Health Sciences Learner Responsibilities in the Clinical Setting
The following responsibilities were developed to keep health sciences learners safe and protect patients. Please understand that when you are in a clinical setting, you are not only representing your profession, but also Virginia Commonwealth University and your College/School/Department/Program.
Expectations for Participating in a Clinical Setting
- Dress appropriately according to the site’s dress code
- Wear your VCU student ID and a site ID, if one is issued
- Follow all the site’s rules and regulations, in accordance with Federal and Virginia Code law.
- Be discreet, don't share information that isn't yours to share (like patient or business information)
- Do not post about your preceptor, patients, or site on social media, blogs, or websites
- Understand that when you are in a clinical setting that you are in a student role, not an employee role.
- Provide the site with your background check and drug screen results, if asked.
- If the information on your background check report could change, please report this information to your department/school.
- Students should never refer patients.
- Keep your immunization records up to date with Student Health.
- Submit all required documents in a timely fashion.
- Do not use your cellphone for personal calls, texts, or picture taking while at a clinical site.
Student Clinical Site Requirements
VCU students are subject to VCU policies, including policies governing student conduct and use of alcohol and other drugs, as well as a clinical training site’s applicable policies, while participating in clinical training activities.
In addition to any requirements imposed by VCU, students participating in clinical training are generally subject to the requirements that are established and enforced by the clinical site. For example, clinical sites may set specific requirements related to COVID19 vaccination, TB testing, annual influenza vaccination, background checks, drug testing, health insurance, obtaining transportation to and from clinical site, and obtaining housing.
Students with questions or concerns about complying with any particular clinical site requirement should contact their Dean's Office. Students have the option to postpone any clinical or practical training, without academic penalty; however, completion of clinical placement(s) may be required prior to graduation or progression within an academic program.