Nursing Assistant: Fieldwork
Fieldwork requirements
In order for students to complete the required clinical training, PCC requires all students to meet the Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) Chapter 409 – Division 30 for students in clinical training prior to the beginning of the program. Students are to meet any requirements mandated by their clinical site as well. A detailed description of these requirements are listed in Requirements for Clinical & Field Education [pdf]. They include:
- Successfully pass a criminal background check
- Successfully pass a ten-panel drug screen
- Submit proof of current immunizations
- CPR Certification: Students are required to obtain and maintain current certification in BLS (CPR) for Healthcare Providers by the American Heart Association.
- For students that do not have CPR certification, BLS (CPR) for Healthcare Providers by the American Heart Association will be provided on the first day of class
- Complete Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen compliance training modules.
Fieldwork attendance
Absences from clinical and make-up time
Sufficient and timely preparation for required skills is expected to meet the expectations for passing the NA course. For optimal student learning outcomes, and to be eligible to take the certification exam it is essential that students consistently attend all five days of clinical. Absences or tardiness in the clinical setting may result in having to retake clinical another term (based on availability) or not passing the course.
Students are responsible for communicating with their clinical faculty in the event a clinical is missed. It is essential that students do not miss clinical days, as it may delay the student being able to complete the NA program during the term enrolled. Make up time and availability will be determined on a case by case basis.
Fieldwork sites
Clinical assignments
The program has arrangements with several facilities in the Portland area for students to complete their clinical experience.
- The program director in collaboration with faculty establishes each student’s clinical assignment.
- Students will be notified of their clinical location and schedule at or near the beginning of the term.
Clinical placements
Clinical placements are designed as a learning experience and take place in a number of hospital settings, rehabilitation centers and long-term care facilities, as well as community-based settings. Students work under the direction and supervision of a clinical instructor. Clinical placements will be offered during the day.
In the clinical setting, students perform assigned duties of care for patients whose health care needs provide the student the opportunity to demonstrate assigned skills. Because the clinical skills need to be practiced and done safely, students must be prepared for the experience. Preparation includes successfully demonstrating skills in the clinical skills lab prior to performing them in clinical. Each skill is signed off in the student’s Clinical checklist. Students and Faculty must have access to the Clinical checklist each clinical day. If they do not have the Clinical checklist they will not be allowed to do the skill in the clinical setting.
Students with prior certifications or health care licenses that permit care above and beyond the authorized duties of a nursing assistant are not allowed to implement those cares, while in the PCC Nursing Assistant program clinical setting. Students must adhere to the authorized duties and assigned skills of the NA.
During a clinical experience, faculty and students are guests in the facility, and therefore, must conform to the rules, regulations, and policies of the facility. Facility policies related to admission, clinical requirements, facility orientation, patient record-keeping, nursing assistant procedures, dress code, parking, or other requirements must be followed.
Transportation requirements for clinical/field sites
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from school and clinical facilities. Some clinical facilities may require 45 minutes or more travel time and may not be serviced by Tri-Met at times convenient for use.
During the Career Pathways orientation, students are offered either a PCC parking pass or a Tri-Met HOP card. Students who have not received this benefit are welcome to reach out to their career coach to obtain a pass or card. See the college’s Transportation website for information about public transit, free shuttles, and ride-sharing and car-sharing programs.