30.1 Attendance
Attendance
Fieldwork is a priority and attendance as outlined by the site is necessary except in the cases of illness, emergency, or medical appointment that cannot be changed. No other commitments except for work, no childcare, and limitations with transportation should be scheduled on a fieldwork day. In the clinical setting, guidelines for attendance consider the needs of both students and the patient care environment. Student considerations include promoting success and development as professionals. Student absence or lateness can disrupt the continuity of a clinical experience and therefore, can have an impact on student achievement of the set objectives. Student absence or lateness also can have an impact on patient care and staff members; therefore, steps must be taken to minimize burden on the clinical setting.
Schedule for Fieldwork
Students are to adhere to the schedule set by the fieldwork site. Attendance is not expected on weekends or IHP holidays.
Notification of Absence/Planned Time Off Requests
For unplanned absences (illness or emergency), students will inform their primary supervisor before the start of the scheduled fieldwork hours. If possible, an attempt to reschedule should be made. The DCE only needs to be notified if unplanned absences occur multiple times, thus, impacting the experience and ability to achieve the learning objectives.
For planned religious observances, students should email the DCE regarding the planned absence dates prior to the start of the fieldwork rotation. The DCE will advise students on how to proceed in informing the fieldwork site.
For planned absences (personal/professional), students should email the DCE regarding the planned absence dates prior to the start of the fieldwork rotation. The DCE will formulate a plan with the student and then discuss with the fieldwork site.
Make-up Time
Generally, due to the short nature of the fieldwork rotations, absences up to 2 days total will not require make-up. Time that exceeds 2 days for any reason will be discussed jointly between the DCE and fieldwork site and a decision will be made. Student performance and ability to demonstrate the PBCs will be a primary consideration. Students to the best of their ability are to be flexible in scheduling make-up time because the fieldwork and primary supervisor’s schedules are paramount. Time that is not able to be completed for make-up may have an impact on successful completion of the fieldwork rotation.