Program Handbook. Respiratory Therapy Program Academic Year 2015/2016

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Program Handbook

Respiratory Therapy Program

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Doon Campus

School of Health & Life Sciences and Community Services

Conestoga College

Academic Year 2015/2016

This is a companion document to the current Conestoga

Student Guide

This document can be found on the program shell of eConestoga and the program specific page online

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Program Handbook Guidelines

The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with program specific details and other important information. The material in this handbook is accurate at the date of posting, and is applicable for the current academic year. Students will be informed of handbook changes that occur, if any, through college email. Program handbooks are updated yearly and students must check their program handbook for the current edition.

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Welcome

To the School of Health & Life Sciences and Community Services

Your Bridge to Practice

What Can This Mean For You?

The opportunity to begin, today, to become the professional you aspire to be.

The opportunity to learn in real-life settings and with real-life scenarios, rehearsing for the day when you will be in these real-life situations.

A unique inter-professional opportunity, given the number of different disciplines in the school. You will learn with, about and from your future colleagues.

An opportunity to take advantage of the state of the art facilities, social and study spaces in our Cowan Health Sciences Center, as well as other unique learning resources such as the Motz Emergency Service Bays in the WREMS Station and the Child Development Centre on

the Doon Campus

Your goal of being viewed by employers as a “preferred graduate” is up to you; your professors, technologists, administrative staff and College services look forward to

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Top Five Expectations of You

1. Use MyConestoga to Connect To:

Your Conestoga Email: (e.g. John Smith, Student Number 1234567, [email protected])

• This is the official communication vehicle regarding your academic requirements. Check it regularly and respond as requested.

eConestoga: (Desire to Learn)

• This is your resource for all course-based program information and course-based

communication with your faculty.

• Make eConestoga your partner in learning; this is your guide to all course activity.

Student Portal:

• Find your grade information, college tuition invoices, class schedules and absence reporting.

Practicum Health Requirements: (Go to “Services” and find “Practicum Services Link”)

• Keep track of your requirements; know that they are complete to allow you to go on your

practicum.

2. Know and Plan around Your Academic Schedule With Your

Family

Course Schedule:

• Your schedule has been planned with many people and multiple considerations in mind. • Classes can be scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (note, times for practicums follow work

place schedules).

• Changes may be considered but only for extenuating reasons (Please discuss with your Program Coordinator).

The Academic Year has critical dates: Please plan around these dates to ensure you are here when you need to be--including the potential need to be present for the two weeks after the semester ends if you might need to complete supplemental work to allow you to continue to the next

semester. Program start and end dates, holidays and deadlines for course add/drop and withdrawal, are located in the Student Guide. Course changes (add/dropping) may also be made through the

Student Portal under the “My Courses” tab.

Fall 2015 Dates Winter 2016 Dates

Fall Orientation Week Aug 31 – Sept 4 Winter Orientation January 4

Fall Semester Classes

Start September 8 Winter Semester Classes Start January 5

Study Week February 15-19

Last Week of Semester December 14-18 Last Week of Semester April 18-April 22

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Top Five Expectations of You

3. Be the Professional You Wish To Become - From Day One

Civility, respect, and professional behaviors will be key to the quality of your learning experience—

and a future employer's first and lasting impression.

Professional Dress & Conduct: See section three of the Handbook for professionalism expectations for your program. The college’s Student Guide sets out Student Code of Conduct for our community at Conestoga.

Pre-practicum Health Requirements Complete as required; without these, you will not be able to progress to your practicum and your program completion will be in jeopardy (per your information in the Student Portal)

Social Media: Use responsibly –don’t blow your future on ill-advised communication with the e-tools that we use so freely (see section three of the Handbook)

4. Attend To Enhance Success

Please Review Attendance Expectations in See Section 4 of the Handbook: Attendance for class, labs and practicum underpins student learning and your experience as a future professional.

Absence from Evaluations: Must be reported in the Student Portal before your absence to be eligible for a repeated evaluation.

Request for Accommodation for Religious Holidays: Must be requested to your Program Coordinator in the first three weeks of each semester.

5. Take Responsibility for Your Academic Status

Student Records if you have questions about your student record, academic status and or program withdrawals, go to the Registrar’s Office and speak to your Program Coordinator.

Fee Payments: Payment is required to attend classes. Check your Student Portal for invoices.

Credit Transfer/Exemptions: Conestoga supports the transferability of academic credits between programs and educational institutions through recognized transfer pathways, articulation

agreements and course-to-course equivalences. Please refer to the Student Guide for more information.

Student Forms: To access forms go to the Student Forms page.

Academic Policies & Procedures: May be found under Policies and Procedures.

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Top Five Resources for You

1. Your Teaching Team

Contact Information: Is posted in eConestoga and in your Handbook (Section two in the Handbook)

Appointments: Making appointments (in person, by phone, email) helps to ensure your desired resource is available.

Email Inquiries: will be answered within two business days.

Urgent Need for Help: Program Assistants are available to help you reach one of the Teaching Team (contact information in Section two of the Handbook)

2. Counselling and Services for Personal Needs

College Counselling: Professionally-trained counsellors can help you achieve your educational goals—for such common support as stress management, anxiety, depression, transition issues, family issues, etc. Counselling is free, voluntary and confidential. Arrange to see a Counsellor quickly if academic or personal problems stand in the way of your college success. To make an appointment, visit or call Doon--Room 1A101, 519-748-5220, ext. 3360, Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. Check the counselling services website for more information.

Good2Talk: Confidential 24-hour phone line for stresses big and small 1-866-925-5454

Conestoga Security: Provides a safe and secure work and learning environment.519-748-5220 ext. 3357. Refer to the Student Guide for Conestoga’s Safety and Security Services and procedures.

Student Financial Services: Student Financial Services can help you by providing you with options to finance your post-secondary education.

CSI Food Bank: The CSI Food Bank is an emergency food relief program for current Conestoga students.

Health Services: Your family doctor on campus. Check out the services that they offer on their

website or call 519-748-5220 ext. 3679. Services available Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. Some same day appointments may be available by walk-in. A full-time health nurse is on site.

Facility Information: Refer to the Student Guide for information on after-hours parking, classroom and computer labs.

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Top Five Resources for You

3. Accessibility Services

Students with Documented Disabilities are encouragedto book an appointmentwith Accessibility Services to access accommodations –EARLY in your program. Disability-related documentation will be required to book an appointment. Go to the Accessibility Services webpage for more information.

Adaptive Technology Aids and Special Facilities:

Adaptive Aids are arranged through Accessibility Services; handicapped –accessible washrooms are located throughout the campus. Contact the Adaptive Technology Lab for more information on adaptive technology aids.

4. Student Study Spaces and General Supports

Cowan Health Sciences Centre (F-wing)

Student Lounge Space –Enjoy seats on each of the three floors. Plugs for laptops and charging stations are located throughout these areas.

Student Meeting Room Space—Book through the Customer Service Desk for general access to 1F18 and 1F20 and spaces designated for degree programs.

General Access Computers and printers are located in two areas:

• 1st_{Floor –in the student lounge area with photocopier}

• 2nd_{Floor—at the Customer Service Desk and kiosk area}

Open Access Lab –2nd_{Floor, 2F18.}

This is available on a come and go basis for health & pre-health programs practicing key skills. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day. Book with an Open Access Nurse Technologist.

Lockers—are available with your tuition; important to store your extra clothes and books, etc. so that you can be at your professional best in the lab. To learn how to obtain a locker, please click

here.

Information Technology-- New ITS HELP DESK—1st_{Floor Ewing (provides supports & general} assistance with college-related needs such as Email, Network accounts, connectivity & wireless printing. Go to the Web IT Service Deskfor more information.

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Top Five Resources for You

5. Services for Students

Library Resource Centre: Located on 2nd_{Floor B Wing; Go to the}_{Library Resource Centre}_{page for} more information.

International Education Office: Check out the International Education Office for services available to you.

Learning Commons: Your one-stop resource for academic services and resources, such as Math, Writing Skills, Peer Tutors and resources for APA. Check out their website or Access through MyConestoga.

Student Life: Get involved and shape your experience. Visit the Student Life page orConnect to MyConestoga for your Co-Curricular Record.

Student Financial Services: Your one-stop resource to apply for student awards and bursaries apply early to increase your chances.

Bookstore: Your location to buy books (check out their options including used books), clothing for your program and general supplies. Find it in the A wing, just inside Door 1.

Co-op and Career Advising: Your resource for Co-op Placements (if you are in a degree); your source of help to look for summer jobs or future careers and gain help preparing your resume. Check out the Co-op and Career Services site for more information.

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Letter to Students

Dear Respiratory Therapy Student:

Congratulations on your acceptance to the Respiratory Therapy program.

This handbook has been prepared to provide information about academic standards, guidelines and processes specific to the Respiratory Therapy Program. Reading, understanding and following the information in this handbook is an important first step in your success in this program and your chosen profession. The handbook has been compiled with careful consideration for your personal and professional growth during your three years at the college. If you do not understand any of the information in this handbook, please ask the Coordinator for an explanation.

Use the Table of Contents in this handbook as your guide and reference as you proceed through the program. The Respiratory Therapy Program faculty will refer to the handbook often, but the responsibility for knowing the program standards is ultimately yours.

In addition to the Respiratory Therapy Program Standards Handbook, the Conestoga College Student Guide outlines important policies and procedures for you to follow. The Respiratory Therapy Program Standards Handbook is a supplement to, but not a replacement for, the Conestoga College Student Guide.

We are here to help you have a successful three years. Should you experience difficulty or need assistance in any area of your studies, please come and speak with us, and we will work with you to help you reach your career goal of becoming a Respiratory Therapist.

All the very best to you in your studies. Sincerely,

Marlene Raasok (Executive Dean, Health & Life Sciences and Community Services), Paul Finch (Chair, Health Sciences) ,

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1. Program Overview

Program Description

This three-year program is designed to satisfy the educational requirements for registration as a Registered Respiratory Therapist based on the National Competency Profile for Respiratory Therapy. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Respiratory Therapy Education (CoARTE). This fully integrated program provides a diverse learning environment that utilizes classroom education, laboratory sessions, high-fidelity simulation, e-learning, and early clinical exposure with continuous role modeling of the profession. It will prepare students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and critical thinking ability for proficiency within both the critical-care and community-care environments. Clinical experiences will take place at our health-care partner sites throughout southern Ontario.

Respiratory therapists specialize in the identification and treatment of various cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists are an integral part of the health-care team providing services such as ventilation and airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, oxygen and aerosol therapy, patient assessment and evaluation, assisting at high-risk births and assisting with anesthesia in the operating room. In the community, respiratory therapists bring their expertise to home care, asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) education, rehabilitation, education and medical equipment sales.

Graduates of the program are required to write the Canadian Board for Respiratory Care (CBRC) national credentialing exam in order to work in Ontario and other Canadian jurisdictions. The current cost of this exam is $900. In order to practice in Ontario as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), the graduate must become a member of the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO). Other Canadian jurisdictions may have additional requirements.

Respiratory therapists must have the ability to work and practice sound decision making within stressful environments. Respiratory therapy is a field that is continually changing and requires ongoing engagement in reflective practice and lifelong learning.

Program Philosophy

The fundamental responsibility of a student in health sciences is to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to be a competent caregiver upon graduation. As a student is preparing to become a health care professional, it is imperative that your behaviours and attitudes reflect the professional, ethical standards that are embraced by your chosen profession. We believe that a value system incorporating high moral and ethical integrity is of vital importance.

It is expected that all respiratory therapy students, faculty, and administration will function within the Standards of Conduct and Professional Practice for the Respiratory Therapy Program at Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.

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Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Respiratory Therapy (RT) program our graduates will:

1. Meet the entry to practice competencies according to the National Competency Profile for Respiratory Therapy and the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario.

2. Be proud members of the RT profession

3. Demonstrate competencies supportive of collaborative practice and leadership for care delivery and team effectiveness

4. Exhibit professional behavior with clients, families and members of the interprofessional team to enhance client care and team effectiveness

5. Be proficient and confident in psychomotor and technical skills using the care process, ensuring implementation preventive measures associated with asepsis, health , welfare and safety in the clinical setting

6. Have excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills

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Program Summary Map – 2015/2016 Intake

Program Map describes your learning journey with three important components:

1. All courses focus on you demonstrating development towards the program outcomes and capabilities through your program journey.

2. There are themes for your learning that will inform you on the courses you will take to develop program capabilities. 3. Each semester has a theme that creates milestones for your learning within a semester and your journey from one

semester to the next semester and ultimately to your readiness to graduate.

Level Course Code/Version Course Name Hours

1 COMM1085 College Reading and Writing 45

1 FIT1080 (100) Fit For Work, Fit For Life 45

1 PNUR1035 (100) Anatomy And Physiology 45

1 RTH1010 (101) Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology 45

1 RTH1015 (101) Field Studies I 24

1 RTH1020 (101) Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology 45

1 RTH1035 (100) Applied Science 30

1 OHS1320 Safety in the Workplace 15

1 RTH1055(102) General Therapeutics 60

Total Hours for this level: 354

2 RTH1080 (103) Introductory Pathophysiology 45

2 RTH1095(104) Patient Care Procedures 60

2 RTH1105 (103) Patient Evaluation 60

2 RTH1110 (104) Ventilators I 45

2 RTH1135 (102) Field Studies II 24

2 RTH1150 (100) Professional Practice 45

3 RTH2000 (101) Pharmacology 45

3 RTH2030 (101) Advanced Practice 45

3 RTH2040 (102) Ventilators 2 75

3 RTH2070 (101) Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care 45

3 RTH2125 (101) Blood Analysis and Diagnostics 45

3 RTH2155 (100) Cardio Diagnostics 45

3 RTH2165 (101) Airway Interventions 45

3 Elective: General Education (Minimum of 36 hours) 42

4 RTH2055 (101) Pulmonary Diagnostics 45

4 RTH2080 (101) Advanced Pharmacology and Pathophysiology 45

4 RTH2100 (101) Respiratory Care Clinical Simulation 60

4 RTH2110 (101) Anesthesia 45

4 RTH2140 (102) Ventilators 3 75

4 Elective: General Education (Minimum of 36 hours) 42

5 RTH2170 (100) Hospital Practicum II 555

5 RTH2180 (100) Pediatric and Neonatal Practicum 187

5 RTH2020 (100) Hospital Practicum/Simulation I 24

Total Credit Hours for this level: 766

6 RTH3050 (100) Hospital Practicum III 555

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Program Design for Your Cohort

Students can find their program design on the student Portal by following the steps below: 1. Log in to Student Portal

2. Click on ‘My Courses’ tab

3. Select ‘View Progress Report’ button

Courses are listed by level/semester. Students can also view courses for the most current program design for this academic year on the Conestoga College website. To find these courses, students need to scroll down the page to the ‘Program Courses’.

Pathways and Further Post-secondary Education Opportunities

Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions. View the transfer agreement opportunities for this program.

There are a number of different opportunities available to students who want to continue studying at Conestoga. Whether you wish to transfer to another program or apply to a new program after graduation, Conestoga has established pathways to help you meet your goals. Conestoga Pathways information is available on Conestoga’s website.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of practice settings including hospital intensive care units, neo-natal nurseries, emergency departments and operating rooms, as well as in community care settings.

86% of 2012-2013 graduates found employment within six months of graduation. Their average starting salary was $49,137.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website.

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2. Relationships

Communication and Contact Information

Faculty Commitment to Success

To ensure your success in the program, it is important you become familiar with those who are here to support and help you along your way. If you have any day-to-day questions about your program, courses or school work in general do not hesitate to contact your Program Co-ordinator, faculty, Chair or Dean.

Contact Information and Availability

Tim LePage

Program Coordinator

Respiratory Therapy Program

[email protected]

(519) 748-5220, ext. 3956 Paul Finch

Chair

Health Sciences

[email protected]

(519) 748-5220, ext.2395 Melissa Hakkers

Program Assistant

[email protected]

(519) 748-5220, ext. 2454 Gino DePinto

Faculty

[email protected]

(519) 748-5220, ext. 3962 Pam Hall

Faculty

[email protected]

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Faculty Availability

Faculty offices are located in the main building (4B area) and students are welcome to see individual faculty to discuss course work, assignments, or any other issues. During the first several days during the start of the semester faculty will explain how you can contact them outside of class time. Individual faculty timetables may be posted. As faculty have diverse teaching schedules, it is best to make an appointment to ensure he/she is available. Faculty members will endeavour to reply to email messages within 48 business hours.

Telephones for internal use are located outside the entry to faculty workspaces. Beside this phone will be a faculty directory with extension numbers only. If you have an appointment with a faculty member, please call to confirm that you have arrived. Please do not enter until you have confirmation that the faculty member is available to meet with you. If you do not have an appointment, please call the person you wish to meet with to confirm that he/she is present and can see you. If you do not reach them, please leave a message. In an

interest of respecting the work environment for everyone in this area, please do not wander into faculty workspaces looking for them.

Contacting Program Staff

When contacting program staff outside of class time it is advisable to use email or telephone. Your message should include the following information:

• first and last name • course and level

• brief description of reason for contact

• telephone numberwhere you can be reached

Student E mail

All students are supplied with a college e mail address. Use the college e mail address or eConestoga e mail only

when communicating with faculty. Non – college e mail addresses (e.g. Hotmail) are not acceptable. Students are expected to check their college and eConestoga e mail accounts regularly as most official communication will be via this method.

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Student Engagement

Student Concerns/Issues

We appreciate that concerns/issues may arise during the learning experience. Our goal is to collaborate – students with faculty and staff — to resolve concerns quickly and to learn and improve from these situations to achieve this goal, we need an effective problem-solving environment.

This means:

When a concern arises, it needs to be raised immediately and discussed by the individuals involved. This is most important for effective problem solving.

**Problem-solving closest to the individual associated with the learning is the place to start.

Please see the “Student Concerns/Issues” section in the Student Rights and Responsibilities section of the College Student Guide regarding the informal and formal procedures for the resolution of concerns and issues. Please note that issues and concerns related to a placement site, its operation or its employees should first be brought to the attention of the Conestoga Clinical Instructor/Responsible faculty/Field Placement Supervisor, subject to the additional procedures outlined in the Sections on “Professionalism” and “Concerns Regarding Safety or Care/Service for Clients during a Practicum/Field Placement.

Student Representation

CSI and Conestoga agree that a student has the right to invite a member of CSI to a student/faculty meeting, provided that 24 hours advance notice is given to faculty. This advance notice will ensure that all parties will have an opportunity to adequately prepare for the meeting.

PAC (Program Advisory Committee)

Each program at Conestoga has a Program Advisory Committee (PAC), which is made up of industry and academic representatives, as well as current students. They meet several times a year to discuss the direction in which that industry is heading and any improvements that can be made to keep the program current. This helps to ensure that students are learning material that is relevant to their industry.

At the beginning of each year, the coordinator of the program will ask for student volunteers. The coordinator will decide which students will represent years one and two. The student representatives are expected to attend the meetings. Students must prepare and submit a report based on guidelines provided by the Program Chair/Coordinator which will be presented at the meeting. Students are expected to be professional, dress in business attire and engage in discussions.

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WIHSC (Waterloo Inter-professional Healthcare Student Collaborative)

Conestoga College offers many unique and exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth. One of the things that contribute to the excellence of this college is the host of exciting extracurricular opportunities that add to the culture of this fine institution. WIHSC (Waterloo Inter-professional Health & Community Student Collaborative) is one such club whose members strive to ‘learn with, from, and about’ each other. Membership of this active group is comprised of students enrolled in health, community, and social sciences programs at the Doon campus. Some of the most popular initiatives that this group regularly engages in are interactive simulation exercises, peer-mentoring, guest speakers, paper case studies and monthly meetings. To find out more about this exciting opportunity, please visit the WIHSC website. The website includes information on past events (pictures and videos) as well as how to get involved. Get involved, have fun, and learn more about the team members you will work with upon graduation! For more information, please contact your program coordinator.

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Student Feedback

Student feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement process. Our opportunities for student feedback include:

Key Performance Indicators

All college programs in the province are evaluated using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. This survey is conducted each academic year. Strategic goals to improve the programs are developed from these results. This data and other data specific to the campus and the program/school are collected so that Conestoga College can continually improve quality.

Student Appraisal of Teaching

The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows direct feedback from students on teaching for a particular course. Completion of the SAT form gives teachers and academic managers valuable information, to use for improving teaching at Conestoga.

The SAT process occurs at semester-end. One quarter of the faculty is appraised per term, and each has two courses selected by their academic managers for appraisal. All teachers have a SAT review at least once every two years. Students complete either an electronic or paper copy of the SAT. A summary of results is prepared by Institutional Research.

The report is sent to the Academic Manager who shares the report with the faculty member AFTER all marks for the semester have been collected. Continuing Education students may have an opportunity to complete an SAT form at the conclusion of each Continuing Education course.

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Class Cancellations

Class Cancellation due to Faculty Absence

All class cancellations due to faculty absences will be posted in the Student Portal on the left hand side of first page which a student sees after logging in. These notices in the Student Portal will be the only general

notifications of class cancellations due to faculty absences. Faculty who will be absent will not be informing students of class cancellations through the eConestoga Learning Management System.

Class Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather

College closure due to inclement weather will be announced on local radio stations (92.9; 88.3; 1460; 96.7, 105.3, and 1240). It is up to Associate Faculty and students to listen for campus closures. If the college is closed a message will be left on the campus switchboard after office hours. A notice will also be placed on the college website.

Personal Notifications of Class Cancellations

Students have the option of receiving special e-mails or SMS text messages notifying them of class cancellations due to faculty absences. To receive such personal notifications students must subscribe to this special service. To subscribe:

• Log in to the Student Portal

• Select Notifications under the Profile tab

• Select the method by which you would like to be notified • Click Update.

Note: To change the e-mail address to which these notifications will be sent, select My Addresses under the Profile Tab, and change the default e-mail address.

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3. Standards of Conduct and Professional Practice

Program Standards for Professional Practice

The Respiratory Therapy Program provides both academic study and practical training to prepare students for careers in working the health care field. Throughout the program, students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and to apply themselves to their learning. Professionals function in an independent and interdependent environment. The fundamental responsibility of a student is to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to be a competent Registered Respiratory Therapists upon graduation. As students preparing to become professionals, it is imperative that behaviours and attitudes reflect standards that are endorsed by Conestoga College and your chosen profession. As a Conestoga College Respiratory Therapy student, there are three areas of conduct you are expected to follow; Academic Conduct, Professional Conduct, and Social/Behavioural Conduct.

As a student of Conestoga College you are a member of the college community and as such you have received a Conestoga Student Guide that includes Student Rights, Student Responsibilities, and Student Code of Conduct. The Student Responsibilities section includes detailed information regarding plagiarism, cheating, and academic dishonesty. It is essential that you review this section and familiarize yourself with these Responsibilities. It is expected that your conduct as a student will be reflective of the responsibilities listed. If you have any questions regarding any of them, please contact your Program Coordinator.

As a Respiratory Therapy student you are preparing yourself to enter a profession that has a professional

designation (College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario) with Standards of Practice that guides behaviours for all professionals within this field. It is the expectation of all students, faculty, and administration of Conestoga

College that we, as practitioners, will incorporate and function within the guidelines of these professional standards of ethical practice.

Characteristics of Successful Students (and employees)

In order to assist students with their transition from previous endeavours to their studies in the Respiratory Therapy program, and prepare students for professional success in their chosen fields of study, the following characteristics of a successful student have been identified as follows:

1. Not surprisingly, he/she attend class-regularly. Moreover, he/she is on time. If he/she misses a session, he/she feels obligated to let the instructor know why and their excuses seem legitimate and reasonable. He/she makes sure he/she gets all assignments he/she missed and understand specifically what was covered in class.

2. Successful students speak in class, even if their attempts are a bit clumsy and difficult. He/she ask the questions that many in the class are bound to have, provided he/she is listening.

3. He/she sees the instructor before or after class about grades, comments made on their papers and upcoming tests. Sometimes he/she just wants to ask a question or make a comment relative to the class discussion. 4. Successful students turn in assignments that look neat and sharp. He/she take the time to produce a final

product that looks good, a reflection of a caring attitude and pride in their work.

5. He/she is attentive in class. He/she doesn’t chat, read or stare out windows. In other words, he/she is polite and graceful, even if he/she gets a little bored.

6. All work and assignments are turned in on time, even if not every one of them is brilliant. Successful students seem driven to complete all work.

7. The most successful students may well end up at the instructor’s office door at least once during the semester. He/she will go out of their way to find the instructor and engage him/her in meaningful conversation.

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Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

Academic honesty is expected and required of all Conestoga students. In order to maximize your success as a student, it is critical that you familiarize yourself with the Academic Integrity Policy found in the Conestoga

Student Guide. This guide has been provided to you during orientation and is available on the college website. The Academic Integrity Policy provides a detailed description of the following:

• Scope of academic integrity, • What academic integrity means,

• What types of behaviours constitute a breach of academic integrity, • The penalties associated with breaching academic integrity.

After reading this information, if you do not fully understand what is meant by academic integrity, and what is required of you to maintain academic integrity, please speak with a faculty member or your program

coordinator. Please note that maintaining academic integrity is very serious, and that it is your responsibility as a Conestoga student to know the Academic Integrity Policy and to initiate help if you do not fully understand it. Below are a few hints to help you avoid breaching academic integrity.

• Make sure that you recognize information that requires referencing.

Example Required Referencing

Milk is good for you. General information in the public domain. _{Does not require referencing.} “According to Health Canada milk beverages

provide the nutrients needed for healthy bones and optimal health”.

Health Canada. (2008). Canada’s food guide: Milk and alternatives. Retrieved May 17, 20011 from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food- guide-aliment/choose-choix/milk-lait/index-eng.php

Direct quote right from a published source. Requires a reference.

Consuming milk every day provides the nutrients that you need for healthy bones and optimal health.

Health Canada. (2008). Canada’s food guide: Milk and alternatives. Retrieved May 17, 20011 from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food- guide-aliment/choose-choix/milk-lait/index-eng.php

Information that has been put into your own words, but offers information outside of public domain related with specialized knowledge. Requires a reference.

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• Whenever you refer to material from another source, whether book, journal article, video, newspaper, or electronic publications, you must acknowledge your source using proper citations and references. The APA style is the format most often used in the health and social sciences. Please visit the Conestoga Learning Commons for assistance with the APA format, or visit the following websites for help.

• If you work collaboratively with others on an assignment, including in class assignments that expect independent submission, make sure that you do not copy words or ideas from others intentionally or by accident.

• Make sure that you read the Academic Integrity Policy located in the Conestoga Student Guide, and that you fully understand it. The policy describes additional behaviours that represent a breach of academic integrity.

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Copyright – What Students Need to Know

Photocopying and scanning at Conestoga are governed by the Copyright Act, an agreement with Access Copyright, and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges’ Fair Dealing Policy.

Under the terms of our Access Copyright license which gives the broadest permission: You can photocopy or scan the following:

• Up to 10% of most published works

• One chapter that is greater than 10%, but no more than 20% of the book

• One article, short story, play, poem or essay from a book, magazine or journal issue containing other works

• One newspaper article or page

• One entry from an encyclopedia, dictionary, annotated bibliography or similar reference work

• One drawing, sculpture, painting, print, architectural work of art or work of artistic craftsmanship from a larger volume containing other works.

Cumulative Copying

If you copy 10% of a book today, 10% next week, 10% the week after that, and so on, this is called cumulative copying and it is not allowed. The copy limits apply to an entire academic year, so once you reach the limit for an item, you can’t copy more until the next academic year.

You cannot copy or scan the following:

• Workbooks or study guides that are intended for one-time use • Instruction manuals

• Sheet music and original artistic works including photographs or prints • Advertisements

• Business cases

• Any of the items on the Access Copyright Exclusions list

You can find all of this information and more on the Copyright for Students web page.

If you have any questions about copyright or the limits of copying on campus, contact Tessa Dueck, Copyright Technician, at [email protected] or 519-748-5220 ext. 3604.

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Safe Practice

Safe practice is part of professional practice. It is an expectation of everyone who is or wants to be a professional.

There are a number of policies and procedures associated with practical training in your program that have been developed to ensure your safety and the safety (physical and emotional) of those around you. These will be reviewed with you during your program.

The following basic procedures are outlined for your attention and follow-through:

1. Your personal safety begins with the use of professional attire and foot wear and with your attention to the health and safety expectations that may be identified throughout the College.

2. Help us have a safe and pleasant environment by wiping up spills, by ensuring lap top cords do not snake across walking areas and by reporting equipment or facility problems when you see them.

Concerns such as these in the Cowan Health Sciences Center may be reported to the Customer Service Desk in the Cowan Health Sciences Center.

3. Specific dress codes, personal protective equipment and specific codes of behavioral conduct may apply to certain programs; failure to follow these may result in your inability to participate in a lab, class or

experiential learning activity.

4. Safe work practices are to be followed during all training; follow the direction of your instructors. If you have a practicum, your Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty member will ensure that you are aware of safe practices and safety precautions and procedures. This includes problem-solving by the Responsible Faculty and Program Coordinator with the College’s Occupational Health & Safety Department as required. For example, should outside temperatures during the summer become unusually hot, very high temperatures may occur in some workplaces; this could require that specific steps be taken to ensure a safe working environment.

5. All safety-related accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to the Instructor-in-Charge immediately. This is an opportunity to problem-solve about how to avoid these areas of concern for the future.

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Professional Conduct - Use of Social Media and Cell Phones

To ensure a quality and respectful learning environment both in the classroom and in field placement, the use of cell phones and laptop computers for social networking can only be used during break times, before/after class and during formal break time in field placement.

Laptops and other forms of technology can be used in the classroom when the use pertains to the content and processes of learning facilitated by the professor. Faculty reserve the right to remove and hold any technology devise that is a disruption to the class processes of teaching and learning until the end of class.

Social Media Policy

• Social media has many advantages for a professional. It can be used to network, to resource information and keep current

• As a student and future professional, it is essential to maintain professional boundaries in all communication, including Social Media.

BE AWARE:

• “Electronic messages are not anonymous. They can be tracked, misdirected, manipulated and live forever on the internet. Social media sites create and archive copies of every piece of content posted, even when deleted from on-line profiles. Once information is digitalized, the author relinquishes all control.”

“Online identities and actions are visible to the public and can result in serious repercussions or

embarrassment. As the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Ontario notes, users may intend to share their online existence solely within their own network, but in theory anyone can access the user’s musings, photos and information. Further, the words can be altered, forwarded and misquoted.1.

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Ensure that your posts reflect you as the professional you are and wish to become – if a potential employer were to see your posts.

1. Many types of social media encourage instantaneous, casual dialogue. It is important to remember that even an innocent comment may be easily misunderstood

2. Assume that information you post or send can be accessed or altered by anyone.

3. Consider whether any posting may reflect poorly on you, your school, or your profession. 4. Avoid online criticism about other students, colleagues, professors or field placements. 5. Avoid impulsive, inappropriate or heated comments.

6. Pictures should not be taken, posted to social media sites or shared without the express permission of all individuals involved.

7. Remember that online sites you visit are not anonymous.

8. Make sure your on-line name and E-mail reflect professionalism.

9. Ensure that your postings will not be considered harassment or defamation of a peer, colleague, faculty or others.

Maintain privacy of all care and service activities when in practical work experiences: 1. Do not take or post any pictures while on placement or involved in lab activities

2. Maintain client-provider relationships and boundaries. The addition of a client to a ‘friendship” status online is unacceptable.

Please respect the fact that your faculty and staff will not invite you to their personal web pages when you are a current student (Keep faculty and staff as resources to connect with after you have graduated or after you have left the college)

Cell Phone Policy

Students should respect their professors and other instructors by following program policy and not use their cell phones for personal use during class time. This is representative of the professional manner in which you are expected to act as you prepare to enter the workforce.

Students should refrain from bringing their cell phone into a test or examination. Phones should be left in your locker or left in your bag at the front of the classroom. In the event of an urgent need to keep your cell phone with you during a test (parents with young children, students experiencing a family emergency, etc.) please speak to your professor as soon as you enter the examination room. Those who have been permitted to bring a phone into the classroom will likely be asked to either leave the phone with the professor, or he/she may be permitted to leave their phone out on their desk where it is visible to the professor and proctors. In any case, students are not permitted to touch or answer the phone without raising their hand to ask for the

professor/proctor’s permission. If you are found to have a cell phone in your possession during an

examination that has not been declared, you will be asked to leave the examination room, and will be given a zero on the assessment.

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Cowan Health Sciences Centre

Clinical Lab Dress Code

The Clinical Lab areas of the Cowan Health Sciences Centre (CHSC) are comprised of clinical bed labs, the Cross Centre for the Advancement of Patient Care Simulation and the Open Access Lab. In order to maintain these as safe professional spaces, appropriate dress must be worn. The purpose of this dress code is to insure the safety of the student, faculty and staff and also to prepare them for the clinical environment. The dress code is

designed to comply with infection control procedures, workplace health and safety considerations and professional safety.

All lab areas are covered by this policy for all programs in the School of Health, Life Sciences and Community Services. Non-compliance with this dress code will result in the person being asked to leave the lab area. (If during scheduled lab time, this may result in a missed lab)

Dress Requirements

• Lab coat, scrubs or clinical dress as set forth by the program (should be neat and clean)

Note: the Centre for Advanced Patient Care Simulation requires full clinical uniform to be worn. i.e. Family of Nursing/RT: scrubs, Paramedic/Pre-Service Fire: uniform

• Closed toe, closed heel shoes

• Hair tied back, if hair is long, then it must be up • No rings, necklaces or dangling earrings

o A pair of studs may be worn; one in each ear o A plain wedding band may be worn

• Nails should be kept neat and short; artificial nails and nail polish are not allowed • No hats to be worn (exceptions related to the Human Rights Code)

• No denim or sweat pants • Nametags must be worn

• Scented products (perfume, scented aftershave, hair products) must not be worn. • Personal hygiene products such as deodorant should be used but unscented. • No gum chewing is permitted in clinical, lab or community settings.

Requests for accommodations of this policy (e.g. for religious or disability reasons) will be considered within the framework of the Conestoga College Policy or Human Rights.

Faculty and/or Clinical Preceptors reserve the right to ask students who do not conform to the uniform policy to leave the clinical, community or lab setting. Time missed must then be made up by the student. Please be reminded that the labs are a clinical setting and, as such, the requirement for proper hand washing/hygiene is in effect.

Clinical Lab Areas: 1F26, 2F06, 2F10, 3F35, 3F36, 3F38, 3F40, 3F45, 3F46 Open Access Lab: 2F18

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Guidelines for student use of the Respiratory Care Lab

• Students are not allowed in the Respiratory Therapy lab at any time without a faculty member present who is familiar with the use of the gas system

• All students will receive fire and cylinder safety training during the lab orientation session

• New faculty or faculty who are not familiar with the gas system will also receive safety training before using the lab

• Food and drink is not allowed in the lab

• All coats/ hats and backpacks should be kept in student lockers and not be brought to the lab • All students must abide by the uniform policy when in any health science lab environment. • All users will maintain the environment in a safe, clean and tidy manner

• Handle all equipment carefully

• Students will be responsible for cleaning and tidying up.

Fire Safety

• Smoking and open flame are prohibited in the lab at all times.

• In case of fire, the faculty member in the lab is responsible for turning off all gas sources, ensuring the nearest pull station has been activated and that everyone evacuates the lab.

• Faculty and students should know the location of the fire extinguisher but only use it to fight a fire if he/she is trained, it is safe to do so (e.g. fire is small and escape route is clear), and the fire alarm has been activated.

Open Access In addition to bookings during regular hours

Procedure for Booking After-Hours and Weekend Lab Practice

1. It is preferred that the booking be done at least 24 hours in advance.

2. Contact one of the nurse technologists to book the time. The following information will need to be provided to the technologist:

a. Day, time and duration of practice b. Full names of all persons in attendance

i. This allows the CHSC team to notify security appropriately

ii. You must have at least one other person (in the program) with you for this practice iii. Persons outside the programs in the School of Health and Life Sciences and Community

Services will not be admitted to the Open Access Lab

iv. Appropriate lab attire must be worn while in the Open Access

3. On the day of practice, please check in with Security with your Conestoga ID. Security will unlock the lab

4. When you are finished practicing please contact Security to have them lock the door. 5. You will not be allowed to use the medication cart during unsupervised practice.

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Student Protection Acknowledgement

A Student Protection Acknowledge confirmation pop-up will appear once an applicant/student logs into the

Student Portal. A PDF directs students to policies and procedures relevant to their academic responsibilities. Policies and procedures are searchable on Conestoga’s website. Students are advised to review and comply with all policies and procedures including the following:

• Academic Dispute and Resolution Policy/Procedure • Academic Integrity Policy

• Academic Recognition Policy • Academic Credential Procedure

• Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy/Procedure • Co-operative Education Policy

• Discontinuance Policy/Procedure

• Eligibility to Participate in Co-op Work Terms Policy/Procedure • Evaluation of Student Learning Policy/Procedure

• Grading Procedure

• Graduation Requirements and Convocation Procedure • Honours Policy/Procedure

• Program/Course (Cohort) Withdrawal Procedure • Student Concerns and Issues/Procedure

• Student Fees Policy • Student Feedback Policy

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4. Attendance and Student Success Strategies

Attendance and Punctuality

In view of the learning complexities of the Respiratory Therapy Program, it is imperative that students attend all classes, labs and clinical practicums as scheduled. Students who are absent from class, lab or clinical practicum place themselves in academic jeopardy in meeting the learning objectives as stipulated by the program.

If extenuating circumstances require students to miss a class, please note that it is the student’s responsibility to share this information with faculty and to acquire any missed information. Students may be asked to make up any missed lab and clinical practicum time at the discretion of the faculty.

In order to be respectful to both fellow students and faculty, students are expected to arrive on time for class, lab and clinical practicums

Acceptable Reasons for Absence

1. Illness: Students experiencing health concerns that prevent attendance should notify their professor of their absence in advance and be prepared to present a certificate from a physician in the event of missing any form of assessment.

2. Compassionate Leave: Request for leaves of absence to attend to family illness, death or family problems are considered. These requests will be submitted to the professor who will consult with the Program

Coordinator and Chair if necessary.

3. Jury Duty: Any student who receives a summons for Jury Duty should bring the document to the Chair to assess if it can be arranged to have the subject excused if such duty interferes with the progress in the program.

Note: Scheduled vacation and work commitments are not acceptable reasons for missing or rescheduling a test/examination or any other type of evaluation.

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Attendance for Evaluation

An evaluation is defined as a test, exam, presentation or any other formal assessment that requires your presence in a class or lab. Evaluations are critical components of each course and to your success in the Program.

The school’s approach to requirements for attendance at evaluations reflects the expectation that as emerging professionals, students must demonstrate a professional attitude and attention to evaluations. This is the same manner as future work as professional will require attention to workplace procedures. Consequences for missed evaluations are balanced against reasonable support where it is warranted.

In order to support student success:

• Evaluation and presentation dates are scheduled and communicated at the beginning of each semester. • Unplanned extenuating circumstances involving the college, the program or the faculty that may

require changes to the course schedule will be communicated to students.

In support of the development of professionalism, students are required to take all evaluations at the scheduled times.

• Students who make personal commitments that conflict with the evaluation dates or assignment deadlines do so at their own risk.

• There will be no special arrangements made for students with personal conflicts (e.g. work, family commitments or vacation plans).

• Students who wish to reschedule an evaluation or a presentation due to a religious holiday are required to discuss the situation with faculty within the first two weeks of the semester.

• Academic accommodations are provided to students with documented disabilities through the Accessibility Office.

Notification for Absence from Evaluations

Students are required to notify the program of absence from any evaluation for any reason. • Notification must be received prior to the start of the evaluation.

• Failure to do so will result in a mark of zero being assigned.

Notification procedure

Log into the student portal and click on the Absence tab and indicate that you will be absent from class on a day that has an Evaluation. You will receive a confirmation email that you have recorded your absence for that day.

Note:

• Your professor will be aware of your absence from an evaluation by your lack of attendance and because you have entered your absence using the online Absence Recording System on the Student Portal.

• The Absence Recording System shows you as being absent for the day, starting from the time that you record your absence. (For example if you record your absence for that day at 11:00 a.m. the system will show you as being absent for all classes starting after 11:00 a.m. that day.)

If you are then going to be present again for some later class, you will need to bring your presence to the attention of your Professor in that later class.)

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Follow-up after Reporting Your Absence from an Evaluation:

• You must make contact immediately with faculty to explain the reasons for your absence and to arrange a meeting.

• If there is a concerning pattern of absence you will be asked to meet with the program coordinator. This may result in the need for you to provide documentation verifying the reason for your absence, in accordance with the requirements specified in sections below titled “Evaluations worth 20% or more” and “Evaluations worth less than 20%”

• Faculty will then make alternative evaluation arrangements as appropriate and you will complete any necessary forms.

• Students are required to complete the alternative evaluation as scheduled.

• If the evaluation is to be conducted in the testing center, you will be asked to show your student card before you are permitted to write the test.

• Tests will be made up In the College Testing Centre in the following week, or by individual arrangements with program faculty.

Religious Holidays

Students are permitted by Conestoga policy to be absent from class to observe a recognized religious holiday. Any student who is unable to attend classes or participate in an examination, study, or work requirement on some particular day or days because of religious beliefs will be given the opportunity to make up the work that was missed or do alternate work/examinations subject to timely notification.

Conestoga recognizes all religious holidays as defined by the College Employer Council. It is the responsibility of the student to:

a. Plan ahead and be aware of the dates of all examinations and other course obligations;

b. Advise the faculty member that he/she will be seeking accommodation to observe a recognized

religious holiday and make a request in writing to your Program Coordinator within the first 3 weeks of the semester and prior to the dare of assessment that falls on the religious holiday. Exceptions based on extenuating circumstances must be approved by the Chair.

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Documentation to Substantiate Your Reported Absence

Evaluations worth less than 20%

Missed evaluations worth less than 20% of the student’s final grade will be rescheduled once per program semester subject to proper communication described above.

Once per program semester means that only one absence for an evaluation will be accepted across all courses in a program for a semester. Implications of major illnesses or personal circumstances impacting several course evaluations at one time will require discussion with the program coordinator prior to faculty arranging

alternative evaluations.

If an evaluation cannot be rescheduled (for example an experiential activity or participation in a group presentation) reallocation of marks will be determined by faculty. This will be documented on an interview record and signed off by both faculty and student.

If more than one evaluation that is worth less than 20% is missed, documentation requirements for evaluations worth 20% or more apply.

Evaluations worth 20% or more

Any student who misses an evaluation worth 20% or more will receive a mark of zero unless the reason for missing the evaluation and the accompanying documentation verifying the reason for the absence are deemed acceptable by the program. Examples of reasons deemed acceptable include incapacitating illness, death of a close family member, and required court appearance.

If an evaluation is missed due to illness, the health care professional attesting to the illness must have firsthand knowledge of the situation and direct involvement with the treatment / management of the condition. For example, a note from a clinic provided by a physician seeing the student for the first time, after the illness has resolved, is unlikely to meet the program standard for documentation.

Test Procedures

• Once a test begins, students may not leave the test room for 30 minutes. If he/she finishes a test before that time, he/she may review their answers but are expected to sit QUIETLY and not disturb others. Once students leave the room he/she may only re-enter when invited back by Faculty.

• Any student found cheating during the course of an examination/test will be addressed according to procedures found in Conestoga Student Guide.

• Faculty is responsible to advise as to the material permitted in the testing room. Personal items and learning materials will be left in an area identified by the Faculty.

• Faculty will advise as to the seating arrangements of students.

• During open book tests, students must bring their own course materials (books, notes, Learning

Packages etc.) for individual use only. Students may not share any of these materials. Electronic devices, such as, iPod, text messaging, cell phones, translators, will not be permitted.

Importance of Test and Presentation Dates

Test and assignment dates are scheduled at the beginning of each semester. Unplanned extenuating

circumstances involving the college, the program, or the faculty may require changes to the course schedule. If this occurs, students will be notified.

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Students are required to write all tests during the scheduled in-class test times. Students who make personal commitments that conflict with meeting test and assignment deadlines do so at their own risk. There will be no special arrangements made for students with personal conflicts (e.g. work, family commitments or vacation plans). Students who wish to reschedule a test or presentation because of a religious holiday are required to discuss the situation with faculty at the beginning of the semester.

Academic accommodations are provided to students with documented disabilities through the Accessibility Services Office.