STUDENT HANDBOOK
Expectations and Policy Requirements for Students Participating in Clinical Education Experiences at Ochsner Health
2026
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Welcome to Ochsner Health
Culture : Mission, Vision, and Values
Professional Conduct
Caring Communication
Student Scope of Practice
Additional Policies
Nursing Best Practices
Confidentiality and HIPAA
Safety and Security
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Employment and Career Support
Infection Control
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Welcome to Ochsner Health! While many attributes make Ochsner Health a unique organization, it is our people who define us and make the
difference in changing and saving lives. Our deeply personal Core Values are designated by our very own personnel. Now that you are part of this community, we welcome your dedicated commitment to living Ochsner’s Core Values with intent, courage, and great responsibility.
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Living the Values
Our values begin with our patients. They are always our first priority, central to everything we do.
We respect the dignity and needs of patients, customers, families, and guests. We promote a safe environment by removing clutter, ensuring cleanliness, keeping equipment in working order, and reporting damages equipment and unsafe situations immediately.
We include patients in decisions about their care. We use the principles of caring communication.
We celebrate individual differences and take initiative to understand and show respect for others’ experiences, needs, values and skills, especially where they differ from our own. We ensure all voices are heard and opinions considered by inquiring, actively listening, and acknowledging responses. We acknowledge our assumptions and blind spots and are open to learning about them from others. We work to remedy the situation if we say or do something others perceive as hurtful.
We have the courage to do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason. We hold ourselves and others accountable for delivering on the things we say we will do. We safeguard the privacy and accuracy of all information, correspondence, and confidential conversations while following all applicable laws, ensuring data is shared in a secure and appropriate way. We protect the organization’s time, resources, and equipment and do not share passwords.
We are team players and work collaboratively with others. We seek our team’s input and find common ground, ensuring that all members feel heard and respected. We embrace change and are open to new ideas and approaches. We give and seek timely and productive feedback.
We assume good intent and seek first to understand. We welcome questions and differing opinions without judgment, listen without interrupting, and try to understand other views and feelings even when different from our own. We seek opportunities to help patients, customers, and team members. We make a conscious decision to have a positive, willing, and flexible attitude each day. We speak respectfully and utilize tone of voice and body language to demonstrate empathy and kindness.
We work to exceed expectations by consistently providing high quality service. We learn from our success and failures to continue to improve performance. We commit to lifelong learning, proactively seeking opportunity, feedback, and coaching for ongoing growth and development. We stay informed of responsibilities, changes, and events.
Taking care of our patients includes fostering a warm and welcoming environment, especially for those who do not want to be in a doctor’s office or hospital. We enable patients and guests to feel as comfortable as possible while they are with us. Helping people feel safe and welcome lies in our ability to communicate appropriately. We are friendly, appear approachable, and give attention to those around us in the event that we have an opportunity to provide assistance to patients, visitors, clinical staff, and others around us. Within 10 feet of any person, smile and acknowledge their presence. Within 5 feet, engage in a simple verbal greeting. Find your Safe Zone: an area where you are safe and encouraged to express frustrations or differences away from where patients and guests could hear or see. Venting diminishes patient confidence in safety and quality. Clinical staff and providers can be distracted by complaints while they are focused on getting the job done. MAIDET® reduces anxiety, increases compliance, and results in better outcomes. Manage Up by letting the patient know they are in good hands. Acknowledge the patient. Caring Communication
Introduce yourself and anyone else with you. Duration of each step in care is communicated. Explain what will happen during the visit. Thank the patient for coming to Ochsner for their health needs.
Use CARE when a patient, guest, or other person expresses a grievance: 1. Connect with the individual. 2. Apologize for the action or circumstances that have caused distress. 3. Resolve the Issue by employing seeking solutions or assistance if needed. 4. Express Gratitude for communicating the feelings or problem to you.
WHO you are: Provide your name and role with eye contact and a smile. Manage up yourself and others. WHAT you are doing: Tell what you are doing, why, and how long it will take. Ask permission to proceed. WHY it matters: Find out what they are hoping to do as a result/after their care. Express why this visit is important to you.
Professional Conduct Students completing clinical education experiences within Ochsner facilities must comply with all policies as stated in the Ochsner Health Policy Search database in Ochweb, accessible onsite. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from clinical rotation. The following guidelines provide expectations for all stakeholders. In situations not explicitly covered in this handbook, ask your clinical rotation supervisor for guidance. Although only a small number of students knowingly violate policy, it remains necessary to constructively correct these situations
Reasons for disciplinary action include but are not limited to : Insubordination Excessive tardiness Leaving assigned area without permission Unacceptable personal conduct
Unsatisfactory performance Violation of rules and policies Failure to call in for anticipated or emergent absences/changes in schedule Unprofessional attitude Threats and/or acts of violence Any student who continues to demonstrate inappropriate conduct will be subject to the corrective action set forth by their respective academic institution and/or to dismissal from clinical rotation. Verbal Warning : In private, the clinical rotation supervisor will discuss concerns with the student and offer guidance to correct or improve the situation. This may include implementation of a professional improvement plan. A student may be dismissed immediately for any of the offenses listed above even if there is no prior record of wrongdoing. A student may also be dismissed for continually violating guidelines after being counseled by their clinical rotation supervisor. Serious offenses may be reported to the program’s licensing or certifying body. Attendance Attendance for clinical rotations is solely the student's responsibility. Students will adhere to program-specific attendance policies. Students will only be allowed onto campus during scheduled clinical rotation hours. If the student is unable to attend or has a change to a scheduled shift, the student must notify their clinical rotation supervisor and academic institution. Social Media Confidential and proprietary information about Ochsner, patients, and/or patient visitors must not be depicted in text, photo, or video posts, including but not limited Ochsner logos, badges, uniforms, and clinical areas. Patient privacy must be maintained at all times. Be professional, use good judgment, and be accurate and honest in communications. Ensure that social media activity does not interfere with or affect work commitments. Social media posts must not disparage or represent Ochsner as an entity. Ochsner strongly discourages “friending” and following of patients on social media websites and apps.
Professional Conduct Department and unit phone lines must be kept open for regular business and for emergencies. All communication should be promptly attended, clear, and courteous and identify the department or area, your name, and position (student). If a call must be placed on hold, be certain to get back to the caller as soon as possible or at least every two minutes while awaiting guidance. Electronic Communications, Personal Devices, and AI Cell phone use may be authorized by the department leader and clinical rotation supervisor to meet patient care or facility operation needs. Cell phones and other personal electronic devices, including headsets and ear pieces, should be set to vibrate or silent mode in all areas, including break rooms, shuttles, and other areas of Ochsner facilities. Personal electronic devices should be kept out of the public’s view (e.g., not worn, attached to clothing, or placed on work surfaces). Personal calls, messages, and entertainment must be kept to a minimum, are ideally reserved for break periods, and in no way interfere with the delivery of patient care. When utilizing Ochsner electronic devices, there should be no expectation of privacy. Browsing data, file exchanges, and content of removable drives are subject to review for security purposes. Use of AI tools must be within a platform authorized by Ochsner Health, adhere to HIPAA guidelines, be lawful including intellectual property laws, adhere to Ochsner Health policies, and not detract from or replace quality care decisions.
Professional Appearance
Students are expected to maintain a professional, comfortable, safe, and functional environment that complements the high quality of care offered at Ochsner. Students must maintain personal hygiene habits and adhere to the specific dress code designated by the programs and clinical rotation area for the duration of their shifts as well as when entering and leaving any Ochsner setting. Photo ID with name and role must be visible without obstruction above the waist in compliance with Joint Commission standards; all patients have a right to know who is involved with and authorized to provide care. Preferred names (e.g. Jim vs James, Meg vs Margaret) may be displayed. Nail tips should not exceed 1/4 inches beyond the tip of the finger. No artificial nails, gel polish, dip powder, acrylic polish, and/or fingernail jewelry should be worn when contact with patients, care supplies, equipment, or food may occur. Polish worn must be free of cracks or chips and allow visibility for cleanliness beneath the nail. Surgical gowns, caps, hair nets, and shoe coverings are strictly prohibited outside of surgical areas. In areas or situations wherein masking is indicated, only surgical masks, N-95, and KN-95 masks are allowed. Where indicated, the applicable PPE policy as designated by Ochsner Health must be followed. Hair of any style longer than the shoulders must be secured in bun or ponytail in patient care areas and should not obscure sight or interfere with safety and activities performed. Not allowed: Lounge, extreme, sports, denim, tight fitting, wrinkled, and/or damaged apparel. Apparel and accessories (e.g. lanyards) with logos or slogans other than Ochsner Health. Open toe shoes. Jewelry that interferes with safety and/or clinical activity, including earrings below the jawline and more than two rings per hand.
Solicitation of any nature or distribution of any literature is prohibited during work time, or in work areas or patient care areas, on Ochsner property at any time, for any purpose. Solicitation for charitable fundraising causes that benefit the community is permissible only with the written approval of the Vice President of Philanthropy. Any student observing solicitation activities or distribution of literature as described above is responsible for reporting it to their program director or clinical rotation supervisor. Solicitation Professional Conduct Student Health, Safety, and Compliance In compliance with Ochsner safety policies, as determined by Joint Commission and CDC standards, prior to beginning clinical rotation, students must complete the Health and Safety Attestation and Compliance processes in cooperation with academic institutions. Program Participants with incomplete compliance will not be permitted to attend clinical rotation. Records will be retained under student legal name. Any changes to compliance items must be communicated with school coordinators and with Clinical Education, inclusive of criminal background changes, vaccination declinations and updates, health insurance coverage, and/or any other arising items of concern. All individuals operating in an Ochsner healthcare facility must receive the annual flu vaccination and full series of Hepatitis B or maintain declination on file with their school unless the clinical experience is 100% remote. Vaccination or proof of immunity against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella is required; if not present, declination must be on file. Annual negative Tuberculosis tests and/or proof of freedom from serious transmissible respiratory illness must be confirmed. Adherence to safety protocols as defined by Ochsner Health is mandatory. In applicable disciplines or programs, a copy of current licensure or certification to practice may be required. If a student has undergone a legal name change, licensure and record thereof must be updated within 30 days. Students must maintain current health insurance, complete and pass a 7 year criminal background check, 10- panel drug screen, sex offender list check, and OIG/GSA list screening, to reflect both Louisiana, current residence, and any past states, reservations, indigenous nations lands, and/or territories of residence. BLS certification is required for all disciplines with any possible contact with patients, including common areas such as atriums and hallways. Any changes must be reported to the school and to Clinical Education. Students must submit annual proof of adherence and agreement to all health, safety, and confidentiality guidelines to their academic institution. Students are expected to maintain awareness of guidelines within this handbook and policies accessible on Ochweb throughout the period of each clinical rotation. Following absence due to Communicable Disease of Public Significance as designated by the CDC, the school will confirm risk of contagion is resolved. For all other illnesses, utilize current CDC, Ochsner Health, and school student health guidance to determine return date and any risk mitigation strategies needed. Change in rotation dates and cancelations must be communicated to Clinical Education and department if applicable.
In the event of an accident or injury during clinical rotation activities, normal and appropriate treatment measures will fall under student health insurance coverage at a facility of student choice.
Professional Conduct Living the Legacy - Tobacco Free Policy Tobacco use in any form, including smoking, vaping, and dip, as well as similar use of any other product, whether chemical or natural, is strictly prohibited: at all Ochsner Health facilities. along any path or walkway located on an Ochsner Health campus. in any onsite outdoor public areas. in all Ochsner Health vehicles. Any student witnessing an individual smoking or otherwise using a tobacco product has a duty to inform the individual that Ochsner Health is a tobacco-free organization and that the above activity is prohibited on Ochsner Health property, indoors and out. No student will be discriminated against with respect to discharge, privilege of future employment, or other condition because the student is a tobacco or non-tobacco user. While Ochsner Health encourages students to maintain healthy lifestyles outside of the workplace, nothing in this policy should be construed to require a student to abstain from Smoking or otherwise using Tobacco Products outside the course of clinical rotation while off of an Ochsner Health campus. Harassment Free Policy Ochsner is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Discrimination on the basis of a student's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, transgender status, genetic information, age, disability, military status, veteran status, or any other unlawful factor is strictly prohibited. Students should use restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender presentations. Our policy extends to every aspect of employment and student relations, including but not limited to advertising, recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, selection for training, work assignments, job classifications, working conditions, overtime, transfers, disciplinary actions, terminations, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of clinical rotation. Ochsner and its students will not intimidate, threaten, coerce, discriminate against, or take any retaliatory action against any patient, legally authorized representative, student, association, organization, or group that in good faith reports harassment. Harassment of any student, applicant, patient, visitor, physician or other provider is unacceptable, will not be tolerated, and may lead to corrective action up to and including termination or dismissal. Harassment is offensive conduct, which may include but is not limited to: Offensive physical actions, written or spoken, and graphic communication or gesture. Any type of physical contact when the action is unwelcomed by the recipient. Expectations, requests, demands or pressure for sexual favors, when submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for decisions affecting the individual. Conduct which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Retaliatory actions. Anyone who believes they are being harassed, retaliated, or discriminated against should report this behavior to his or her preceptor, department leader, school, or anonymously at the Ochsner Compliance Line, available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for your convenience at 888-273-8442. All reports will remain as confidential as possible and will be investigated, examined impartially, and resolved promptly.
Weapons of any kind are strictly forbidden on Ochsner property.
Ochsner prohibits the use, possession, distribution, or sale of any illegal drugs, alcohol, or other controlled substances by any student while on Ochsner property or while operating any vehicle or other equipment on behalf of Ochsner. Ochsner prohibits any healthcare worker who is under the Influence of drugs or alcohol or who has any unprescribed controlled substance, alcohol, or illegal drug present in their system from reporting or returning to the Ochsner Health site. In order to provide for patient and student safety, Ochsner will remove a student who has undergone testing and tests equal to or in excess of 0.02% breath alcohol content. Drug and alcohol testing will be performed on all students under the following circumstances: 1. Student Onboarding - Offers of clinical rotation approval are conditional upon a test result indicating the student is free of drugs or alcohol as verified by the school and in compliance with school policies. If a student tests positive for drugs, alcohol, or a controlled substance for which a valid prescription is not provided, he or she is not eligible for placement for one (1) year. 2. On Site Accidents - Any student who sustains a workplace injury shall submit a report in the Designated Reporting System as soon as possible or before the end of their shift and shall not be subject to any retaliatory action for doing so. Incidents of exposure via needle stick, splash, or other infectious material exposure are not subject to the guidelines in this policy. a. Students who have experienced a work-related accident that results in treatment beyond first aid or sustain an injury more than 24 hours prior to report will be asked to submit to a drug and alcohol test in accordance with La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 23:1081 (7)(a). Testing shall be tailored to identify impairment during the incident. Those sustaining injury due to workplace violence will not be asked to submit to testing unless perceived to be the aggressor or when the occurrence is between two learners or employees. Information concerning a prescription drug treatment will be kept confidential and disclosed only if required by a court or governmental agency or to the extent necessary to ensure the safety of all interacting with or at Ochsner. Ochsner has the right, on Reasonable Suspicion or For Cause, to inspect the property and person of any student while on Ochsner property inclusive of but not limited to inspection of packages, purses, lunch boxes, briefcases, lockers, workstations, and desks. All test results shall be maintained by Ochsner on a confidential basis and shall not be released to any third party unless required by a court or governmental agency or expressly authorized by the student. All positive test results shall be reviewed by an MRO who will contact the student directly to discuss those results and clarify any questions regarding the results. If the test is considered negative due to a valid prescription, Ochsner reserves the right to respond as deemed appropriate for perceived impairment. Any student who refuses to submit to the required drug or alcohol testing by the time and date specified by Ochsner, who refuses to sign required documentation, and/or who alters or adulterates a specimen is subject to immediate dismissal. Substance abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of Ochsner patients, employees, students, visitors and to the security of equipment and facilities. Ochsner Health is committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol use and abuse in the workplace and recognizes that substance abuse and addiction are treatable illnesses. Ochsner thus encourages students to utilize services of qualified professionals to assess the seriousness of suspected problems and identify appropriate sources of help for early intervention and support to improve the success of rehabilitation. Professional Conduct Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace
Additional Policies
Patient Communication Support Services
Ochsner provides the following interpreter services to hearing-impaired, LEP, and ASL patients: In-person interpreters Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) Over the Phone Interpreting
Interpreter services are available to patients 24/7 free of charge upon patient request or staff identification of need. Each such patient shall be informed that Ochsner provides these services, the specific means through which they are offered, and that they are offered at no charge. The patient may decline services and choose their own interpreter, provided the interpreter is not a minor. Declination should be documented in the electronic health record. Requests for in-person interpreter or Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services should be coordinated through Language Services, accessible in Ochweb or by phone at 504-842-3719 during regular business hours or 800-643- 2255 after 5 p.m. and on weekends. All patients reserve the right to control their care decisions, including the right to refuse care of any kind for any reason. Patients who are unable to communicate their care preferences may depend on an Advanced Directive in the form of a Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney. A physician will determine who will be responsible for medical decisions for those who cannot communicate their own choices; any challenges to this or accusations of abuse by the person elected should be reported to the clinical rotation supervisor who will contact Legal Affairs. All waste reduction measures will be followed in alignment with department operating protocols. Breaks and meal periods will be taken only with approval of the clinical rotation supervisor away from view of patients. A designated time and area for non-clinical activities will be communicated. Non-clinical activities include but are not limited to personal conversations, eating, and gum chewing. Sleeping and the appearance of sleeping at any time, including during break periods, are prohibited. Accommodations for disabilities or medical factors must be communicated to the academic institution, Clinical Education, and/or the clinical rotation supervisor so reasonable adjustments can be made. Students and interns are not considered employees and will not receive any compensation from Ochsner Health or from families of patients for care provided, hours worked, or other services performed. Please see the Conflict of Interest policy for additional guidance. Gifts, inclusive of cash, gift cards, and items of extravagant value, may not be accepted. Gifts of nominal value and those coordinated through Ochsner Academics such as meal vouchers and via the Philanthropy Department may be accepted but must not include expectation of unfair favorable treatment of any party for any reason. Additional Policies
Patient Arm Bands
White: Patient Identification Red: Check allergies Green: Latex allergy Yellow: Fall Risk
Pink: Restricted extremity Orange: Communication Impaired Blue: Hazardous Medication
Severe Weather and Disaster Policy
Students are to adhere to the disaster plan in place by schools. In conjunction with the schools’ policies, in the event of severe weather or an area disaster and if necessary, the students will be dismissed in adequate time to evacuate to a safe location. Students cannot attend clinical rotation in the event of an evacuation order.
Additional Policies
Student Scope of Practice Students will receive additional orientation and direction within the clinical rotation space per rotation department, including any site specific nuances students may need to know. All students should: report with or otherwise establish a clinical skills outcomes checklist, guidelines, or similar based on program requirements and facility approval of the requested activities. coordinate schedules and expectations with preceptors after placement is confirmed. perform educational tasks in a student capacity independent from employment status. ensure appropriate supervision for an assigned task is present prior to taking patient care actions, including administration of new, revised, or PRN medications. ensure supervising clinician is aware of patient status, including any changes, injuries, or other notable occurrences. The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) student, including physician assistant, nurse anesthesia, nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse specialist, shall engage in patient contact only under the supervision of an appropriate preceptor. All procedures must be performed under direct supervision of a preceptor who is credentialed and privileged to perform the procedure. Nursing Student Guidance LPN Students may: listen to telephone orders from physicians (with 3 way conversation only). discontinue peripheral IV lines and tubes with supervision. accompany unstable or critically ill patients in transport with a licensed nurse present. participate in shift change handoff communication. make notes in the medical record cosigned by supervising staff.
RN Students may: listen to telephone orders from physicians (with 3 way conversation only). discontinue peripheral IV lines and tubes with supervision. accompany unstable or critically ill patients in transport with a licensed nurse present. participate in shift change handoff communication. make notes in the medical record cosigned by supervising staff. administer IV push medications with supervision. flush central IV lines with RN supervision. observe the checking of blood for accuracy. RN Students may not: administer chemotherapy, experimental drugs, blood or blood products. sign the transfusion card on the unit of blood. flush or otherwise access implantable IV devices. accept verbal orders from physicians via telephone. transport patients without staff in attendance. write or provide verbal orders.
LPN Students may not: administer chemotherapy, experimental drugs, blood or blood products.
observe the checking of blood for accuracy. sign the transfusion card on the unit of blood. administer IV push medications. flush central IV lines. flush or otherwise access implantable IV devices. accept verbal orders from physicians via telephone. transport patients without staff in attendance. write or provide verbal orders.
Nursing Student Best Practices
Ochsner maintains a focus on healing environments and relationships for:
Higher patient satisfaction Higher staff satisfaction Higher physician satisfaction Higher productivity Improved quality Improved patient outcomes More effective recruitment and retention of staff
Purposeful Hourly Rounding
Patients are rounded on every hour by a member of their care team. The 3 Ps are included with every round (Pain, "Potty", Position).
Bedside Shift Reporting
Utilized throughout Ochsner Health, nurses report off in the presence of the patient. This method has been proven to improve patient outcomes, and it provides an opportunity for the on-coming staff to visualize the patient. It is our policy to not “pass on” a defect.
Pyxis - Medication Administration
Medication is stored and dispensed via the Pyxis machine. Your clinical rotation supervisor will obtain medications you are authorized to administer to your patients, according to their Medication Worklist and follow waste, disposal, and other applicable procedures for medications. Always: do a ‘chart check’ prior to obtaining medications, to verify what is ordered by the physician is what is entered into the computer for that patient. verify the medication with your preceptor or instructor prior to giving to your patient. An Ochsner nurse will obtain any narcotics needed for your patient. remember the 7 Rights of Medication Administration to prevent medication errors: The Right Patient The Right Medication The Right Dosage
The Right Time The Right Route
The Right Indication/Effect The Right Documentation
Confidentiality - HIPAA Every student has a responsibility to respect the confidential nature of the health care profession and should take extra care that discussions concerning a patient's condition, or other hospital business, are not conducted in inappropriate areas (hallways, elevators, etc.) or with unauthorized parties. All students must undergo training in HIPAA prior to commencement of clinical rotation. Students have a legal, moral, and ethical duty to ensure a patient’s privacy and to hold in strictest confidence all information concerning the patients and their families. Requests for information from newspapers, radio, or TV stations or other organizations should be referred to the Division of Public Affairs. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is United States legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information. The HIPAA Privacy Rule establishes national standards to protect individuals’ medical records and other personal health information and applies to health plans, health care clearinghouses, and those health care providers that conduct certain health care transactions electronically. Protected Health Information (PHI) Individually identifiable information, except where specifically excluded under the law, that is transmitted by electronic media; maintained in electronic media; or transmitted or maintained in any other form or medium, including demographic information, related to the past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition, the provision of health care to an individual, or the past, present, or future payment for such health care, which is created or received by a Covered Entity. PHI is anything you see or hear about a specific patient. You may not use or disclose PHI, except as permitted or required. Examples of PHI include, but are not limited to: Name or Medical Record Number (MRN) Date of Birth Address Phone Number Social Security Number Date of Service
Never share or discuss any patient health information with anyone not directly involved in patient care, including with other students, friends, family members, or other unauthorized persons or on any social media network. Access only the pertinent information of assigned patients on an as-needed basis. Use only the minimum necessary de-identified information needed to complete assignments after obtaining witnessed written consent of the patient. Never record PHI on class assignments, case studies, reports, or research. Photography of patients or visitors in which the individual is clearly identifiable is not permitted without obtaining authorization from the individual (or their legally authorized personal representative as applicable). Clinical information should not be printed by students. If approved information is printed, ensure identifying information is removed or fully obscured, including metadata from Epic. Do not photocopy or photograph patient health information. Use of AI for clinical activities is permitted only when utilizing organization approved applications under the supervision of the clinical rotation supervisor. Collection and use of sensitive data should be minimal and directly related to care activities. Use of AI output must be treated as confidential information. Confidentiality - HIPAA Before providing a patient with any care, you must ask for two patient identifiers: First and Last Name Date of Birth This also needs to be confirmed by the information printed on their ID band. In the case of a John Doe, identity must be confirmed by the unique record number provided on the arm band.
Compliance is Everyone's Job You are expected to protect information from anyone who does not need to know it.
Respect the privacy of Ochsner's patients.
Do not discuss information about Ochsner's patients with anyone.
Do not remove documents containing patient information.
Do not take pictures of patients.
Documentation
Authorized students may make notes in the medical record by written or computerized format with electronic signature at time of entry; notes via dictation are not allowed except in designated AI assisted clinical activities. These must be reviewed manually to ensure only pertinent and accurate data has been recorded to prevent misleading output and resulting future errors. Students shall never log into the electronic medical record (Epic) under their personal employee credentials for any reason. Students shall never log into Epic under any clinical rotation supervisor’s or other clinical staff’s credentials for any reason. All notes must be reviewed by the clinical rotation supervisor at the time of the entry and before the end of shift. Notes will be signed with student name and title (PT Student, RN Student, etc.) and cosigned by the rotation supervisor. (The supervising staff individual must write their own note for the patient.) In order to secure Epic access, students from applicable programs should monitor their inbox for an email from ISProvisioning 1-2 weeks prior to the start of rotation and follow all instructions outlined therein, including but not limited to: How to create and register a personal password to replace the temporary password initially supplied in the email body. This password is to remain private to the student. How to access and complete all assignments/assessments located in the Workday Learn system. After completion of training, allow up to 3 business days for access to take effect. If assistance is needed after receipt of ISProvisioning email, students should contact the IS Help Desk at 504-842-3610. To write a note for co-signature within Epic:
Locate and enter the "Create Notes" section. Locate and select the “Med Student” tab. Create new note under med student tab. From here, you can cosign to preceptor.
Student Medication Administration Record (MAR) and clinical flowsheet documentation must be cosigned by the clinical rotation supervisor. Students are responsible for entering the appropriate cosigner’s name in the cosign field. Medication Charges are automatically entered when medication administration is documented on the MAR by the student. Clinical flowsheet documentation must be cosigned by the patient’s Staff Nurse. Note: OMC West Campus Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) - Only the School Instructor will have access to cosign both student clinical flowsheet and MAR documentation.
Ochsner Baptist: Day shift: in flat lot on Napoleon Ave. and S Robertson St. (diagonally across from the Magnolia building). Other shifts: on the 3rd floor and above in the Magnolia garage or the 6th floor and above in the Jena garage. If leaving after 5pm, students may call security for an escort to their vehicle. Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center: PASA parking garage. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport - Academic Medical Center: P Lot via entrance at Jennings St. off Linwood Ave. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport - St. Mary Medical Center: Levels 2 and 3 of parking garage; never park in Loyola lot. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport - Monroe Medical Center: Lots along Jackson St, beyond the third row. Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge: Behind Plaza II, the front parking lot closest to the road, or the parking lot between the hospital and the clinic, on the clinic side of the road. Ochsner Medical Center - Hancock: In the side lot on the south side of the hospital that faces the loading dock. Ochsner Medical Center - Jefferson Highway (Main, Clinics, and West Campuses): Park in S lot across from main hospital. Display your fully completed vehicle identification card on the dashboard. Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner: Only in lots that are divided by a solid red line and identified as student parking (on the Loyola Drive side and behind the hospital). Ochsner Medical Center - St. Anne: in employee lots along Cypress St. or Twin Oaks Dr. Ochsner Medical Center - St. Mary: Last row of the Medical Office Building parking lot. Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital: Rear gravel parking lot located off Cypress St. If this lot is filled, use the parking lot located next to the Family Doctor Clinic on Acadia Dr. Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank Campus: Lots located behind St. Germain Furniture Store and Diver’s Supply at the farthest end of the lot. Enter Hospital Drive from Belle Chasse Hwy. Follow Emergency Dept. signs and the fence line on the right to the designated yellow-lined Employee parking areas. Turn right at the 2nd Stop sign on the road along the fence line to enter the parking area. Night shift (6p – 7:30a) may park in the parking garage except levels 2A, 2B, handicap, and executive lot next to the River Room. Cars parked in the garage must be moved by 7:00am. Ochsner Rush Health: Along south wall of upper deck of the parking garage near the Ambulatory Surgery Building Slidell Memorial Hospital East: Lot adjacent to the hospital on Gateway Drive in area designated for students indicated by signage and yellow striping. Do not park in any of the adjacent clinic parking spaces. Slidell Memorial Hospital Main: All the way to the back of the Founder’s Building in Employee Only parking St. Bernard Parish Hospital: Lot across from the ED student parking area on the Medical Office Building side. Do not park directly across from the Hospital entrance in U shaped parking lot. St. Charles Parish Hospital: Park next to the South Entrance of hospital on Paul Maillard Road. Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center: Last two rows of the South parking lot located in rear of campus off Denley Road. Parking Free parking is available for students in designated parking lots as outlined below. Students shall comply with all parking rules and regulations. Never park in areas specifically designated for patients or physicians, in patient garages, or directly in front of hospitals or Emergency Departments except when specified below. Please contact clinical rotation supervisors or Academics for parking instructions for all sites not listed below or lots requiring badge access. Notify your clinical rotation supervisor so any accessibility accommodations can be made. Parking Areas are patrolled by security staff. K-9 units are utilized at some locations. Security may be contacted for escort to designated parking areas after dark. Students found to be violating this policy are subject to removal from clinical rotation. Maps may be found online at http://www.ochsner.org/regions or scan the code:
Safety and Security
Notify your clinical rotation supervisor or unit staff immediately if there is an Occurrence with a patient or visitor. The S.O.S. reporting system may be found on the OchWeb homepage under the Service Center. This is a voluntary, online incident reporting system which identifies occurring hazards to prevents future safety risks and injuries. Ochsner strongly supports a non-punitive, Good Catch approach to reporting. Students are encouraged to report occurrences, as the organization relies on staff as an important source of improvement opportunities.
Occurrence Reports are: documented online via the Safety-On-Site (S.O.S.) application. protected, confidential, and privileged documents as per state law.
not to be documented in the patient’s medical record unless medically relevant; However, the incident itself should be documented in the patient’s medical record. not to be printed, copied, or distributed to patients, families, visitors, or staff (including physicians). completed in the S.O.S. system as soon as possible after discovery of a qualifying event.
Not all Fall Hazards would be identified in the S.O.S. system, e.g. lack of handrails, dim lighting, obstacles, tripping hazards, wet floors, stairs, etc. Some patients have intrinsic risk factors that should be identified as early as possible in care and monitored. These include but are not limited to:
Advanced age History of falls Skeletomuscular weakness/injury Gait/balance problems Inhibited vision
Postural hypotension Fear of falling Certain medications Many chronic conditions
Safety and Security
A safe, healthy, and accident-free environment for patients, students, students, and visitors is a goal to which Ochsner Health is dedicated. The following safety guidelines have been established: Do not run or take part in horseplay. Keep work areas clean and orderly. Dispose of needles and other sharp instruments in proper containers; never put them in trashcans. Never recap needles. Avoid lifting heavy, bulky objects unless you have help from another person or use a mechanical device designed to do the work. Always use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gowns, gloves, masks, and other devices provided for personal protection. Report hazardous conditions such as foreign objects, water spills and floor defects to the department supervisor or to Safety and Security immediately. If possible, wipe up small nonhazardous spills. Do not have or use alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or weapons on Ochsner property. Report any suspicious activity to Ochsner Security immediately. Remember: If you see something, say something. An Ochsner security program has been set up for the protection of patients, students, students, visitors, and their personal belongings. The security force is also on hand to keep order, enforce regulations and protect Ochsner property. All students are expected to take an active part in this security program. All personal property as well as Ochsner's property should always be left secured. The Security Department should be notified whenever any wrongdoing is suspected. To keep security risk at a minimum, Ochsner reserves the right to inspect packages, lockers, and any other items. The MSDS sheets for handling any chemicals found onsite are stored in Ochweb. Click on the “Job Resources” tab, then select “Safety Data Sheets” from the list that appears. USP 800- Hazardous Drugs Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Identified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a department of the CDC, hazardous drugs can cause problems such as skin rash, reproductive toxicities, and cancer. USP Chapter 800 applies to all healthcare personnel and all entities that store, prepare, transport, or administer hazardous drugs. Healthcare workers may be exposed to Hazardous Drugs at many points. The focus is not only on administration, but drug handling and contact with patients using certain hazardous drugs for treatment. The HazD symbol will be displayed on the MAR of hazardous medications. The symbol will hang on the patient’s door or on the wall over the bed of patients taking hazardous medications. The HazD arm band will be in place on all such patients in the acute care setting.
Safety and Security
How to Respond
Code Red: RACE
Rescue the patient Activate the nearest alarm pull box, and call the emergency number, giving your name, exact location, type, and extent of fire. Confine the smoke and fire. Close the door to affected area and all rooms on the floor. Extinguish the blaze. Know locations of fire extinguishers on the unit. Code Black: Report to your assigned area; await further instructions. Code Pink: Monitor exits and report persons with bulky clothing and/or packages large enough to conceal an infant/child. Code Yellow: Report to your assigned area; await further instruction. Code Blue: Initiate BLS until Code Team arrives and provides further instruction. Code Gray: Report to your assigned area; await further instructions. Code Silver: Run, Hide, Fight. Call 911 when safe to do so. Code Orange Report to your assigned area; await further instruction. Code White: Additional personnel needed; students should not respond. Code Navy: Monitor exits. Report person wearing hospital gown and/or patient ID arm band. Code Gold: Await instruction from IS Department. The Police Department has total authority in hostage situations. Do not enter the area or engage media entities.
Specific facilities may have additional or different codes. Codes are also subject to sudden change. Be sure to review all codes with your clinical rotation supervisor upon arrival to the clinical location to ensure your actions match the needs of emergent moments.
Additional Codes:
Code Green - Await instruction from executive team. Code Blood Bank - patient hemorrhage Code D or Code Stork - Imminent delivery Code Sepsis - Septic patient Code STEMI - myocardial infarction Code STROKE - STROKE patient Code 99 - unable to call for assistance/panic Code Purple - ED Lockdown/Restricted Access Ochsner Lafayette General – Plain Language Alerts
Safety and Security
Code
Description
Response
Black
Bomb Threat
Report to your assigned area; await further instructions.
Monitor exits and report persons with bulky clothing and/or packages large enough to conceal an infant/child.
Pink
Infant/Child Abduction
Yellow
External Disaster
Report to your assigned area; await further instructions.
Blue
Medical Emergency
Initiate BLS until Code Team arrives and provides further instruction.
Grey
Severe Weather
Report to your assigned area; await further instructions.
Orange
Hazardous Materials
Report to your assigned area; await further instructions.
White
Combative Person (No Weapon) Additional personnel needed; students should not respond.
Monitor exits. Report person wearing hospital gown and/or patient ID arm band.
Navy
Patient Elopement
Gold
Cyber Event
Await instruction from IS Department.
Green
Await instruction from executive team.
Run, Hide, Fight. Call 911 when safe to do so. The Police Department has total authority in hostage situations. Do not enter the area or engage media entities.
Silver
Active Shooter
R.A.C.E.
Rescue the patient Activate the nearest alarm pull box, and call the emergency number, giving your name, exact location, type, and extent of fire. Confine the smoke and fire. Close the door to affected area and all rooms on the floor. Extinguish the blaze. Know locations of fire extinguishers on the unit. .
Red
Fire, Smoke, Explosion
Additional Codes:
Code Blood Bank - patient hemorrhage Code D or Code Stork - Imminent delivery Code Sepsis - Septic patient Code STEMI - myocardial infarction Code STROKE - STROKE patient
Code 99 - unable to call for assistance/panic Code Purple - ED Lockdown/Restricted Access Ochsner Lafayette General – Plain Language Alerts
Specific facilities may have additional or different codes. Codes are subject to sudden change. Ensure your actions match the needs of emergent moments reviewing all codes with your clinical rotation supervisor upon arrival to the clinical location
Infection Control
Each school is responsible for providing classroom theory and practical instruction to each student, inclusive of infection control measures, prior to clinical assignments.
Hand Hygiene
Hand washing is the most important measure you can use to prevent the spread of infection.
Wash hands with soap and water when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated. before eating and after using a restroom. if exposure to Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), norovirus, or Bacillus anthracis is suspected or proven. In some cases, handwashing is preferred over use of alcohol-based sanitizers. The physical friction of washing and rinsing hands under such circumstances is recommended because alcohols, chlorhexidine, iodophors, and other antiseptic agents have poor activity against spores. This policy sets forth guidelines for proper hand practices among health care workers to prevent transmission and acquisition of infectious agents and to reduce the incidence of hospital acquired infections.
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