Orientation

Part 1: Required courses

All students and faculty entering a lower mainland health authority for a practice education experience must complete the required SPECO modules. All of these modules are available on the LearningHub:

Student Practice Education Core Orientation (SPECO)

The required SPECO modules for your clinical practice experience are listed in the SPECO Preparation Checklist, which is found in the above link.

SPECO is valid within all health authorities in BC. With the exception of the modules noted below, it only needs to be completed once for the duration of your program.

SPECO Modules that require renewal:

• Infection Prevention and Control (renew every 2 years)
• Code Red online course (renew annually)
• WHMIS 2015 Provincial course (renew every 3 years)

Violence prevention online and classroom training

Providence Health Care is committed to preventing workplace violence. As part of SPECO, all students will complete the e-learning portion of the Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum (PVPC), which consists of 8 online modules

In addition to the e-learning modules, PVPC offers additional sessions for those who work in high risk departments. At PHC, designated high risk areas include Mental Health In-patient units, Emergency, Medicine units, Urban Health units and clinics, and Long Term Care facilities.

For nursing and allied health students, a PVPC classroom module (8-hour session) is available for students who work in high risk departments. This session is highly recommended but it is not mandatory. However, for certain PHC units, the classroom training is mandatory for students. Those who are required to take the classroom training will be advised accordingly. Preceptorship students in high risk areas where the training is not mandatory are welcome to take the PVPC Classroom session if they wish.

Residents can enroll in the PVPC online course for physicians.

• Violence prevention - PVPC classroom – Providence Health Care (for nursing & allied health)
• Violence prevention - PVPC for physicians

Part 2: PHC-specific prerequisites

Read the Providence Health Care Information and Confidentiality Policy.

Sign the Confidentiality Undertaking and submit it to the Student Placement Coordinator as outlined on the form. Keep a copy for your personal records. This only needs to be completed once for the duration of your program.

• PHC Information Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
• Confidentiality undertaking

Part 1: Discipline-specific

Before starting your placement, please ensure you have completed all orientation requirements applicable to you by reviewing the Discipline-specific page.

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Part 2: Photo identification

School identification must be worn on the left upper chest and be visible at all times while on placement at PHC, preferable ID with a photo. Only instructors and preceptorship students requiring access to locked units will be granted PHC identification, unless otherwise indicated by the unit manager or as noted on the Discipline-Specific page.

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Part 3: Guidelines and orientation

Review the BC and PHC guidelines and policies related to student practice.

Faculty

Faculty new to PHC or returning after being absent for more than one year must be oriented before commencing placement. This is to be done by another faculty member with previous experience on that site/unit.

If this is not possible, please contact the Student Placement Coordinator to arrange for site orientation at least three weeks before a placement is scheduled to begin.

Students

Your instructor, preceptor or supervisor will orient you to PHC.

Part 4: Dress code

Dress must reflect a professional appearance and maintain safe standards of care. All students and faculty are to be appropriately groomed: neat, clean and tidy at all times.

When giving direct patient care, hair longer than shoulder length is to be tied back and moustaches or beards are to be neatly groomed. Cosmetics should be moderate and jewelry limited to non-dangling small earrings, plain chain, plain rings and watches. Prosthetic nails are not acceptable. Shoes are to have the toe and heel closed. Scented products are to be avoided, ie. Lotions, perfumes, etc.

Additional information about parking, security and observation opportunities:

Part 1: About us

Learn more

Part 2: Security

The security team at PHC is here to provide safety and security as it relates to staff, patients, and faculty assets including students and instructors.

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Part 3: Parking & transit

All PHC facilities have parking access, some of which is pay parking. Students are now able to select the Daily Pay rate for parking. The HangTag mobile app is required to purchase the daily staff pay parking rate. When purchasing, select ePermit -> Daily Pay ePermit - Student.

Alternatively public transit is available close to all facilities and often recommended. For locations and more information about parking & transit options, visit the locations page.

Bike Locker

A bike locker is available for use at St. Paul’s Hospital. Generic passes may be provided. To get access, please email the Student Placement Coordinator.

Part 4: Observation opportunities

Observation Room (OR)

Observations in the OR are a valued experience by numerous professionals in their education. Students who require the operating room experience as part of their professional education (i.e. they cannot graduate without it) will be given priority.

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Other Observations

Observation opportunities are considered on a case by case basis. Please direct any enquiries to the Student Placement Coordinator.