Policy on Clinical Year Standards of Conduct

The student is expected to adhere to the same high ethical and professional standards required of certified PAs. The professional conduct of the student is evaluated on an ongoing basis throughout the clinical phase of the program. Violations of standards of professional conduct are subject to disciplinary actions administered by the University and Department per the GWU Code of Conduct found in the Graduate Studies Handbook. Additionally, the GWU Department of PA Studies has disclosed expectations of clinical year PA students as they apply to the clinical environment. Preceptors are directed to contact the DCE immediately if they have concerns about the student’s professionalism.

Examples of unprofessional behavior include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Unreported absences
  • Unauthorized changes to the submitted SCPE calendar
  • Failure to complete assignments by the specified due date
  • Failure to submit onboarding requirements by specified due dates
  • Failure to maintain professional language and tone in communications with department faculty/staff and clinical preceptors (email, telephone, text, social media, and face-to-face interactions)
  • Failure to respond to communication from department faculty/staff per the SCPE Communication section of this manual
  • Any verbal or written communication regarding anyone connected with the department that could be considered libel or slander
  • Failure to follow the dress code
  • Lack of preparation for daily SCPE activity/coursework

Student Responsibilities

ARC-PA 6th ed Standards A3.05, A3.09

While adhering to professional standards, the student is expected to perform the following activities during the SCPE:

  • Attend SCPE as scheduled.
    • If a preceptor is not at the clinical site when the student is scheduled to be there, the student is not automatically excused from attending clinic. Instead, the student must contact the clinical team outlined in the SCPE Communication Policy.
    • If available at the SCPE site, the student should attend other learning opportunities, such as grand rounds, lectures, conferences, morbidity/mortality conferences, tumor boards, etc.
    • Some preceptors may incorporate study time into the student’s schedule, which must be documented on the student calendar. However, the student is NOT TO ASK for time off for studying. (see Student Attendance section)
  • Demonstrate emotional resilience, stability, adaptability, and flexibility during the clinical year.
  • Submit coursework as outlined per the SCPE Specific Course Syllabus Information section. In addition,
    students should check Blackboard for the most up-to-date course assignment information.

GWU is a university of faith, and gratitude is an essential element of faith. Therefore, to demonstrate appreciation for preceptors and their staff who assist in PA education, it is highly recommended that the student sends “Thank You” notes at the conclusion of each SCPE.

Department Responsibilities

ARC-PA 6th ed Standards A1.10b, A2.15, A2.16, B3.01, B3.03, B3.04, B3.06, B4.01, B4.02, B4.03

The Department of PA Studies is responsible for the following aspects of the educational environment and activities during the clinical phase of the program:

  • Ensure the student has completed all required didactic year components before beginning a SCPE.
  • Provide SCPE placement for the student.
  • Provide SCPE-specific learning outcomes and orientation materials to the preceptor and the student.
  • Provide malpractice insurance for the student.
  • Perform clinical site visits in accordance with the clinical site visit policy.
  • Develop and maintain clinical site affiliation agreements.
  • Continue to develop new relationships with preceptors and clinical institutions.
  • Work with the preceptor and site to provide a healthy and safe clinical learning environment.
  • Interact with the preceptor, site, and student to promptly respond to any problems or concerns.
  • Respond in a timely manner to concerns raised regarding student behavior or actions that directly or indirectly jeopardize the health, well-being, and/or safety of patients, faculty, clinical site staff, or fellow student.
    • If such behavior is demonstrated or reported, the program retains the right to remove the student from a SCPE immediately.
  • Require the student to be trained in HIPAA and OSHA instructions regarding the risk of exposure and post-exposure protocols.
  • Require the student to be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
  • Obtain student feedback from the clinical preceptor.
  • Administer an End of Rotation TM (EOR) exam, OSCEs, and other written assessments and assignments, for all SCPEs as appropriate.
  • Assign a grade for the student after completion of the SCPE.
    • The program faculty, not the preceptor, is responsible for the final grade.

Preceptor Responsibilities

ARC-PA 6th ed Standard A2.14, B3.06, B3.06

Preceptor responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Must hold a valid license and credential that allows them to practice at the SCPE site.
  • Be familiar with GWU/PA program policies and procedures via the orientation materials provided by the program.
  • Be responsible for the coordination of the student’s overall learning experience.
  • Ensure the student is provided orientation regarding site-specific policies and procedures.
  • Review the expectations and outcomes for the SCPE with the student.
  • Provide ongoing feedback regarding clinical performance, knowledge base, and critical thinking skills.
  • Supervise, demonstrate, teach, and observe clinical activities to facilitate the development of clinical skills and ensure proper patient care.
  • Assign teaching or coordination of tasks to other qualified clinicians, such as attending physicians, residents, PAs, or nurse practitioners, as needed or desired.
  • Delegate increasing levels of responsibility to the student for clinical assessment and management of the patient.
  • Participate in the evaluation of clinical skills and medical knowledge base through the following mechanisms:
    • Direct supervision, observation, and teaching in the clinical setting;
    • Direct evaluation of presentations (including both written and oral);
    • Assignment of outside readings and research to promote further learning.
  • Review student documentation (including shadow notes) and cosign if the student note remains part of the official patient record.
  • Complete the Preceptor Evaluation of Student form during the final week of the SCPE.
  • Complete the Student Preparedness for SCPE evaluation at the end of Block #1. This is not an evaluation of the student’s performance at the completion of a SCPE but of cohort preparedness to undertake SCPEs, as a measure of the effectiveness of the didactic curriculum.
  • Promptly notify the PA department of circumstances that might interfere with accomplishing the above goals or diminish the overall training experience.
  • Maintain an ethical approach to patient care and student education.