A health-related, work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. (WECM 51.0803)
This course is focused on experiential learning and is designed to enrich classroom studies and provide exposure to the process and benefits of occupational therapy. The Level I fieldwork will include various fieldwork experiences and students will attend and participate in routine debriefings and classroom activities. The students will have the opportunity to master their professional behavior skills and build a foundation for therapeutic use of self and clinical reasoning in the Level I therapeutic environments.
Part I
Part I of this course is a Level I fieldwork experience focused on psychological and social factors that influence engagement in occupation and focus on occupational therapy services from a mental health perspective. This includes a five or six week, one-day-per-week experience within an environment that supports and services the psychosocial needs of the community. Supervisors may include regulated occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, counselors, psychologists, physician assistants, teachers, social workers, nurses or otherwise qualified professional.
✓ The student will have the opportunity to observe and selectively participate in various mental health services as offered by the supervising professional and will gain knowledge as to how various psychosocial factors may influence engagement in occupation.
✓ Students will have the opportunity to integrate and apply information from their previous and concurrent semesters including basic knowledge, professional behavior, and basic therapeutic use of self and clinical reasoning skills specific to the mental health population.
✓ Students will be evaluated on professional behaviors in the field and classroom as well as related course assignments.
Part II
Part II of this course will focus on experiencing occupational therapy services from a neurodevelopmental perspective and occur in various community settings. This includes a five or six week, one-day-per-week experience within an environment that supports and serves the neurodevelopmental needs of the community. Supervisors may include regulated occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, counselors, psychologists, physician assistants, teachers, social workers, nurses or otherwise qualified professional.
✓ The student will have the opportunity to observe and selectively participate in various neurodevelopmental occupational therapy treatment activities.
✓ Students will have the opportunity to integrate and apply information from their previous and concurrent semesters including basic knowledge, professional behavior, and basic therapeutic use of self and clinical reasoning skills specific to neurodevelopmental occupational therapy practice populations.
✓ Students will be evaluated on professional behaviors in the field and classroom as well as related course assignments.
Professional conduct and communication are considered to be essential skills in the healthcare professions and are required during a student’s fieldwork at all times. Students must conduct themselves in a professional manner; treat fellow students, faculty, clinical instructors, staff, and all patients with kindness and courtesy; and preserve patient dignity. Students are expected to be polite and respectful whether talking face-to-face, emailing, or posting online. Cell phones must be placed on silence and/or handled in accordance with clinical site policy. Behavior that is disruptive (i.e.,
excessive talking, rudeness to others, distracting behaviors such as leaving and cell phones ringing, etc.) will not be tolerated and may result in an unsatisfactory evaluation per the fieldwork supervisor and/or points deduction in the fieldwork grade as given by the AFWC.
As part of the professional behavior expectation, students must always:
• Appropriately announce their presence prior to entering any patient room or treatment space.
• Wear proper identification (name tag to be worn above waist level) and introduce themselves as an occupational therapy assistant student.
• Respect the right of patients to refuse treatment by a student.
• Protect the privacy of patients’ personal health information.
• Accept constructive criticism gracefully.
• Keep the Fieldwork Educator informed of their activities at all times during clinic hours.
Students must never:
• Discuss a patient’s history or information in the medical record with a patient or his/her relatives. Patients’ charts and all other patient records should be kept out of reach of unauthorized persons, including patients.
• Discuss matters pertaining to patient care or patient status in elevators, corridors, or any other public area where their comments may be overheard.
• Discuss any matter within a patient’s hearing which is not directly intended for his/her ears.
• Smoke, eat, drink, or chew gum during clinic working hours, except in designated areas.
• Accept any money or gifts from patients.
• Become personally involved with patients, clinical instructors, or any supervisory personnel. Student-patient and student-clinical instructor relationships must be strictly professional in nature at all times.
• Lend personal items to patients and/or run errands for patients.
Clinical Appearance
Proper attire is required while working in clinical facilities. Revealing clothing is not appropriate. Close-toed shoes must be worn at all times.
When an instructor requests that a student dress in a certain fashion for lab or special event, failure to comply will result in the student not being allowed to participate and being counted absent. When working with clients, the student must maintain personal health such that there is no risk to self or patient. Personal cleanliness and hygiene are essential for acceptable interpersonal activities, such as those engaged in by OTAs.
1. Students are required to adhere to the prescribed OTA dress code (see OTA Student Uniform below).
2. Students are required to wear Weatherford College student identification cards at all Fieldwork sites.
3. Jewelry should be worn with caution. Single pierced earrings consisting of a post are permitted. No dangles or loop earrings may be worn. No bracelets or necklaces that may interfere with patient treatment are permitted. No extraneous piercings will be permitted. A watch with a second-hand should be worn.
4. Tattoos must not be visible.
5. Hair must be clean. Only simple hair accessories are permitted. Students with long hair styles must tie hair back and pin it up so that it does not interfere with treatment.
6. Fingernails must be clean, filed smoothly, and should not extend beyond the finger tips. Only clear nail polish is acceptable.
7. Mustaches and/or beards must be neatly trimmed.
8. No perfume, lotion, or other similar item in excess is permitted. What is pleasant to many may be noxious to some. A patient should NEVER be able to detect any obvious smell as you approach them – not from perfume, powder, body spray, lotions, body odor, or cigarette odor. The smell of cigarettes on a student will ABSOLUTELY NOT be permitted.
Students are expected to be aware of these standards. Acting in a manner counter to these standards will result in consequences that reflect the severity of the infraction.
OTA Student Uniform
Shirt Black scrubs must be purchased by each student and include the approved college logo patch placed on the left arm sleeve. This is to be worn during class session and in all clinical settings unless the clinical facility has a different dress code. There are no exceptions.
Pants Black scrub pants are to be worn during class sessions and in all clinical settings unless the clinical facility has a different dress code. There are no exceptions.
Shoes Shoes must be clean and have rubber soles. Laces must match the shoe color. Unacceptable styles include open-toe, open-heel, platform, and boots.
Identification Student identification cards must be worn at all times above waist level.
Confidentiality
Students are required to pass HIPAA specific training prior to any fieldwork experiences. Sharing information with other individuals regarding patients/clients, facilities, fieldwork educators, or classmates outside of the classroom is unethical. Violation of this ethic may result in expulsion from the OTA program.
Safety
While in clinical facilities, students must abide by all safety, security, and evacuation policies and procedures in effect at the facility. Failure to do so, either by negligence or by lack of awareness, may result in patient injury and/or create the potential for injury/harm. Failure of a student to strictly adhere to safety guidelines may result in removal of the student from the fieldwork training site resulting in an “F” for the course.
Fieldwork Problems or Concerns
Fieldwork concerns may be identified at any point by the fieldwork educator or the student or by the AFWC. Students may contact the AFWC at any time if he or she has a concern. However, the student will be encouraged to resolve issues as independently and professionally as possible. If unresolved concerns remain, the fieldwork educator, AFWC, and student will discuss problem areas and strategies for success. In such cases, the AFWC will remain in weekly contact with the fieldwork educator, the course instructor, and/or the student until the issues are resolved. The OTA Program Director may be asked to participate in meetings or discussions at any time during this process. All conference minutes and information related to student performance are maintained in the student’s file in the OTA department office. Please refer to the OTA Fieldwork Manual for more specific information.
As outlined in the learning plan, apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry and will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry. (WECM 51.0803)
After completing this course, the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate an awareness of psychological and social factors that influence a client’s engagement in occupations and the benefit of occupational therapy within a mental health setting.
- Identify how various treatment interventions consider the impact of the client’s psychological and social factors on engagement in occupation.
- Articulate the application of theory, occupational concepts, evidenced based practice and occupational skills within the assigned fieldwork setting.
- Demonstrate appropriate professional, ethical, and interpersonal behaviors in the assigned fieldwork setting.
- Articulate the use of specialized materials, tools, equipment, and procedures related to occupational intervention in the assigned fieldwork setting.
- Demonstrate appropriate safety practices as related to the assigned fieldwork setting.
- Demonstrate appropriate written and verbal skills using terminology relevant to the assigned fieldwork setting.
- Gather data and assist with the development of intervention plans as related to a client’s occupational performance.
Textbook
None required for this course
Required Materials
Access to a computer and email availability for general course communication.
Grading
Each fieldwork placement is intended to be a unique learning experience and will be assigned a grade as reflected in the Grade Compilation section of the specific syllabus.
Course Assignments
Students should be prepared for assignments that may be required by the AFWC and/or the fieldwork educator at the site. Assignments are designed to enhance your learning experience and should be treated as such. All assignments must be completed in accordance with the syllabus and/or the clinical supervisor’s direction in order to successfully complete the clinical affiliation. No exceptions will be made. Failure to turn in assignments on time will result in a 5-point deduction per day. Late assignments will only be accepted up to one week late; thereafter, the grade will result in a zero.
Course Evaluation/Required Documentation
Student performance in fieldwork is evaluated by the fieldwork supervisors and by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. There are three formal forms associated with OTHA 1166.
Part I, Mental Health:
1. Level I Fieldwork Attendance & Student Evaluation Form – This form is used to record attendance and for the fieldwork supervisor to assess student performance. Due to the rotating nature of the OTHA 1166 Part I, Mental Health fieldwork experience, the daily sessions included in this experience will include an instructor evaluation of the student at the time attendance is recorded and validated by the session leader. When completing this form, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the time log entries, obtain required signatures, and keep a running total of fieldwork hours completed. Inaccurate or incomplete time logs will be considered an ethical violation and may result in disciplinary action, dismissal from program and/or course grade reductions. It is to be completed by the student each week with an opportunity for the Fieldwork Educator to provide feedback and make comments. The student is responsible for uploading the document into Exxat by the designated due date.
2. Student Assessment of Fieldwork Experience – This form is designed to provide feedback on the student’s perception of fieldwork and to ensure that the experience supports didactic learning and program enhancement. It is to be completed at the end of the fieldwork experience.
Part II, Neurodevelopmental
1. Level I Fieldwork Student Evaluation – The fieldwork supervisor will use this form to assess student performance at the conclusion of the experience. This form evaluates basic professional behaviors of the student rather than specific, technical skills. The student is responsible for uploading this into Exxat by the designated due date assigned by the AFWC.
2. Level I Fieldwork Attendance & Collaboration Record – When completing this form, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the time log entries, obtain required signatures, and keep a running total of fieldwork hours completed. Inaccurate or incomplete time logs will be considered an ethical violation and may result in disciplinary action, dismissal from program and/or course grade reductions. It is to be completed and include feedback from the student each week to encourage collaboration with the Fieldwork Educator and AFWC. It also serves as a platform for the Fieldwork Educator to provide feedback and provide comments.
3. Student Collaboration & Assessment of Fieldwork Experience – This form is used to gather student feedback on the site, supervisor and overall experience. It is to be completed by the student at the midpoint and the conclusion of each experience with an opportunity for Fieldwork Educator to provide feedback and make comments
Students are responsible for arranging times with their fieldwork educators to discuss the above documents and return signed copies of these forms to the AFWC in accordance to the schedule in this course syllabus. Failure to turn in the required documents on time will impede the paperwork grade (mental health or pediatrics) and result in dismissal from the course.
Grade Compilation
Participation/Completion of Paperwork 10%
Final Evaluation, Mental Health 15%
Final Evaluation, Pediatrics 15%
Psychosocial Reflection Notes (Part I/Part II) 10/10%
Mental Health Project 20%
Pediatric Project 20%
Grading Scale
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 75-79%
F Less than 75%
- Demonstrate an awareness of psychological and social factors that influence a client’s engagement in occupations and the benefit of occupational therapy within various settings. (SCANS)
- Participate in the fieldwork experience and complete Psychosocial Reflection notes.
- Identify how various treatment interventions consider the impact of the client’s psychological and social factors on engagement in occupation. (SCANS)
- Participate in fieldwork experience and complete Psychosocial Reflection notes and/or presentations.
- Demonstrate understanding of occupational therapy and an occupational-based treatment plan within a pediatric setting.
1. Participate in fieldwork and/or complete psychosocial and pediatric assignments.
- Articulate the application of theory, occupational concepts, evidence-based practice and occupational skills within the assigned fieldwork setting. (SCANS)
1. Complete assignments reflective of understanding of the theories, concepts, and skills of human occupation within assigned fieldwork setting.
- Demonstrate appropriate professional, ethical, and interpersonal behaviors in the assigned fieldwork setting. (SCANS)
1. Rated by clinical supervisor to meet or exceed expectations for professional, ethical, and interpersonal behaviors on the Fieldwork Evaluation Form.
- Articulate the use of specialized materials, tools, equipment, and procedures related to occupational intervention in the assigned fieldwork setting. (SCANS)
1. Complete assignments and/or presentations reflective of understanding the use of specialized materials, tools, equipment, and procedures related to occupational intervention within the assigned fieldwork setting.
- Demonstrate appropriate safety practices as related to the assigned fieldwork setting. (SCANS)
1. Rated by clinical supervisor to meet or exceed safety expectations within assigned fieldwork setting.
- Demonstrate appropriate written and verbal skills using terminology relevant to the assigned fieldwork setting. (SCANS)
1. Complete assignments and presentations that meet expectations of assigned fieldwork setting using appropriate terminology.
2. Rated by clinical supervisor to meet or exceed communication expectations.
- Gather data and assist with the development of intervention plans as related to a client’s occupational performance. (SCANS)
1. Complete assignments and presentations reflective of appropriate treatment as related to a client’s occupational performance.
If a student is tardy or absent on the scheduled days of fieldwork, he/she MUST notify the OTA Program Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) AND their clinical fieldwork supervisor by telephone prior to the assigned reporting time (at least 1 hour prior to arrival time). Failure to follow this policy will result in point reductions from the student’s final grade and may impact a student’s graduation eligibility. All absences must be approved and make-up days will be at the discretion of the clinical supervisor and AFWC. Please refer to the respective course syllabus per clinical class. Extended excused absences due to special circumstances will be handled at the discretion of the college AFWC. Official documentation will be required prior to consideration of special circumstances. In the event that make-up days are not permissible, a student may be required to withdrawal and make up the fieldwork experience as a whole. Unexcused absences during fieldwork will not be permitted and will result in dismissal from the program.
Clinical experience with supervision; instruction will be site specific and will include course-based assignments and presentations.
ADA Statement:
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.
The Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) identified Foundation Skills in the areas of Basic Skills, Thinking Skills, and Personal Qualities, and Workplace Competencies in the areas of Resources, Information, Interpersonal, Systems, and Technology. This course is part of a program in which each of these Skills and Competencies are integrated. The specific SCANS Competencies that are recognized throughout this course are noted in the Tasks section of this syllabus; and the Scans Competencies chart is the last page of this syllabus.