Identify the role of the JRCERT in regard to Radiography Program accreditation
The IRSC Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The accreditation process has been developed to assure that JRCERT accredited programs follow education standards that ensure academic excellence. The JRCERT provides peer review of the Program's educational content and processes. Thisreview is based on the Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiologic Sciences.
Identify the purpose of the JRCERT's Standards for an Accredited Program in the Radiologic Sciences
The JRCERT Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiologic Sciences outline the program's requirements for accreditation.
Identify the Mission of the IRSC Radiography
To graduate students with the entry-level skills necessary to succeed as a radiographer in the health care community.
Identify the Goals of the IRSC Radiography
Goal 1: Students / graduates will demonstrate clinical competence.- Learning Outcomes: Students will apply appropriate positioning skills. - Students/ Graduates will produce images of diagnostic quality. - Students will demonstrate appropriate radiation safety practices while attending clinical courses. - Students will demonstrate appropriate patient care while attending clinical courses. Goal 2: Students will demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills. Learning Outcomes: - Students will be able to evaluate radiographic images and solve mathematical equations. - Students will be able to adapt positioning and technical factors for trauma patients. Goal 3: Students will communicate effectively. Learning Outcomes: - Students will demonstrate appropriate oral communication skills in the clinical setting. - Students will demonstrate adequate written & oral presentation skills in the classroom environment. Goal 4: Students / Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of professionalism.Learning Outcomes: - Graduates will demonstrate professional values. - Students will understand the importance of professional development and lifelong learning.
Programs Grading Regulation
If a student receives a grade lower than a "C" in any RTE course, he/she may be dismissed from the program. If a student demonstrates a consistent lack of performance in the clinical setting, and is performing below average (grade "C"), the student may be placed on clinical probation for one semester. A student may also be placed on clinical probation for a severe infraction of program regulations, or if a student fails an individual unit written exam in any of the radiographic procedures courses or if a student fails a given competency procedure two times. If a student is placed on clinical probation, the student will have a time frame designated for them to demonstrate that his/her weaknesses in clinical performance have improved. At the time of assigning the probationary status, the student will be advised of the problem and offered criteria for improvement. If the student does not demonstrate improvement within the given time frame, the student will fail the clinical course and will not be permitted to continue in the Program.
Programs Dismissal Regulation
1. Failing grades in the Radiography program "C" or higher. 2. Use of or distribution of illegal or controlled substances while on the IRSC campus and/or any of its clinical sites. 3. Unprofessional or unethical conduct which violate the ASRT/ARRT Code of Ethics. 4. Disclosure of confidential patient information. 5. Use of any electronic device in the clinical setting. 6. Cheating (academic dishonesty), or falsification of official school documents (this includes clinical documents).
Discuss the following Program Regulations: Re-admission Regulation
...
Programs Pregnancy Regulation
It is the regulation of the Indian River State College Radiography program to provide reasonable radiation protection to student radiographers occupationally exposed to radiation. Pregnant students (self-declared pregnancy) should follow the additional protective measures detailed below which have been developed to restrict the fetal radiation dose below the dose equivalent limit as recommended by the National Council on Radiation Protection (NCRP) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Furthermore, it is the regulation of this program to grant a leave of absence, upon verification of pregnancy, to students who do not wish to take the biological risks to the fetus associated with prenatal exposure.
Programs Dress Code (Clinic & Classroom)
Students are expected to present a professional appearance at all times while participating in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical aspects of their education. It is the patient's right to be treated with dignity and care by all health care providers that exemplify themselves as professionals. It is therefore required that each student adheres to the following criteria. Note that the IRSC classrooms, labs and clinical settings have been designated as a fragrance- free environment. 1. Students are required to wear an appropriate uniform with a designated IRSC Radiography program name badge during all classroom, laboratory and clinical assignments. In the lab and clinical environment, one set of lead image markers (left/right) and a radiation monitor (dosimeter) is considered part of the uniform. 2. Classroom/laboratory/ Clinical attire: a. In uniform, excessive jewelry is not permitted.-Students reporting to classroom, laboratory or clinical courses who are out of uniform (including dosimeter and R/L markers) will be sent home, charged with an absence, and appropriate demerits will be assessed.
Programs Clinical Attendance Regulation
1. Clinical assignments are based on an eight-hour per day schedule. Variations in these hours must be approved and will be documented by the Clinical Coordinator. 2. Students are not to be substituted for paid staff. Are required to take a 30min lunch break, they are also entitled to two 15-min breaks; one at midmorning and one at mid-afternoon. Lunches are to be scheduled between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. unless a student is on an early a.m. mobile rotation, or a p.m. rotation. 3. Employment may not substitute for clinical education. Students will not receive any wage, salary, etc.It is each student's responsibility to sign in and out on the Daily Attendance Log Sheet for each clinical day. One demerit will be assessed for each occurrence of failing to sign in or out (2 demerits per day). In addition, the clinical attendance log must be initialed (validated) by the Clinical Perceptor (or designee). Students may be dismissed from the program for falsifying student records (signing in/out for another student). "Sign in" is defined as the exact time the and "Sign out" is defined as the exact time the student is signed out by the Clinical Preceptor (or designee). Under no circumstances are the Daily Attendance Log Sheets to be pre-filled with sign in and/or sign out time. 4. Students are not permitted to attend clinicals on days and/or times other than scheduled unless previously approved by the Clinical Preceptor and the Clinical Coordinator. 5/6 absence. All missed clinical time must be made up within two weeks from the date of absence. All make-up time must be documented with a Schedule Change Request Form and must be approved by the Clinical Preceptor and the Clinical Coordinator. 7. Absences will be excused for the following reasons: a. Personal illness: b. Death or critical illness of an immediate family member. A maximum of three (3) excused clinical days applies to these types of occurrences. c. Participation in an IRSC or Lambda Nu-sponsored activity. Make up of missed clinical time is not required. d. Jury duty. Make up of missed clinical time may be required depending on the length of the duty. e. Military duties or religious holidays. Make up of missed clinical time is not required. f. Personal reasons not listed above (at the discretion of the Program Director and/or Clinical Coordinator). 8. The final clinical course grades are directly affected by excessive absenteeism. Absences will be evaluated each semester. Students will begin each semester with a "clean slate." 10. Students are expected to arrive and be in their assigned clinical area on time. Excessive tardiness will not be tolerated and demerits (1 demerit = 1% deducted from the clinical grade) .1st occurrence: documented (written) oral warning 2nd occurrence: 3 demerits (3% reduction in grade) 3rd occurrence: 5 demerits (5% additional reduction in grade) 4th occurrence: 7 demerits (7% additional reduction in grade) and a written warning for dismissal from program issued) 5th occurrence: 10 demerits (10% additional reduction in grade) with dismissal from program. 11. Students will be assigned to two weeks of a p.m. (afternoon/evening) clinical rotation during the Spring semester of the first year and the Fall and Spring semesters of their second year. The hours of 1:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. have been designated. Students must complete this requirement on the dates assigned. In the event of absences, make-up time must be made during the evening hours and approved by the Clinical Preceptor and the Clinical Coordinator. Weekend shifts must be pre-approved by the Clinical Preceptor and the Clinical Coordinator. Pre-approval is documented on the Schedule Change Request Form and the form must be submitted at least 1 week prior to the scheduled rotation.
Identify the process related to the Due Process and Appeals Procedures Regulation
Students seeking review of a grievance should make a written request for review to the following:• Vice President of Student Affairs for grievances related to the Student Standards of Conduct• Assistant Dean of Enrollment & Student Services for grievances related to scholarship/financial aid• Vice President of Enrollment & Student Services for grievances related to academic concerns• Vice President of Enrollment & Student Services for grievances related to admissions or requesting an appeal to an earlier grievance ( only if the subsidiary committee violated its own due process, or if there is substantive new information that was not available during the first appeal)
Identify the contact person for issues related to the Program's non-compliance with the JRCERT Standards.
Before submitting allegations, the individual must first attempt to resolve the complaint directly with program/institution officials by following the due process or grievance procedures provided by the program/institution. Each program/institution is required to publish its internal complaint procedure in an informational document such as a catalog or student handbook.If the individual is unable to resolve the complaint with program/institution officials or believes that the concerns have not been properly addressed, he or she may submit allegations of non-compliance to the JRCERT: An allegation form is filled out and sent to: Chief Executive OfficerJoint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Identify policies related to x-ray lab use
1.Students must be under the supervision of an IRSC Radiologic Science faculty member. 2. Dosimeters are to be worn by all students when exposures are being made. 3. Handle equipment with care at all times. 4. The lab is to be left in a neat and orderly fashion at all times. 5. NEVER make an exposure until all persons are out of the radiation area. 6. NEVER make an exposure on another student. 7. NO smoking, eating or drinking in the lab.
Know who to contact in the event of exposure to a bloodborne pathogen exposure (or needle stick)
Students must immediately report an incident of a needle stick or exposure to infectious body fluids to their supervisor or instructor.
Know who to contact in the event of the discovery of a workplace (classroom or lab area) hazard.
In the event that a student notices any potential hazards (exposed electrical wires on devices in the classroom, lab or any other area), the student is to discontinue usage and notify the Program Director, Clinical Coordinator or any other faculty member immediately. In the absence of a faculty member, the student is to ask the Health Science Division Administrative Assistant (772-462-7544) to notify the College Maintenance Department.
Know how to report potentially dangerous, threatening or suspicious activities or situations while on the IRSC campus.
Potentially dangerous, threatening or suspicious activities or situations can be reported via: - "Code Blue" telephones located at the Main Campus in Fort Pierce. - Dial 7777 on any phone on the Main Campus in Fort Pierce- Dial 462-4755 to reach the on-duty security officers at the Main Campus, Fort Pierce (24 hours/7 days a week).
Identify the primary source for news related to hurricane warnings or other disasters.
WQCS (88.9 FM) is a primary source of information regarding the College. The notice regarding resumption of College classes and activities will also be distributed via the news media and IRSC website at www.irsc.edu.
Understand the purpose of wearing dosimeters.
The purpose of wearing dosimeters is to keep track of the total radiation each student is exposed to. Students who arrive at clinic and/or lab without their dosimeter will not be able to participate and an absence will be recorded. In the case of clinic, 3 demerits will be assessed for a violation of the clinical dress code.
Identify the bi-monthly and annual threshold doses (mrem) for radiography students.
Students will receive an overexposure documentation form if their bi-monthly reading exceeds 60 mrem.1000 mrem during either year of education will not be permitted to perform fluoroscopic or bedside (mobile) procedures for the remainder of the 12 month period.
Describe the purpose of the Radiation Monitoring / Radiation monitor Overexposure Documentation form.
Students will receive an overexposure documentation form if their bi-monthly reading exceeds 60 mrem. A copy of this form will be forwarded to the administrative director of the student's assigned clinical site and an additional copy will be kept in the student's file. The form will provide a space for the student to explain the reasons for overexposure.
Name at least 50% of the radiation safety practices listed on page 8 of the handbook.
1. Students are not permitted to hold patients while an exposure is occurring. 2. Students are not permitted to be exposed to, or stand in the primary beam. 3. Students will apply cardinal principles of radiation protection: time, distance and shielding. 4. Students will wear an IRSC-issued dosimeter on the collar, outside of the lead apron. 5. Students will never leave their dosimeter inside the radiographic room. 6. Students must never remain in the radiographic room while the exposure is being made without practicing proper radiation protection. 7. Students should wear a lead apron and maintain a 6-foot distance from the sourcewhen performing mobile (portable) radiography. 8. Students will not wear IRSC dosimeter at times other than when participating in clinical assignments or labs. 9. Students must always stand behind a lead barrier when making an exposure. 10. Students will always maximize the use of collimation. 11. Students will never make a radiographic exposure while the door of a radiographic room is open. 12. Students will provide radiation protection for the patient (when appropriate).
Identify the purpose of the Mallinckrodt Awards.
Each year, prior to graduation the program faculty recognizes two second-year students for outstanding achievement. The Award for Academic Excellence is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA while enrolled in the program (only Radiography program grades are considered for this award). The Award for Clinical Excellence is awarded to the graduating student who has demonstrated exemplary skills in the clinical setting.
Discuss the purpose of IRSC's Lambda Nu chapter.
The purpose of this Chapter is to: - Foster academic scholarship at the highest levels. - Foster clinical practice at the highest levels. - Promote research and investigation in the radiologic and imaging sciences. - Promote mentoring of students of the radiologic and imaging sciences. - Recognize exemplary scholarship.
Identify the criteria for Lambda Nu student membership.
Radiologic and imaging sciences students, alumni and faculty qualify for membership according to the following criteria: Professional course (didactic and clinical) GPA 3.5 or higher on 4.0 scale during the first year of study, after at least three full time semesters (or equivalent) OR a professional course (didactic) GPA 3.0 or higher with a clinical course GPA 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale during the second year of study, after at least six full time semesters (or equivalent) of a professional program
Understand the process for achieving competency in the clinical setting.
1. Students may only be evaluated on procedures that have been presented and testedon in the classroom (i.e., Procedures I, II, III, IV courses) and upon simulation/demonstration and lab practicum. For procedures that have no lab component (for example: myelography) a competency may be performed after the lecture material has been presented.• Mobile exams may not be substituted for procedures designed to be performed in the radiology department.2. The student or the evaluator may select procedures performed by a student for competency evaluation. However, in all cases a competency evaluation form must be presented to the evaluator prior to the start of the exam.• The top portion of the competency form must be completely filled out by thestudent.• The examination should be named with the terms as listed on the competencyrequirement sheet.• Each image shall be graded separately.• Repeat images are not to be graded as part of the exam.3. All competency evaluations are to be performed by a Preceptor, IRSC faculty member or any ARRT/FLDOH certified radiographer (designated to do so by Program Officials). In all cases the evaluation form, including images/radiographs must be reviewed andapproved by the evaluator.4. A score of 80% on each competency examination will be accepted as the minimal level of competency (80% or higher to pass the exam). In the event of a failed attempt, the score for that procedure (the first attempt) will be used in calculation of the student's clinical grade.5. A competency evaluation form must be completed (and turned in to the Clinical Coordinator) for ALL competency exams attempted regardless of success or failure. Upon completion of the exam, the evaluation is to be reviewed with the student by the Clinical Preceptor, IRSC faculty member or Clinical Coordinator or designee.6. All completed competency evaluations will be retained by the Clinical Coordinator andplaced in the student's file.7. Both the evaluator and the student must sign the completed evaluation form8. It is recommended that the student photocopy their competency evaluation forms for their records. 9. Final competencies may be performed only if all required competencies of a given category have been completed. Requests for final competency exams must be approved by the Clinical Preceptor.10. If at any time following the successful completion of any competency a student demonstrates incompetence (e.g., major errors in positioning, image evaluation), thestudent may be required to repeat the competency evaluation. The previous grade for that competency evaluation will be removed and the student will be directed to follow the guidelines for remediation of a failed competency and the student must perform future procedures under direct supervision until the competency is passed. The student will be notified of this action in writing by the Clinical Preceptor, IRSCfaculty member.
Describe the process for remediation following a failed competency.
1. The Clinical Preceptor and student will discuss the reason(s) for failure. Before the student is permitted to repeat the exam for a grade, the student will be directed to: Review the materials pertinent to the failed exam. Practice the procedure with an instructor and gain additional experience before the exam is attempted again. 2. After completing the steps outlined above, the student may request a re-evaluation of the procedure (second attempt). A score of 80% is required to pass the exam. 3.If the student fails the competency on a second attempt, the Clinical Coordinator and the Program Director will be notified. The student will be placed on clinical probation. During the probation period, overall academic and clinical performance will be assessed, and the student will be counseled accordingly. A written plan for remediation will be established by the Clinical Coordinator.
Identify the outcome that will occur should a student fail a given competency on the third attempt.
If the student fails the competency exam on the third attempt, the student will receive an automatic failure (F) for the clinical course and will not be permitted to continue in the program.
Identify the minimum passing score for any given clinical competency exam.
A score of 80% is required to pass the exam.
Discuss the Clinical Education Site Guidelines listed in the handbook.
1. Students are subject to all policies and regulations of their clinical education sites. 2. Students are not permitted to manually inject, (or initiate power injectors) IV contrast media or medications. 3. All patients and their guests are to be treated with respect, dignity, modesty and privacy. Students are expected to maintain confidentiality in regard to all medical records. 4. Unless otherwise instructed, any student who begins or helps begin a radiographic procedure must complete the procedure before leaving the clinical facility. 5. Each student is expected to perform non-technical duties. Each student is expected to assist in maintaining a clean and well-stocked department. 6. A student should never leave a patient unattended. 7. A student must receive permission from the Lead CI or Clinical Coordinator to leave a clinical area. 8. It is the intent to be as uniform as possible, but all hospitals are individual and unique institutions, there may be different regulations and responsibilities at each clinical site. 9. Students must recognize the "chain of communication" in the clinical setting. Lead CI or IRSC Clinical Instructor first, then the Clinical Coordinator, then the Program Director. 10. Students are to report to clinical assignments in an alert condition. 11. Students may not sleep during any clinical assignment. 12. Students are to smoke and eat in designated areas only. 13. Students are not to chew gum while in the clinical area. Students are not to use the department telephones or computers for personal use. 14. Personal cell phones are not permitted in the clinical area. 15. Students are not permitted to accept any type of gratuity from a patient or a patient's family.
List at least 10 reasons demerits can be given and the respective value (number of demerits) for each.
- Not signed in/out: 1- Leaving an assigned clinical area w/o permission from Clinical Preceptor or college faculty member: 2- Chewing gum: 2- Missed clinic time not made up within 2 weeks: 2- Clinical forms not turned in by established deadlines: 2- Not having or using R/L lead markers: 3- Change of Schedule form not preapproved before shift is completed: 3- Violation of clinical dress code: 3- Inconsistent use of shielding: 3- Inappropriate language/behavior: 5- Failure to finish an entire exam (e.g., release pt, finish paperwork): 5- Lack of professionalism and/or initiative: 5- Not following the professional standards or policies pertaining to clinic: 5- Using someone else's R/L markers: 5- Mislabeling an image (pre or post-processed annotation): 5- Possession of a personal electronic device in the clinical setting or using hospital computers: 10- Dishonesty of any type: 10 - Not turning in a failed competency or other official document intended as part of the student's clinical grade: 15- Imaging the wrong patient: 15- Not having a qualified radiographer approve all images (including repeats): 15- Performing the wrong exam: 15- Performing an exam w/o appropriate supervision (Direct/Indirect): 15- Absence from clinic: Variable- Inconsistent performance in the clinical setting: Variable- Breach of patient confidentiality (HIPAA): 25, immediate dismissal. NOTE: This is only a partial list. Demerits may be given at the discretion of the Clinical Preceptor, IRSC Clinical Instructor, Clinical Coordinator, or Program Director.
Understand the consequences for absences (or late arrivals) at clinic.
Excessive tardiness will not be tolerated and demerits(1 demerit = 1% deducted from the clinical grade) will be assessed as follows:-1st occurrence: documented (written) oral warning-2nd occurrence: 3 demerits (3% reduction in grade)-3rd occurrence: 5 demerits (5% additional reduction in grade)-4th occurrence: 7 demerits (7% additional reduction in grade) and a written warning for dismissal from program issued)-5th occurrence: 10 demerits (10% additional reduction in grade) with dismissal from programThe final clinical course grades are directly affected by excessive absenteeism. Absences will be evaluated each semester. Students will begin each semester with a "clean slate." Clinical demerits (one demerit = 1% point deduction) will be assessed to unexcused absences from the clinic as follows (per semester):1st absence = Make-up time required (no demerits).2nd absence = Five demerits (5% reduction in grade) with make-up time required.3rd absence = Additional ten demerits (10% reduction in grade) with make-up time required (written warning for dismissal from program will be issued).4th absence = Additional ten demerits (10% reduction in grade) and a failing grade (F) will be recorded for the course.
Identify the parameters of direct supervision.
1. A qualified radiographer reviews the request for examination in relation to a student'slevel of achievement.2. A qualified radiographer evaluates the condition of the patient relative to the student'sknowledge.3. A qualified radiographer is present (in the same room or area) during the conduct ofthe examination; and4. A qualified radiographer reviews and approves all radio graphs.
Identify the parameters of indirect supervision.
Indirect supervision is defined as that supervision provided by a qualified radiographer immediately available to assist student regardless of the level of student achievement. "Immediately available" is interpreted as the presence of a qualified radiographer adjacent to the room or location where a radiographic procedure is being performed. This availabilityapplies to all areas where ionizing radiation equipment is in use (this include mobiles). Students are not to perform any clinical assignment or procedure if appropriate supervision is not available.
Identify the parameters for repeating radiographs as they relate to student supervision
Repeat images are not to be graded as part of the exam If at any time following the successful completion of any competency a student demonstrates incompetence (e.g., major errors in positioning, image evaluation), thestudent may be required to repeat the competency evaluation. The Clinical Preceptor and student will discuss the reason(s) for failure. Before the student is permitted to repeat the exam for a grade, the student will be directed to: review the materials pertinent to the failed exam and practice the procedure with an instructor and gain additional experience before the exam is attempted again.