Academic Handbook for the Health & Human Services Programs​

Purpose

The handbook for the Health and Human Services Division is meant to be a supplement to the Southeast Tech Catalog.  The Health and Human Services industry carries expectations of employees that are somewhat different than other employment industries.  Graduates from the Southeast Tech Health and Human Services programs will be expected to have achieved specific competencies.   They will be expected to perform these skills with a level of professionalism that will allow them to be effective team members in the professional environment.

For these reasons, the rules, regulations, requirements and policies in the Health and Human Services Division have been developed to assure that students are prepared to enter that environment. If there is a rule, regulation, requirement, or policy in this handbook that is more stringent than the Southeast Tech General Catalog, the Health and Human Services Division Student Handbook will take precedence over the Southeast Tech General Catalog. This handbook is not a contract, expressed or implied. Students will be expected to be familiar with and comply with all Health and Human Services program policies.  The instructors will review this handbook with students each year.  Updates and additions may be made to this handbook as approved by Southeast Tech Administration.

Code Of Ethics

Healthcare and Human Services is an important and learned profession.  The members of these professions recognize that their work has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life of all people.  Accordingly, the services provided by health care and human service workers require honesty, confidentiality, fairness, equity, and dedication to the protection of the health, safety, welfare and comfort of the public they serve. 

In the study, as well as the practice of their profession, Healthcare and Human Service workers must perform under a standard of professional behavior, which requires adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct on behalf of the public client, patient, employer, educational facility, and the profession. 

For the reasons stated above, the Health and Human Services programs at Southeast Tech will reinforce to students the importance of responsibility, attendance, respect for self and others and building a character that is in keeping with the standards of the Health and Human Services professions.  Students attending the Health and Human Services programs are expected to comply with all pertinent state laws and take personal responsibility for their conduct.  Southeast Tech policies authorize suspension or termination of any student for misconduct as outlined in the rules of this policy to include: acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, downloading, saving, or printing of tests or course documents without permission, working on assignments without permission, or other forms of dishonesty relating to academic achievement.

Accessing, printing, downloading, saving, or distributing any other student’s work, including sonography scans, EEGs, ECGs or any biographical or demographical data, etc., is strictly prohibited. Any images or data obtained from fellow students or patient volunteers are considered personal and confidential and are to be used only for educational purposes as directed within the designated Southeast Tech course and/or lab and may not be printed, downloaded, saved or distributed in any manner.

Social Media

REMEMBER THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A PRIVATE SOCIAL MEDIA SITE!

Social networking has become an acceptable part of today’s society.  Social media sites such as Facebook, instagram, twitter, Linkedln, blogs, you-tube, etc. provide opportunities for communication and collaboration.  As a student in the healthcare field, you should understand the effects social media can have on you both personally and professionally.  Be aware of your audience and mindful of what you are posting – use appropriate language and post only suitable photos.  Be sure to critique photos you are tagged in.  Think twice before posting and post in a professional manner.  Social media sites are very public.  Be cognitive of your digital footprint.  How you represent yourself online should be an extension of how you represent yourself in person. 

Inappropriate posting about clinical experiences, fellow students, and/or Southeast Tech could be violations of HIPAA and FERPA.  Students should not “friend” any faculty, preceptors, clinical instructors, and/or lab assistants while a student, unless specifically allowed by individual instructors for professional or academic purposes.

Skills Required

Health & Human Services program students should possess sufficient physical, motor, intellectual, emotional and social/communication skills to provide for care and safety of patients/clients and the utilization of equipment.  It is recommended that students tour an appropriate facility or career shadow if she/he has questions as to the skills required to perform the specific professional duties of their chosen profession.

Skills required in most Health and Human Services professions are outlined below.

Class Information

Class Schedules

Students in defined programs are generally assigned to classes Monday through Friday between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.  However, there are occasional additional evening/weekend classes that may be required.  There may be conferences or activities scheduled for weekends or times outside of the program’s normal schedule.  These will be stated in the course syllabus.  Mandatory participation in weekend events will be calculated into the lecture/lab ratio for credit hours. Hours for evening programs may require attendance as late as 9:50 PM and 12 hour shifts on Saturdays.  Examples of other activities outside of the normal schedule may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Clinical experiences such as additional scheduled hours or events
• Participation in community service events
• Educational conferences with outside speakers
• Southeast Tech potential student tours or open houses
• Job Fairs

Off-Campus Educational Sessions

Frequently, educational sessions are held off campus.  These may include clinical rotations, lectures by specialists at their facility, or professional conferences held at other sites. The course syllabus will describe how these sessions support the objectives of the course.  Students are responsible for their own transportation to educational sessions held off campus.  Travel time required to get to these sites is not included in class time.    Whenever students are at sessions held off campus, it is expected that students will arrive on time, stay for the entire session, and conduct themselves professionally.

Children on Campus and Daycare Arrangements 

Southeast Tech’s policy regarding children on campus is as follows:

1. Children are not allowed on campus unless accompanied and supervised by an adult; 
2. Children are not allowed in classrooms or laboratories unless for educational purposes with permission by the instructor;
3. Children must not be left unattended anywhere on campus, including (but not limited to) hallways, student lounge areas, the bookstore, the library, restrooms, offices, outside on the campus grounds or parking lots, or in vehicles.

Clinical rotations for Health and Human Services programs often start at 7 am or earlier.  Students need to make arrangements for daycare so as to meet the scheduling requirements of clinical rotations.  Student schedules will be given as soon as they are available.

Attendance

Students are expected to be in class or at the assigned clinical/practicum site on time and to remain for the entire class or shift.  Tardy is any time after the designated start time. Three tardy arrivals will be considered an absence. Regular attendance is expected.  Consequences for absences may include a reduction in the letter grade or zeroes for daily work such as quizzes that cannot be made up and may result in a failing grade.    Specific attendance expectations are included in the class syllabus.

Attendance at clinical is required. Some mandatory clinical/practicum experiences are not possible to reschedule and students may receive a zero for those absences. Absence at a clinical/practicum rotation without calling to report to the instructor and also the clinical/practicum facility in advance of absence may result in disciplinary action as stated in the clinical/practicum rotation agreement. 

If absent with personal or family illness of 3 days or more related to the same occurrence, an instructor may request a physician’s written verification of need for the absence and certification of ability to return to school. Personal appointments and work schedules should not conflict with class times. If it is necessary to be absent, leave early or arrive late, arrangements should be made in advance with the appropriate instructor. 

Make-Up Work

The student is responsible to make arrangements for missed content. Missed tests must be taken according to individual syllabi guidelines.  The student will need to have a picture I.D. to be given a makeup test.

Scheduling Lab Times

Lab equipment is in high demand and used on a scheduled basis. A lab attendant must be in the lab monitoring students who are doing lab assignments. 

General expectations:

• Do your part to keep the lab and equipment clean and organized.
• Be courteous of classmates –start on time and end on time; if you cannot attend during your scheduled time, provide sufficient notice so someone else can take that time slot (4 hours notice preferred); if you are not coming, call so the lab supervisor may leave. Note: if not on time, the lab attendant may leave and lock the lab.
• Children are not allowed.
• Use equipment properly and safely.
• Respect privacy for all involved.
• Adhere to student clinical dress code.

General Lab Rules

Please see General Lab Rules Form

General Lab Liability

Health and Law Enforcement Science Lab Participation Liability Notice

Due to the procedures covered in and the physical participation requirements of the Health and Law Enforcement Science labs, students and volunteers are required to sign release forms that provide the student with a description of the required lab experiences, student lab responsibilities, and/or release of liability to the institution.  The following are specific forms that will be required to be completed before participating in lab procedures.

Southeast Tech Release Forms

• Southeast Tech Release For Training And Participation In INVASIVE Procedures  (for all students who ARE enrolled in the course in which this procedure takes place)
• Southeast Tech Release For Volunteers For Participation In INVASIVE Procedures   (for people/students who are NOT enrolled in the class in which this procedure takes place)
• Southeast Tech Release Form for Volunteers for Health Care Laboratory Procedures    

Attire

It is necessary that students project a professional image when they are in a lab, clinical or practicum setting. By maintaining a professional appearance, students will help to instill confidence in those they serve.  Southeast Tech students are expected to be clean, well groomed, and appropriately dressed, reflecting the profession they are entering.

Details specific to each program will be listed in corresponding syllabi.

General guidelines for appearance and safety include, but are not limited to:

• Specific uniform required by program or clinical / practicum site
• Clean, neat, appropriately fitted conservative clothing
• Enclosed toe shoes in good repair
• Name tags worn at chest level
• Neat and clean hair of a natural color; avoid extreme hair styles
• Limited and conservative jewelry and cosmetics
• Limited exposed body piercing and tattoos
• Personal hygiene should limit body odor, including perfumes and colognes
• Smoke odor should not be detectable
• Due to the regulations and/or policies of an organization, hijabs, face veils or any other similar item may be prohibited during a required clinical experience and may hinder graduates from gaining employment in a hospital or other healthcare setting

Students who attend a lab, clinical, or practicum session not in compliance of the dress code policy may be asked to leave and will be counted absent for that session. 

Classroom Dress

Follow the guidelines of the Southeast Tech General Catalog.  There may be additional guidelines based on specific program areas.  See dress code guidelines included in the course syllabus.

Confidentiality

Students are expected to conform to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) guidelines.  This would also include interaction with patient volunteers. Failure to follow HIPAA confidentiality guidelines may result in suspension or termination from the program.  Please reference Part II Code of Ethics pages 5-6 for additional information. 

Professional Physical Demands, Latex Allergies, and Immunization Record Requirements

Professional Physical Demands

Each profession has specific physical demands.  These are stated in the technical standards.  Students not able to perform the essential job duties of a profession will not be allowed to go to clinical/practicum. 

Latex Allergies

Students who have or develop a latex allergy while in a Health program may find it difficult to complete the program’s requirements.  A latex-free environment cannot be guaranteed at Southeast Tech or any of our affiliate sites.  Students with concerns should contact the appropriate program director and their health care provider to discuss the ramifications of a latex allergy.

Environmental Exposures

Students are expected to be aware of environmental risks and use proper precautions when exposed.

Quarterly radiation badges are assigned to students in programs that have labs in which they will be working with radiation.  When students are at clinical, the site where they are assigned provides the film badge.  Radiation levels are monitored and reports are maintained.

Due to the known hazards/risks associated with radiation/chemical/environmental exposure and pregnancy, the clinical/practicum site must be informed by the student of pregnancy status so any necessary precautions from chemicals, radiation areas, etc. may be taken.  Maintaining the health of the fetus is the responsibility of students.  Therefore, students who think they may be pregnant and have questions regarding necessary precautions when dealing with environmental exposures should speak with their instructors. Students who are pregnant and are involved in clinical/practicum that involve exposure to radiation/chemical exposure must provide written documentation from their health care provider that the student is able to safely participate in clinical/practicum activities.

Leave/Accommodation Policy

Regular attendance is expected in all classes, laboratory sessions, and for all clinical experience hours.  All assignments must be completed.  Any missed clinical time may be rescheduled.  If a medical condition requires the student to be absent, an extended medical leave may be available.  In the event of an extended medical leave, including pregnancy related leave, the student may be required to complete additional clinical/practicum hours if the student is unable to demonstrate the required skill/competency level.  Student skill level will be assessed by the clinical instructor upon return from leave.  The amount of time required to restore the student to the requisite skill/competency level will be determined by the clinical instructor and program director.

Students will be allowed to participate in clinical experience when they are able to safely perform the essential functions required of a health and human services professional, with or without accommodations.  If the restrictions are imposed due to a medical condition, including pregnancy, written documentation of activity restriction must be provided by the student’s health care provider to the program director.  Illnesses or conditions requiring an absence of 3 days or more require a physician’s written verification to return to work.

When the student is able to return to performing the essential functions required of a health and human services professional with or without accommodation, the student will return to his/her assigned clinical/practicum site to fulfill the required clinical/practicum hours, provided this has been agreed to by the affiliate site.  In the event the student is unable to complete the clinical/practicum hours at the original site, another site will be found for placement of the student at the soonest possible time; however, this may require the student to move, or experience a delay to fulfill the clinical/practicum hours.

All didactic assignments required during the clinical/practicum semesters will be completed as regularly scheduled, unless the student has made other arrangements with his/her instructor.

Sequencing of Classes and Clinical/Practicum Rotations

Classes for programs are scheduled in a sequential manner to best prepare students to be successful in their clinical assignments.  If students are unable to complete a class in the semester of, or the semester immediately preceding, their clinical assignment, they may be asked to retake the appropriate class or classes in order to be eligible to participate in clinical.

Process of Assigning Location for Clinical/Practicum Rotations

Clinical/practicum sites for students are located across the United States.  It is therefore necessary to have a process to determine clinical/practicum site assignments. STUDENTS WILL NOT BE GUARANTEED A CLINICAL/PRACTICUM LOCATION AND SHOULD BE OPEN TO RELOCATING FOR THEIR CLINICAL/PRACTICUM ASSIGNMENT.  Each program clinical site process will be explained by program directors.

STUDENT WORKFORCE POLICY

Unpaid clinical/preceptorship/internship experiences shall be educational in nature.  A student shall not be substituted for personnel during the time of clinical.  All student activities associated with the curriculum, especially while students are completing clinical rotations, will be educational in nature.  Unpaid students will not be substituted for hired staff personnel with the clinical institution.   

Required to be completed prior to students attending health clinical rotations

1. Competency Check List including education on the following topics.
   • TB education
   • Blood borne pathogen procedures
   • Age Specific Competencies
   • HIPAA guidelines
   • General Safety
   • Current CPR certification (must be current for duration of clinical)
   • Computer access/use policies
2. Proof of health insurance
3. Physical (within 1 year from start of health program) and proof of immunizations
4. Criminal background check 
5. Drug screening 
6. TB test

Some clinical sites may require students to disclose certain protected health information or medical conditions per their Affiliation Agreement.  

Required to be completed prior to students attending Law Enforcement Science Practicum rotations

1.   Drug testing
2.   Criminal Background check 

Health and Accident Insurance Information

Students are responsible for their own insurance and medical expenses in case of an accident or injury that may happen at school.  This also includes accidents that may happen in a lab setting. Examples include, but are not limited to, incidents such as needle sticks, lacerations, or solution splashed into the eyes.  Proof of health insurance may be a requirement of certain facilities where students will be doing clinical/practicum rotations.

Procedure in the event of Student Injury at Clinical Site

Students on clinical/practicum rotations are covered under the Sioux Falls School District workers compensation plan if they are injured at their clinical site.  If students are injured or exposed to hazardous materials while on their clinical rotation, they should follow the procedure listed below:

Please be sure and report the injury within three (3) business days.  Failure to report within 3 days could result in a loss of workers compensation coverage. 

Medical Treatment

1. For injuries, other than with body fluids from a patient, follow the facilities procedure.
2. For needle sticks or other injuries that involve contaminated body fluids, blood needs to be drawn from the student, and the patient, at the same place.  Proceed as follows:

• If at Sanford Hospital, report to the Employee Health Office.
• If at a hospital other than Sanford Health with an ER, report to the ER.
• If at a clinical site without an ER, follow that facilities’ protocol.

Medical Treatment if student is exposed to blood or body fluids (such as a needle stick):

Treatment of exposure site:

Wounds and skin sites that have been in contact with blood or body fluids should be washed with soap and water; mucous membranes should be flushed with water.  You do not have to use antiseptics for wound care.  You should not apply caustic agents (such as bleach) or inject antiseptics or disinfectants into the wound. 

Procedure after an exposure site:

After cleansing the area as above, students need to be seen as soon as possible at a clinic or an emergency room.  Staff members at those sites should know the correct protocols for lab work to be done after a needle stick or other exposure. 

Student Appeal Process

Refer to the Southeast Tech catalog  for guidelines in the student appeal process.

Drug Free Environment

Refer to the Southeast Tech catalog  for guidelines on the drug free environment policy.

Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screening

Criminal Background Checks and Non-DOT 5 panel drug screenings are required for all Health & Human Services programs.  These must be completed within 1 year before entry into a Health or Human Services program.  The results of these checks and screenings may effect a student’s admission into the program, ability to attend a clinical or internship site, take specific courses, or continue the student’s enrollment in the program.  If a student’s status changes due to a conviction (other than a minor traffic violation) after applying for the program but before going to clinical, the student must inform the Program Director and/or Affiliate Coordinator immediately.  If a student fails to notify the Program Director and/or Affiliate Coordinator of this status change, they will be subject to disciplinary actions, which may lead up to termination from the program.  A secondary background re-check may be required before a student goes to clinical, if it has been longer than a year since the initial background check was conducted.  Cost of background updates are $35.00.  Some clinical sites require their own background check prior to admittance to the clinical site.  All Early Childhood clinical sites require an additional fingerprinting background check prior to admittance. The cost of this additional check may or may not be picked up by the clinical site.  If the clinical site does not pick up the cost, the student is responsible for the additional cost of this background check.

Applicants with a positive drug screen for all health and human services programs except Pharmacy Technician program will be allowed to reapply after 6 months.  Applicants will be required to meet all of the current admissions requirements, including another drug screen.  Pharmacy technician applicants with a positive drug screen will not be allowed to reapply for that program.  See the General Catalog for details regarding possible additional drug screens.  Students can expect to be asked to submit to drug testing at random times throughout his or her career at Southeast Tech.

Law Enforcement Science

Please see:

• Southeast Tech Law Enforcement Sciences Admissions/Appearance/Fitness Guidelines 
• Southeast Tech Release Form for Law Enforcement Science Practical Studies 
• Southeast Tech Law Enforcement Honor Code 

Program Specific Handbooks

Cardiovascular, Invasive and Vascular Technology

The Cardiovascular Policy Handbook is meant to be a supplement to the Southeast Tech Catalog and Health Student Handbook. This handbook will go into more specific information for students in the following Cardiovascular programs.

For these reasons, the rules, regulations, requirements and policies in the Cardiovascular Programs have been developed to assure that students are prepared to enter that environment. If there is a rule, regulation, requirement, or policy in this handbook that is more stringent than the Southeast Tech General Catalog or Health and Human Services Division Student Handbook, the Cardiovascular Policy Handbook will take precedence over them. This handbook is not a contract, expressed or implied. Students will be expected to be familiar with and comply with all Health and Human Services program policies and Cardiovascular policies.  The instructors will review this handbook with students each year.  Updates and additions may be made to this handbook as approved by Southeast Tech Administration.

Please see the Cardiovascular Policy Handbook  for additional details.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Handbook is meant to be a supplement to the Southeast Tech Catalog and Health Student Handbook. This handbook will go into more specific information for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

For these reasons, the rules, regulations, requirements and policies in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program have been developed to assure that students are prepared to enter that environment. If there is a rule, regulation, requirement, or policy in this handbook that is more stringent than the Southeast Tech General Catalog or Health and Human Services Division Student Handbook, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Handbook will take precedence over them. This handbook is not a contract, expressed or implied. Students will be expected to be familiar with and comply with all Health and Human Services program policies and Diagnostic Medical Sonography policies.  The instructors will review this handbook with students each year.  Updates and additions may be made to this handbook as approved by Southeast Tech Administration.

Please see the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Handbook   for additional details.

Licensed Practical Nurse/Registered Nurse

The Licensed Practical Nurse/Registered Nurse Handbook is meant to be a supplement to the Southeast Tech Catalog and Health Student Handbook. This handbook will go into more specific information for students in the Licensed Practical Nurse/Registered Nurse programs.

For these reasons, the rules, regulations, requirements and policies in the Licensed Practical Nurse/Registered Nurse Programs have been developed to assure that students are prepared to enter that environment. If there is a rule, regulation, requirement, or policy in this handbook that is more stringent than the Southeast Tech General Catalog or Health and Human Services Division Student Handbook, the Licensed Practical Nurse/Registered Nurse Handbook will take precedence over them. This handbook is not a contract, expressed or implied. Students will be expected to be familiar with and comply with all Health and Human Services program policies and Licensed Practical Nurse/Registered Nurse policies.  The instructors will review this handbook with students each year.  Updates and additions may be made to this handbook as approved by Southeast Tech Administration.

Please see the Licensed Practical Nursing Handbook  or the Registered Nurse Handbook  for additional details.

Satisfactory Program Progress

Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to remain in a program within the Health and Human Division.  The maximum number of applications, including re-applications to the same program is two.

1.   Satisfactory Didactic Progress:

• Maintaining an overall grade average of 80% (RN/LPN 85%).
• Maintaining a minimum of 80% (RN/LPN 85%) in all program specific courses.
• Students in programs that have didactic classes scheduled concurrently with clinical/practicum must maintain 80% (RN/LPN 85%) in didactic classes to remain in clinical/practicum.
• Students should visit with instructors and utilize available tutor services if they are not achieving an 80% (RN/LPN 85%) in a class.
• An unsuccessful attempt of a health core course (designated by HC), program specific prerequisite course, or a program specific course will result in the student being removed from his/her program.The student will need to reapply for his/her program acceptance. If, however, a student subsequently meets course and program requirements and maintains published academic sequencing, the student may remain, with program director’s approval, in the program.
• Two unsuccessful attempts of the same health core course (designated by HC), or program specific prerequisite course will result in the student being unable to reapply for the same program.
• Two unsuccessful attempts of one program specific course (the same course twice) will result in the student not allowed to reapply for the program.
• Two unsuccessful attempts of program specific courses (different courses even within the same semester) will result in the student not allowed to reapply for the program.
• An unsuccessful attempt does include a “no-show” or early withdrawal

2.  Satisfactory Clinical Progress:

• Students not achieving an 80% (RN/LPN 85%) will not be allowed to apply/draw for clinical/practicum site assignments until they are achieving 80% (RN/LPN 85%).  This may mean that the site the student prefers may be taken by the time the student is able to select a clinical/practicum site.
• Those students failing to maintain an 80% (RN/LPN 85%) may be removed from clinical/practicum and not be allowed to continue in the program.This will result in a failing grade in clinical.
• Students not performing satisfactorily in clinical/practicum may be removed from clinical/practicum and not be allowed to continue in the program. This will result in a failing grade in clinical. If these students are performing satisfactorily in their didactic courses, they may complete the didactic portion of their classes; however, they will not be allowed to complete the clinical/practicum portion of the program.
• If the student fails to meet the requirements in the clinical portion of their program, they will not be re-admitted to the program and similar programs.

3.  Additional Requirements:

• Students working under the professional license of an instructor or preceptor must meet the expectations of that instructor or preceptor for professional standards. These may be less measurable competencies relating to peer relations and communications, dependability, honesty, and attitude toward the profession of health and human services. If an instructor documents questionable student performance of professional standards, a meeting will be scheduled with the program director and administration to determine the status or terms for the student’s continued participation in the program. Depending on the severity of the violation, discipline may result; discipline will follow guidelines as listed in the Southeast Tech General Catalog.
• Working in a caring profession brings with it special responsibilities to the people being served. These responsibilities include the reporting of peers who are impaired or who are behaving in an unsafe, unethical or illegal manner in either an on-campus or clinical experience.

Program Readmission

The student must meet all current entrance and academic requirements for the year in which they are reapplying.

Acceptance and placement in the program may be limited by space available, and will be determined based on the student’s academic effort, demonstrated clinical/lab/practicum skills, completion of recommendations for academic record, effort, and demonstrated skills success. Readmission into the program must have special approval by the instructor, program advisor, and academic administrator.

The maximum number of applications, including re-applications to the same program is two.

Additional Program Forms

• Physical Form/Immunization Form     
• General Lab Rules Form    
• Southeast Tech Release For Training And Participation In INVASIVE Procedures   
• Southeast Tech Release For Volunteers For Participation In INVASIVE Procedures    
• Southeast Tech Release Form for Volunteers for health Care Laboratory Procedures     
• Acknowledgement Form   
• Instructor Release of Information Authorization Form   
• Affiliate Coordinator Release of Information Authorization Form   
• Criminal Background Questionaire    
• Southeast Tech Law Enforcement Sciences Admissions/Appearance/Fitness Guidelines    
• Southeast Tech Release Form for Law Enforcement Science Practical Studies    
• Southeast Tech Law Enforcement Honor Code    
• Academic/Clinical Health Program Agreement    
• Early Childhood Statement of Commitment   
• Surgical Technologist Physical Job Requirements