participation in at least 4 hours of community service activities. Information about these activities will be provided as they occur.
Dress Code
While in the clinical sites, students will wear black scrubs. A solid white, gray or black t-shirt (short- or long-sleeved) can be worn under the scrub top. The AC logo and “Respiratory Care Student” will be embroidered on the upper left of the top. A photo ID badge indicating that the student is a Respiratory Care student will be worn – with name and photo visible – at all times. If the student would like to purchase a jacket in black or gray and have the approved "Respiratory Care Student" embroidered they may do so. This is the only form of outerwear allowed to be worn by the student in the clinic setting.
Every student is expected to maintain a neatly attired appearance, keeping the hair clean, appropriately styled and in a color that appears naturally in humans. Fingernails should be clean and trimmed less than ¼ inch long from tip of finger. Nail polish of any kind and artificial nails are not allowed including clear polish, gel, acrylic, or dip nails. Long hair will be kept tied back. Beards and mustaches will be clean and neatly trimmed. Visible body piercings and visible tattoos are not permissible. Shoes may be of either athletic or casual (soft-soled) style. No sandals or other open-toed shoes may be worn. If there is any doubt about whether a particular shoe style or color may be worn, check with a faculty member before wearing it to clinic.
For safety, every student is required to wear glasses with side protection or goggles in all patient care situations in the clinic setting. If prescription glasses are worn, the present pair will suffice with added side protection pieces. If prescription glasses are not worn, a pair with clear, non-prescription lenses can be purchased. Contact lenses do not meet this requirement.
Jewelry should be kept simple and to the minimum. The following items are acceptable:
1. Wedding bands
2. Wristwatches (required)
3. Post-type (stud) earrings
Bracelets, dangling earrings and necklaces are neither appropriate nor acceptable. Earrings are limited to two per ear.
Since our patients have respiratory disorders and many are sensitive to strong odors, no perfumes or colognes should be worn. This, however, does not preclude regular bathing and the use of deodorants.
“Non-hospital” clinical sites may have dress codes that vary from this standard. If this is the case, the student will be notified regarding proper attire.
Non-conformance with any part of the dress code will be sufficient reason to be dismissed from the clinic setting. A “Did Not Meet Objective” will be received on the uniform portion of the daily evaluation and return to the clinical affiliate may be jeopardized.
Remember, appearance and demeanor are the first communication with patients. A professional presence must be maintained at all times.
Conduct
Conduct as a student should be professional and above question at all times. Without the cooperation of the area hospitals, this program would not be possible. Misconduct by one student reflects on the entire program and places other students' use of available services at risk.
Students are expected to acknowledge and comply with the administrative authority of the assigned clinical faculty while practicing in the clinical setting. Students are expected to comply immediately, without dispute, with all clinical faculty and/or on-duty respiratory care practitioner instructions related to patient care.
The clinical instructor or supervisor has the authority to dismiss any student exhibiting improper or questionable behavior. Once dismissed from clinic, the student may not return without the permission of the Program Director, the Director of Clinical Education and the hospital Department Director.
Any complaint against a hospital or any hospital personnel should be immediately brought to the attention of the Amarillo College instructor in charge of that rotation. The instructor should be made aware of problems before taking any action to correct the situation. Faculty will then approach the conflict on a professional level with the clinical site staff. Grievances will be processed according to Amarillo College policy (see "Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities".
While in the clinical setting, professional conduct is expected. Examples of professional conduct include:
1. showing due respect for the patient's needs, desires and person
2. preserving the confidentiality of patient records and information
3. showing respect for clinical supervisors and other hospital personnel
4. performing duties assigned by clinical instructors
5. arriving to clinical rotations on time
6. wearing approved uniform in the proper manner
Unprofessional and disrespectful conduct reflects poorly on the individual and, ultimately reflects poorly on the program. Unprofessional conduct is neither condoned nor excused. Examples of unprofessional conduct include:
Participation in any of the above activities will lead to disciplinary action which may include dismissal from the program.
The use of cellular phones in the clinical setting is strictly prohibited.
General Clinical Conduct Guidelines
Confidentiality
A patient’s identity, diagnosis and any procedure performed are considered confidential information. Your responsibility in handling confidential patient information is described in the following statements:
There are three clauses in the American Association for Respiratory Care’s Code of Ethics that address patient confidentiality. Respiratory Care Practitioners shall:
Every student will agree to abide by these tenets and agree to protect the confidentiality of all patients and has a duty to keep medical and personal information about patients in the strictest confidence. Unless disclosure has been granted by patient consent, statute, a duty to warn third parties, or special circumstances such as infectious diseases, there is a clear directive to maintain confidentiality of all patient information.
Failure to maintain patient confidentiality may incur liability for the student, the clinical facility and Amarillo College. Failure to hold patient information in strict confidence will also jeopardize continuation in the Respiratory Care program at Amarillo College.
Attendance
The attendance policy for clinical courses is found in the grade requirements of each course.
Also, regarding attendance in clinic, it is important to be present at the beginning of the scheduled shift to receive report on assigned patients. Arriving late to clinic will result in a “Did Not Meet Objective” on the arrival portion of the daily evaluation, which results in a failing grade for the shift. It is equally important to remain throughout report at the end of the shift to give report to oncoming therapists.
Clinical hours at all facilities will be documented using an internet-based time and record-keeping system. The student must use a personal electronic device (phone, tablet, or laptop) or a desktop computer located in the department to “clock in and out” of a clinical rotation.
The respiratory therapy program will not excuse students from class or clinical experience due to employment schedules. The expectation is to meet obligations to the course of study.
Due to the number of required clinical hours and the tight scheduling of student rotations, the attendance policy in clinical courses is stricter than didactic courses. If it is absolutely necessary to miss an assigned clinical shift, the student must notify the clinical site staff before the shift is to begin. The clinical instructor must also be notified the same day. Failure to follow this procedure will result in a grade of F for the clinical course. All hours that are missed must be made up and all makeup must be scheduled through the instructor responsible for this clinic course. Procedure for clinical makeup is found in the Student Handbook.
Affiliate telephone numbers:
Baptist/St. Anthony’s 806-584-2017 (Lead Therapist)
Northwest Texas 806-674-9911 (Day Lead 7:00 am-7:00 pm)
806-570-2037 (Night Lead 7:00 pm-7:00 am)
Instructor office telephone numbers:
Becky Byrd 806-354-6058
Letha Black 806-354-6073
Call the instructor’s office number listed above and leave a voicemail message with the following information:
1. name
2. the affiliate where scheduled
3. the date and shift that will be missed
4. reason for absence
If “time off” is needed from clinic for a special reason, a schedule change will need to be initiated. If the following steps are completed, this “time off” will not count as an absence or schedule change.
1. give the Director of Clinical Education a minimum of two (2) weeks advance notice
2. complete a Request for Change in Clinical Schedule form
3. complete the make-up before leave is taken
Approval of requests will be made by the Director of Clinical Education and will be based on the reason for the request, the amount of advance notice given and the scheduling of make-up.
It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the scheduled make-up time. Make-up will be scheduled so as not to interfere with the rotations of other students and only with the approval of the hospital where it will occur. The procedure for scheduling make-up is as follows:
1. complete the Request for Change in Clinical Schedule form
2. have the student’s instructor approve change and sign form
3. have lead therapist approve change, sign form, and change clinic calendar
4. return completed form to Director of Clinical Education for final approval
Note: To receive proper credit, all steps must be completed before the scheduled make-up shift.
Interruption of Clinical Education
If, for any reason, clinical education is interrupted for one semester or more, the student will be required to prove continued clinical competency upon return. This will include, but not be limited to, demonstrating skills in the clinical setting, under the supervision of an Amarillo College faculty member. Readmission to the clinical portion of the program, and therefore the ability to complete the program, will be based on the faculty’s evaluation of the student’s readiness to return.
Removal From Clinic
A student may be removed from clinic by the Program Director, Director of Clinical Education, or any of the Clinical Instructors for unprofessional behavior, inappropriate behavior, contagious illness, or physical limitations. Students will not be allowed to return to clinic until approval is given by the Program Director, Director of Clinical Education, and/or the Respiratory Department Manager for the facility where the student was removed.
Unprofessional behavior while attending clinic will NOT be tolerated. If a student behaves unprofessionally, a written incident will be placed on the students file and a formal counseling session will take place with the Program Director, Director of Clinical Education, and the Associate Dean of Health Sciences. A second offense of unprofessional behavior committed by the student will result in immediate dismissal from the program.
Unprofessional behavior is a violation of any of the behaviors as outlined by the AARC Statement of Ethics and Professional Conduct, to include any behavior that is rude and disruptive to the clinic experience for the student’s preceptor and/or peers, gossip of any kind related to Amarillo College, another student, the clinical site or the assigned preceptor, or any other type of disruptive behavior. The incident will be fully investigated with gathering of statements from all parties involved for completeness of the incident report. The student will be made aware of the findings and any decisions made in a private meeting with the Program Director, Director of Clinical Education, and the Associate Dean of Health Sciences.
Denial of Access to Clinical Affiliates
Completion of the Respiratory Care program requires completion of clinical rotations at all clinical affiliates. If, for some reason, the student is denied access, in writing, to a clinical affiliate, the ability to complete the program will be jeopardized.
Clinic Schedules
In the semester prior to a clinical course, faculty may ask for the student’s preferred days to attend clinic. If this happens, bear in mind that this is only a request and does not guarantee the request will be granted.
Whenever feasible, clinical hours will be scheduled on the day shift. However, due to scheduling constraints, it will be necessary to schedule some clinical rotations on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Twelve-hour shifts will be used in most rotations. Please begin now to advise employers, spouses, etc. of this possibility. The number of required hours for each clinic course meets or exceeds the minimum required hours mandated by The Higher Education Coordinating Board of Texas (THECB) in the Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM).
Reminder: In addition to these hours, each student is required to document attending at least 32 hours of seminars and participating in at least 4 hours of community service activities prior to graduation.
Evaluation and Grading
Clinical performance will be evaluated both objectively and subjectively. Objective grading will include, but not be limited to, testing, clinical procedure check lists, objective check lists, case study reports, written reports, and time records. Subjective grading will include, but not be limited to, evaluation from hospital clinical instructors and faculty.
Hospital clinical instructors will complete a rotation specific evaluation each day in clinic. Be aware that the Amarillo College faculty reserves the right to alter these evaluations as deemed appropriate.
Students are responsible for assuring that all check lists, time records, written work and other clinical records are entered into the internet-based time and record-keeping system. The student is responsible for correcting any deficiencies in these records.
Requirements for clinical courses can be found in the grade requirements document provided for each course. Failure to complete all requirements by the assigned deadline will result in a grade of F for the course.
Falsification of any clinical records will automatically result in a failing grade for the course and will severely jeopardize your chances of completing the program.
Student Exploitation
Students will not receive clinical credit for hours worked on the job in a paying situation. Clinical sites do not pay students for any portion of their clinical experience. While it is important for students to receive adequate exposure and experience, students are not to replace workers or be used in place of staff members at sites.
Inclement Weather
In the event Amarillo College is closed due to inclement weather, the student will not be required to attend clinic, nor will a make-up clinic day be required in most cases. If already at clinic when classes are canceled, it will be the student’s decision to either stay or leave. If the decision is made to stay, the day may not be substituted for another scheduled clinic day. If the decision is made to leave, the student may not use this as a reason for failure to complete the clinical objectives. If AC does not cancel classes and clinic is not attended, it will be counted as an absence.
Social Networking Policy for Students
The Social Networking Policy for Respiratory Care students was developed to provide students with guidance that will enable them to enjoy the benefits of social media while avoiding violations in confidentiality, privacy and professional boundaries.
Supportive Information:
How to Avoid Problems with Social Networking:
STUDENTS WHO FAIL TO ABIDE BY THE FOLLOWING SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICY WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION INCLUDING DISMISSAL FROM THE RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM:
For a grade of C students must:
For a grade of B students must:
For a grade of A in students must:
** Documentation should include:
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Grades for clinical courses are based on these Grade Requirements. Any time the grade drops to below a C, the student will be required to re-enroll for the clinical course at a later date.
Under extreme circumstances (e.g. an extended illness), the Director of Clinical Education may recommend a grade of I (incomplete). In this situation, the student must sign a Contract for Removal of a Grade of I. The time period allowed to complete the course requirements will be decided by the Director of Clinical Education on an individual basis. If, at the end of this period the course requirements are completed, the student will be given the highest qualified grade. If, at the end of this period the course requirements are not completed, the grade of I is automatically converted by the registrar to a grade of F. If this occurs, the student must re-enroll and repeat the course.
Any time you find it necessary to miss a scheduled clinical shift or leave early from a scheduled clinical shift, you must follow the proper procedure as described in the AC Respiratory Care Student Handbook for notifying both the clinical affiliate and the clinical instructor. It will then be your responsibility to reschedule the missed hours through the instructor in charge of that rotation.
All missed clinical hours must be rescheduled. Failure to follow the proper procedure or reschedule missed clinical shifts will result in a grade of F for the course.
Cases of excessive absences and/or tardiness will be handled on an individual basis and will require a counseling session. Following this session, a departmental counseling form will be placed in the student's file. The purpose of this form is to document that the student has been mde aware that excessive absences and/or tardiness are jeopardizing successful completion of the clinical course.
Students attending all clinics are required to clock in and out using Trajecsys. In the event of an internet failure, the student MUST obtain the lead therapist's signature on all time sheets. A total of three missed time entries in Trajecsys without a signed time sheet to document time will be counted as an absence.
Clinic schedules are individualized for each student. The clinic schedule can be found on Blackboard under RSPT 1167 Practicum II.
Please remember that whenever feasible, clinical hours will be scheduled on the day shift. However, due to scheduling constraints, it will be necessary to schedule some clinical rotations on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Definitions
Clinical Objectives
During the semester required to complete RSPT 1167, students will be assigned to three rotations at one clinical affiliate. These rotations have specific objectives that must be completed. There are three types of objectives: 1) practical, which require you to perform or observe procedures; 2) oral, which require you to discuss with an instructor some topic related to the rotation and 3) written, which require you to briefly discuss a related topic or describe a procedure, etc. Each individual objective must be signed off and all objectives must be achieved for the rotation to be considered complete.
To earn credit for each rotation, the student and objectives evaluations must be completed in Trajecsys by the preceptor in charge of that rotation and required documentation must be completed or turned in to you instructor within one week of the end of the rotation.
Performance Evaluations
Student performance evaluations must be completed by the assigned preceptor at the end of each clinical day. Through the semester, passing scores must be received on these evaluations as noted above. Failure to do so will result in a grade of F for the course. Faculty/student conferences MUST be scheduled for any “Needs Improvement” or “Did Not Meet Objective” marked during the semester. It is the student's responsibility to schedule these conferences with the instructor in charge of the rotation.
Remediation Policy
Remediation is required if a student is not judged to be performing at the program's expected levels of competence. Unsatisfactory performance may be indicated on the Student Evaluations or in other written communications between Adjunct Faculty and the student. Remediation will be required when any rating on the Student Evaluations is a "Does Not Meet Objective". Based on this information, a remedial plan will be developed by the Director of Clinical Education, to include, but not be limited to:
Once the student has remediated to the satisfaction of the DCE, the student may re-enter the clinic.
Completion of Clinic
At the end of each clinical rotation, the student is required to complete an evaluation of the rotation and 1-2 evaluations of the preceptors to which the student was assigned. This is part of a continuous program evaluation required by the accrediting organization, the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). The student must also complete a journal entry in Blackboard.
06/28/22 9:03 AM
08/15/22 1:19 PM