Surgical Technology Program 2020-2021

Rolla Technical Institute/Center 1304 E. 10th Street/500 Forum Drive

Rolla, MO 65401ch 573-458-0150/0160

http://rolla.k12.mo.us/schools/rtirtc/

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Surgical Technology Program Addendum

Welcome Welcome to the Rolla Technical Institute/Center’s Surgical Technology program. As a Surgical Technologist you will be a very important member of the Healthcare Team. Therefore, it is essential that you study and work diligently to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to function in this role.

This handbook has been prepared to help you study and work effectively within the guidelines of the school and participating hospitals.

We hope you will enjoy the coming year. We look forward to helping you achieve your goal of becoming a Surgical Technologist.

Jennifer Wall, CST, M.Ed. Megan VanBibber CST, BS Program Director Clinical Coordinator (573) 458-0160 ext 16135 (573) 458-0160 ext 16137 jwall@rolla.k12.mo.us mvanbibber@rolla.k12.mo.us (573) 528-7466 cell phone (573) 263-2346 cell phone

Surgical Technology Program Webpage

http://rolla.k12.mo.us/schools/rtirtc/programs/surgical_technology/

mailto:jwall@rolla.k12.mo.usmailto:mvanbibber@rolla.k12.mo.ushttp://rolla.k12.mo.us/schools/rtirtc/programs/surgical_technology/http://rolla.k12.mo.us/schools/rtirtc/programs/surgical_technology/http://rolla.k12.mo.us/schools/rtirtc/programs/surgical_technology/

General Information Accreditation The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA), accreditation #2958, accredit the RTI/C’s Surgical Technology Program. www.caahep.org www.arcstsa.org A copy of the Standards and Guidelines for Accredited Educational Programs in Surgical Technology are available in the Program Director’s office.

Medical Director

Dr. Joshua Garrison Mercy 1605 Martin Springs Drive Rolla, MO 65401

Definition and Purpose Surgical Technology is an Allied Health profession whose primary concern is the care of surgical patients in the operating room. The Surgical Technologist helps prepare the operating room with necessary instruments and supplies, along with testing the surgical equipment. The primary role is to maintain the sterile field and aid the surgeon by passing sterile supplies or directly assisting with the surgery. The Surgical Technologist is a direct patient care provider and is therefore in contact with and works in conjunction with the patient, his/her relatives, physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Program Mission Statement The purpose of the RTI/C Surgical Technology Program is to prepare students who have demonstrated the necessary desire, aptitude, strength of character and maturity to pass the National Certification Exam for Surgical Technology, and to obtain and hold a Surgical Technologist position.

Philosophy Students who are selected for the program will be given every reasonable opportunity to successfully complete the program providing that proper attendance, behavior, attitude and a willingness to work hard is demonstrated. While a great deal of material must be learned to be successful, we believe that creativity, versatility, attitude, and mechanical inclination are extremely valuable and desirable attributes in

http://www.caahep.org/http://www.caahep.org/http://www.arcstsa.org/http://www.arcstsa.org/

a Surgical Technologist. All of these characteristics will be observed and evaluated along with the learning skills and required performance skills.

Program Goals

The Surgical Technology Program is a 1283 clock hour program. The goal of this program is to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a competent and certified entry level Surgical Technologist. This will be accomplished by (1) preparing graduates in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains, and (2) meeting or exceeding what is required according to the Core Curriculum of Surgical Technology.

Upon completion of the program of Surgical Technology, the Graduate Surgical Technologist shall:

1. Apply knowledge and skills from the biological sciences to safely perform during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of patient care.

a. Cognitive Domain: Students must complete coursework in anatomy and physiology, and apply the knowledge obtained as the basis for understanding theoretical surgical technology concepts taught in all trimesters.

b. Psychomotor Domain: Surgical technology laboratory courses incorporate the fundamentals learned during science courses as students practice the motor skills associated with operating room competencies.

c. Affective Domain: Students learn to apply critical thinking skills, using knowledge learned during basic biological science courses as the basis for decisions made during the performance of operating room procedures.

2. Utilize appropriate medical terminology to communicate clearly and effectively with patients, physicians, and co-workers and provide for accurate documentation.

a. Cognitive Domain: Students learn the pronunciation, spelling, and meaning of the most commonly used medical terms in preparation for application within the surgical setting.

b. Psychomotor Domain: Practical application of words and abbreviations in operative reports and documentation is practiced and assessed in the laboratory classes and during clinical rotations.

c. Affective Domain: Students learn that the appropriate use of medical terminology promotes professionalism and identity as a member of the surgical team.

3. Employ appropriate ethical, professional, and respectful values while providing care to diverse populations within the healthcare system.

a. Cognitive Domain: Students are introduced to the concepts of professionalism, ethics and values during the first Professional Prep course; "Ethics and Professionalism". Knowledge regarding ethical issues forms the framework for safe and ethical practice. Promotion of the profession at the state and national level is emphasized throughout the

program. Cultural competency concepts are reinforced throughout the program to provide students with the tools needed to practice culturally competent care.

b. Psychomotor Domain: Students practice and are assessed for their application of professional attributes in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical rotations.

c. Affective Domain: The concepts of professionalism are taught throughout the program to guide student behavior in the profession of surgical technology. Interactive assignments where students discuss and challenge each other facilitate student’s understanding of their own frame of reference, enabling students to understand how their cultural and ethical mindset impacts their interactions with patients and the surgical team.

4. Demonstrate a strong surgical conscience, accountability, and legal implications of an individual’s actions as a member of the surgical team.

a. Cognitive Domain: Students are introduced to the concepts of surgical conscience, accountability, and legal implications of one’s actions throughout the entire Surgical Technology Program. The concepts are reinforced in every course throughout the program as they are fundamental to the profession.

b. Psychomotor Domain: Students practice and are assessed for their application of surgical conscience and accountability in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical rotations. Legal concepts, such as charting and compliance with confidentiality, are assessed during clinical rotations.

c. Affective Domain: The concepts of surgical conscience, accountability, and legal implications are taught at the beginning of the program to guide student behavior in the profession of surgical technology.

5. Integrate knowledge gained in core surgical technology courses to prepare for and assist with surgical interventions.

a. Cognitive Domain: Surgical Technology courses are designed to provide students with the theoretical basis to prepare for and assist with surgical interventions. Knowledge gained is sequential, progressing from the simple to the complex, enabling students to evolve from simple comprehension of theoretical material to application of complex skills.

b. Psychomotor Domain: During laboratory courses and clinical rotations, students progressively apply the theoretical surgical technology concepts in the performance of surgical technology competencies.

c. Affective Domain: Knowledge gained in ST courses prepares students for the emotional challenges that may be encountered before, during and after surgical interventions.

6. Utilize learned competencies to assemble and operate instruments, equipment and supplies for the delivery of patient care as an entry-level practitioner during basic surgical procedures.

a. Cognitive Domain: Surgical Technology laboratory and clinical courses are designed to provide students with the practical skills to prepare for and

assist with surgical interventions, knowledge gained is sequential, progressing from the simple to the complex, enabling students to evolve from simple comprehension of theoretical material to application of complex skills.

b. Psychomotor Domain: During laboratory courses and clinical rotations, students progressively apply skills in the performance of surgical interventions.

c. Affective Domain: Knowledge gained in laboratory and clinical courses prepare students for entry-level practice as a surgical technologist.

7. Demonstrate the ability to prioritize and organize the surgical field, while considering the physiology and urgency of patient care needs.

a. Cognitive Domain: Surgical Technology courses are designed to provide students with the theoretical basis to prepare for and assist with surgical interventions. Knowledge gained is sequential, progressing from the simple to the complex, enabling students to evolve from simple comprehension of theoretical material to application of complex skills.

b. Psychomotor Domain: During laboratory courses and clinical rotations, students progressively apply the concept of prioritization and critical thinking skills in the performance of surgical technology competencies.

c. Affective Domain: Students learn to apply critical thinking skills, using knowledge learned during core courses as the basis for decisions made during the performance of operating room procedures and basic perioperative patient care.

8. Demonstrate an entry-level knowledge base by successfully completing the Certification exam.

a. Cognitive Domain: Surgical technology core and supporting courses are designed to provide students with the theoretical basis to take the Certification Exam.

b. Psychomotor Domain: Students apply knowledge from all core/supporting course work in taking the Certification Exam.

c. Affective Domain: Students integrate knowledge from all core/supporting coursework regarding the values that characterize the profession of surgical technology in taking the Certification exam.

Curriculum This program teaches according to the most recent edition of the surgical technology required core curriculum. Listed below is a basic list of topics that are covered in each course. The surgical technology master curriculum is located in the program director’s office.

1st semester

Anatomy and Physiology (Taught at Drury University or taken prior to starting program)

Cells and human biology Tissues, glands, and membranes Body systems and functions

Surgical Techniques Lab

Aseptic Techniques Creating and maintaining a sterile field Scrubbing, gowning, & gloving Opening sterile supplies Instrument identification, function, and spelling Surgical equipment knowledge Pouring fluids and drawing up medications Wrapping sterile supplies

Medical Terminology

Learn medical words necessary for communication Spelling Pronunciation Common medical abbreviations

Pharmacology

Mathematics review Terminology related to drugs Sources of drugs Legal aspect of pharmacy Anesthesia Drugs common in the surgical setting Adverse reactions to drugs

Introduction to Surgical Technology

History of the OR Aseptic Techniques OR attire Operating room equipment Layout of the OR suite and surgery unit Physics, electricity, and robotics

Medical ethics and legal responsibilities Hemostasis, sponges, sharps Suture and Staplers Disinfection, Decontamination, Sterilization Biohazards Death and dying Patient needs, special populations Emergency situations

Pathophysiology

Cell pathology Mechanism of disease Tumors Fluid and hemodynamic disorders Inflammation and infection Wound healing Disease processes by body system

2nd semester (Students must pass all first semester courses with a “C” or better grade to progress)

Surgical Procedures I

Diagnostic Procedures General Surgical Procedures Ob/Gyn Surgical Procedures GenitoUrinary Surgical Procedures Orthopedic Surgical Procedures Plastics Surgical Procedures

Integrated Sciences

Basics of Microbiology Isolation and Universal precautions Gram staining History of microbiology Viruses/Bacteria Electricity concepts Basics of Physics Surgical Robotics

Clinical Externship I

Clinical required paperwork Basic procedure set ups Surgical procedure practice Three days per week of clinical experiences at a health care facility Performing basic to intermediate level procedures in the 1st, 2nd, or observing role

Knowledge of OR equipment and supplies Sterile processing rotation

Professional Prep

Certification exam study guide Resume writing Interview skills Employment skills Communication skills Teamwork

3rd Semester (Students must pass all second semester courses with “C” or better grade to progress)

Surgical Procedures II

Peripheral Vascular Surgical Procedures Cardiothoracic Surgical Procedures Neurosurgical Procedures Ophthalmic Surgical Procedures Pediatrics Surgical Procedures Trauma Surgical Procedures Grand Rounds Research Case Study and Presentation

Clinical Externship II

Clinical required paperwork Case studies Three days per week of clinical experiences at a health care facility Performing basic, intermediate, and advanced level procedures Students must have a final case count document with 120 cases completed as required by the core curriculum. More information is included in the course syllabus.

Professional Prep II

Preparation for National Certification Exam (It is mandatory to take the NBSTSA certification exam to pass this course)

Total Program Clock Hours = 1283 hours (Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Summer Semester) All courses above are required for graduation and a grade of “C” or better must be obtained in each course. It is also mandatory for each student to apply for and take the national CST exam before graduation is approved.

Course Schedules Fall Semester Introduction to Surgical Technology Jennifer Wall, CST, BS

Tu/Th

12-1:30 p.m

Medical Terminology Jennifer Wall, CST, BS

M//W 2-3:30 p.m.

Pharmacology Jennifer Wall, CST, BS

Tu/Th 1:30-3:30.

Pathophysiology Jennifer Wall, CST, BS

M/W 12-2 p.m.

Surgical Techniques Lab Megan VanBibber CST

Lab A (M/W) Lab B

(Tu/Th)

8-11 a.m.

8-11 a.m.

Anatomy and Physiology with Lab (Taught by Drury University-St. Robert)

TBA 3:30-8:10 p.m.

Spring Semester Clinical Externship I Megan VanBibber CST

M/Tu/W Th

6:30-3 p.m. or TBA 8-9:30 a.m.

Integrated Sciences Megan VanBibber CST

Th 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Professional Prep I Megan VanBibber CST

F 8-10 a.m.

Surgical Procedures I Jennifer Wall CST, BS

Th F

12:30-2:30 p.m 10-12 p.m.

Summer Semester Clinical Externship II Jennifer Wall, CST, BS

M/T/W Th

6:30-3 p.m. or TBA 8-9:30 a.m.

Professional Prep II Jennifer Wall, CST, BS

F 8-10 a.m.

Surgical Procedures II Jennifer Wall, CST, BS

Th F

9:30-12p.m. 10-12p.m

Clinical Instruction and Practice Each student is rotated through a planned program of clinical instruction in hospitals. Learning experiences are provided in the care of patients in the operating room, and central sterile supply. Experiences are also provided in cardiac catheterization lab and labor and delivery units when available. Refer to the Student Clinical Syllabus for more details. It is the decision of the clinical coordinator of the whereabouts of your clinical rotations. Consideration will be taken into account for certain student issues, but you must go to the clinical site where you are assigned. Your clinical site may be up to two hours drive from the RTC building. The minimum case requirement for graduation of this program is 120 cases in the first and second scrub role. Students can find further definition of the case requirements in the clinical handbook/syllabus. All clinical rules and policies are also explained in the student clinical syllabus and handbook.

Graduation Requirements ● The student must have returned all books or other materials borrowed from the school

and/or clinical rotation sites.

● All tuition and expense monies owed to the RTI/C must be paid in full or arrangements satisfactory to the institution must have been made.

● The student must have completed all clinical competencies.

● A grade of “C” (75%) or better must be attained in all required program courses.

● All required clinical hours must be completed and minimum case requirements met.

● The student must apply for and take the NBSTSA certification exam on campus on the date chosen by the school. Students who are graduating late will be required to schedule their date with the program director.

Chromebook Program Students in the surgical technology program utilize Chromebook devices which are part of their program cost and supplies. Chromebook devices are being used for electronic textbooks and applications throughout the program in class, lab, and clinical. Instructors will be available to assist students in basic operation of the device and any applications being used. Students should feel free to contact instructors by phone, text, or email for help that is needed. Students will all be given the Chromebook sign off forms when they have their financial aid appointment. It is important for all students to meet with financial aid by the stated summer deadline in order to ensure the school can order their device and textbooks for the first week of classes. All textbooks will be ordered through the program. Students will be responsible for their own device and must have their device present at every class or clinical day. Students should make sure their device is properly charged and functioning. Those who have full days of school on their lab day will be able to charge in the classroom during lunch breaks. Students must contact an instructor immediately if something

happens to their device. It will be the student's responsibility to replace any broken or unusable device in a timely manner to ensure their continued success in the program. The program has two laptop computers available for use at school only in case of emergency or until a device can be replaced.

Liability Rolla Technical Institute/Center, the Rolla Public School System, and the Faculty and staff will not be held accountable for the health, safety or behavior of students of the Surgical Technology Program during non-classroom or non-clinic hours or when traveling to and from sites for scheduled educational experiences regardless of the time of day.

Sexual Offenders and Convicted Criminals Most clinical sites that you may be asked to rotate through have performed backgrounds checks on all of their employees upon employment. But, it is our responsibility to inform you that you may encounter employees and/or patients that have been charged and convicted of criminal acts including sexual offenders.

Program Specific Student Policies Academic Promotion Policy To remain in the surgical technology program, students must:

● Demonstrate the ability to consistently function in a safe and competent manner in each clinical area.

● Demonstrate attendance within the school and program attendance policy. ● Maintain a minimum “C” average in each theory and clinical area. (75%) ● Demonstrate acceptable behavior in school and at the clinical site toward all hospital

staff, school staff, other students, and patients.

Students not meeting the above requirements may be placed on probation, or will be ineligible to continue in the program.

Probation Probation is a stated period of time that allows the student to demonstrate improvement. The student will be given written documentation specifying the type of probation, the time allotted to demonstrate improvement, and the criteria set forth by the director and/or instructor in order to be removed from probation. The RTI/C Assistant Director and financial aid department will be apprised of all circumstances as they relate to the student and the probationary/warning status.

Types of Probation:

Academic Performance – refers to academic performance in theory and clinical. a. Theory - Probation may be issued at any time during the semester in

Theory with a course grade of 75% or below and/or “fail” in pass/fail areas occurs.

b. Clinical – Probation may be issued during any clinical rotation in which a student “fails” to meet one of the critical outcome criteria outlined in the performance evaluation and clinical syllabus such as: safety, professionalism, administration of medications, etc.

c. Attendance – Any violation that exceeds the attendance policy may be issued during the grievance process by the RTI/C Professional Review Board and/or Career and Technical Education Director.

d. Behavioral – Any violation of the Rolla Public School’s Adult Discipline Policy, JG-R2.

At the close of the stated probationary period, the student's progress will be re-evaluated by the director, program faculty, RTI/C Assistant Director and/or Director of Career Education. At that time the student will:

1. Be removed from probation

Or

2. Have probation extended Or

3. Deemed academically ineligible to continue or dismissed from program.

All disciplinary action taken by RTI/C is based upon Rolla Public School’s Adult Disciplinary Policy, JG-R2. This policy can be found in the RTI/C Adult Student Handbook or on the Rolla Technical Institute/Center’s Handbook Website http://rolla.k12.mo.us/schools/rtirtc/student_services/handbook/ Academically Ineligibility

If you are deemed academically ineligible or dismissed, you should refer to the appeals process listed in the RTI/C adult student handbook, under the heading of appeal process.

http://rolla.k12.mo.us/schools/rtirtc/student_services/handbook/

Grade Key

Grading Scale: 92-100 A 82-91 B 81-75 C 74 or below F

Grade Point Average Grade point average for the surgical technology program is figured by clock hours, not credit hours. Students may ask for a copy of their transcript after each semester if they wish to know their current grade point average.

Attendance Policy Student's attendance must be regular and punctual in all courses of the program and is critical to their success. Attendance is a mark of dedication and a component of professionalism that future employers consider seriously. The following is the policy for absence and tardy accumulation in the Surgical Technology Program at RTI/C. 1 second – 15 minutes = marked tardy with number of minutes recorded

Over 15 minutes – 1 hour = marked absent for one hour

1 hour and above = marked absent for the number of hours missed

You will be marked tardy or absent for the numbers of minutes/hours that you miss in class, clinical, or lab courses. These minutes and hours will all accumulate toward the maximum allowance of 48 hours for the length of the program. .

Students are allotted a total of six tardies and 48 hours of absence for the entire surgical technology program. Out of those 48 hours of absence, no more than 16 hours may be accrued while in clinical. Any amount over the stated maximum will automatically deem the student academically ineligible to continue in the program.

Proper Notification

If you are to be tardy or absent, you must notify the instructor of the class by phone or email before class begins. If you will miss multiple classes, you must notify each instructor. This policy is enforced so that you become responsible for your actions and gain accountability. Failure to notify the instructor before absence will result in a no-call, no-notification event. Note: Text messages to instructor cell phones are acceptable

notification only if they are received before the class period is to begin, and the instructor answers your message to accept as notification. Text and email communications are only acceptable notifications for class absence. Clinical absence follows a different policy. Please note that text messages are considered communication to an instructor and should remain professional.

TimeClock Plus Policy

Students are responsible for their individual positive attendance by checking in using the required clock-in method. All students must clock in and out daily, whether they are attending class on campus, participating in work-based learning at a clinical or internship site, or participating in some other school sponsored activity. Because the school has the ability to restrict clock-in activity to pre-defined geographic coordinates, students are asked to use a phone app on their personal device to clock in and out. If a student does not have a personal device, arrangements can be made for the student to access a computer.

In the event that a student fails to clock in, the student must contact his/her instructor and/or student services for assistance. Students will be required to validate that they were actually in attendance on time in order to have their time adjusted. Students are allowed to have their time adjusted two times per semester or trimester. After the two-occurrence grace period, students who fail to clock in will be absent until they clock in again and their time will not be adjusted. In the event that a student cannot clock in because they failed to clock out the day before, he/she should immediately notify his/her instructor and/or student services for assistance

Clinical Absence/Clinical No Call-No Notification Policy

If you are going to be absent from clinical rotations, you must follow the clinical absence policy. Meaning, you must call the clinical site (proper contact person) and the clinical coordinator by 6:30 AM in order to be considered absent for that day. You must always contact your clinical coordinator if you will be leaving a clinic site early.

No Call-No Notification Policy

The first absence without appropriate notification will result in a written warning. A copy will be placed in your file. The second absence without appropriate notification will deem the student academically ineligible to continue in the program. You must notify your instructor if you will be absent from class prior to the beginning of the scheduled class. Phone numbers have been provided at the front of this handbook. Failure to notify will result in a No Call/No Notification incident. Emails and text messages are accepted as notification for class absences, but not for clinical absences. Please follow the clinical absence policy for those days. Attendance Warning

Attendance warning will be issued to the student after they accrue 32 hours of absent time, 4 tardies, the first no-call, no-notification incident, or 8 hrs total clinical absences.

The following can all deem the student academically ineligible to continue in the Program.

● Any absence over 48 hours ● Upon the 7th tardy ● Upon the 2nd No-Call No-Notification ● Any clinical absence over 16 hours

Attendance Probation

Any violation that exceeds the attendance policy will deem the student academically ineligible to continue, a successful appeal to the RTI/C Professional Review Board may include as a condition attendance probation and restitution.

Perfect Attendance An award will be received at the end of the year by the student(s) who has/have perfect attendance (without absences, tardiness, or missed clinical time.)

Anatomy and Physiology College Credit Students may take an anatomy and physiology course prior to beginning the program, or they will take this course as directed by the program during the fall semester. Currently the program has a written agreement with Drury University and surgical technology students that are taking anatomy and physiology during the fall semester will go to the Drury University – Rolla Campus to take this course. This is a required course in this program and a “C” or better grade must be received to continue in the program. Students will be responsible for ordering an official transcript showing their grade which must be received in the main office by the deadline set forth by the program director. In order for students to receive a passing grade in this course by taking it at another institution prior to program entry, they meet the following criteria:

1. The Surgical Technology Program Director and the Student Affairs office must evaluate the credit.

2. The course must be anatomy and physiology lecture plus lab for at least 4 credit hours. 3. The credit granted must be from an accredited post-secondary institution. 4. The student must have a C grade or above in the course in both lecture and lab. 5. The course must have been taken within the last five calendar years. 6. An official transcript must be received before the start of the surgical technology program

Articulation Agreements Copies of Articulations can be found in the administrative offices of RTI/C at 500 Forum drive in Rolla, Mo.

The Surgical Technology program has articulation agreements currently with Drury University and Southwest Baptist University

Written Arrangements for Transfer Credits with RTI/C

● Surgical Technology has a written arrangement for transfer credits with Drury University for a Lecture and Lab (4 credit hours) for students who lack the Anatomy and Physiology credit prior to attending RTI/C’s Surgical Technology Program. RTI/C’s Surgical Technology Program accepts 4 credit hour Anatomy and Physiology - Lecture and Laboratory class that was passed with a C or better from any accredited college or university.

The (4 credit hour) Anatomy / Physiology class represents 150 clock hours of the total of 1283 clock hours required by the Surgical Technology Program.

Drug Screening Policy All Allied Health students will be required to participate in a drug-screening program that is managed by RTI/C’s student services.. This program includes two parts:

1. An initial drug screening is to be completed as a part of the enrollment process. Information from this screening must be released to the school as part of the pre-entrance requirements of all students. This screening will be at the student’s expense.

2. Additional drug screening may be requested and given to any student who manifests “reasonable belief” at any time during the school year.

Failure to participate or failure to pass a drug test may be cause for dismissal from the RTI/C health program based on the school’s policies regarding drug use and the rights of the student to appeal. This drug-screening program is necessary to meet the requirements of the health care facilities where students are placed for clinical experiences, internships, and preceptorships.

For any questions regarding the drug-screening program, please contact the program director or other administrators of the school.

Felony Convictions Policy

According to the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, applicants for certification must be of good moral character. Generally, the conviction of a felony, misdemeanor, or any other offense, indicates lack of good moral character for purposes of obtaining employment and/or certification in the field of Surgical Technology. For this reason, any student who has been convicted of a felony must contact the Program Director and NBSTSA to determine eligibility.

Gratuities Policy Students are not permitted to solicit or accept tips and gratuities from any source at any time; including patients, patients' families, friends, or staff of clinical facility for services rendered in the course of assignments or duties. Students accepting tips or gratuities are subject to immediate disciplinary action per Rolla Public School’s Adult Discipline policy, JG-R2. Health Care Policy If you become ill while in the classroom or on duty at a hospital, please report to your clinical educator or supervisor. This person will take appropriate action, including taking you to the emergency room, if necessary, where your family physician will be called for necessary instructions, treatment and/or medications. Such care will be at the expense of the student. It is strongly recommended that each student carry their own health insurance. The school and clinical sites will not be responsible for paying your medical bills including those accumulated from any sharps incident at the clinical site. Sharps incidents will be at the student’s own cost. You must also contact the clinical coordinator or have someone contact them for you to notify of the situation and follow the program’s sharps policy for any incident.

Health Record A complete and continuous health record will be kept for each student during the school year. It will consist of:

1. pre-entrance physical exam 2. record of current immunizations 3. record of illness or injuries during the school year 4. Hepatitis B vaccination record/declination form 5. Emergency information form

Emergency Information Form All students must have on record emergency information forms which will contain necessary information should an emergency arise. This form shall include the name of the person to notify, phone number to be reached during the day, and names and phone numbers of adult friends or relatives who would take responsibility should it be impossible for an adult student to make a decision rendering his/her own care.

Emergency, Injury and/or Illness If you become ill or injured while in the classroom or on duty at a health care facility, please report to your classroom/clinical instructor immediately. Emergency care will be the responsibility of the individual student. Such care will be at the expense of the student. In the event of an emergency, illness or injury first aid measures may be initiated.

Sharps and Biohazards You will be required to sign the sharps policy which will be kept in your student file. You will be taught correct techniques to be used when dealing with bio-hazardous materials and/or sharps. If you are injured by any of these items while at the clinical site, you must immediately report to your OR supervisor/clinical educator and fill out a hospital incident report. You must then obtain care for the injury in the Occupational Health Department or Emergency Room, at your own expense. You must also contact the clinical coordinator to notify of the incident on the same day and fill out the school incident report as well. You must bring a copy of the hospital incident report to the clinical coordinator in a reasonable amount of time for placement in your permanent file. Failure to follow this policy correctly may result in your dismissal from the program.

Communicable/Infectious Diseases The Surgical Technology Program is in compliance with the Rolla Public Schools Policy JHCC-R regarding communicable/infectious diseases. A student shall not be permitted to attend class or other school sponsored activities if the student is known to be afflicted with or liable to transmit any contagious or infectious disease unless the program has determined, based upon medical evidence, that: (1) the infected student is no longer liable to transmit the disease; or (2) the student is afflicted with a chronic infectious disease which poses little risk of transmission in the school environment with reasonable precautions. Any student permitted to attend school with a chronic infectious disease must do so under specified conditions. Failure to adhere to the conditions will result in the student being excluded from school. Students with a contagious or infectious disease and their families have a right to privacy and a need for confidentiality.

Make Up Policy On the first day the student returns to school, he/she is responsible for contacting each instructor regarding material to be made up. Failure to do so could result in a zero for missed assignments.

Classroom 1. The following deductions will occur on late assignments: A late assignment is one

that was not turned in at the designated time if the student was present in class.

1 day late-10% deducted 2 days late-20% deducted 3 days late-30% deducted 4 days late- 40% deducted 5 days late- 50% deducted **Late Assignments may be turned into instructors mailboxes located in RTI/C main office ONLY if they are signed and dated received by one of the main office staff**

1. Make-up will only be allowed if arrangements to do so are made by the student with each instructor on the first day the student returns to school.

2. See individual course syllabus for details on making up exams as some exams are not eligible for makeup.

3. Early tests will not be allowed unless there are extenuating circumstances. 4. There will not be makeup allowed on pop quizzes or instrument exams that are missed. 5. No tests will be made up during class time. Tests may be made up during lunchtime,

before/after school upon instructor’s approval. Clinical All clinical time is a requirement to be completed 100%. If you missed clinical time, you must arrange to make that time up by filling out a make-up form. This form is available in the clinical coordinator’s office and has to be approved before the time is made up. No time will be made up on weekends, holidays, or off shifts.

Miscellaneous 1. Transportation to and from all clinical sites and Off Site School activities is the

responsibility of the individual student. You must have reliable transportation in the case of a clinical site that is far from your home.

2. Each student is required to attend designated field trips, seminars and/or conventions along with other students and faculty. There is one required overnight field trip in March which has been included in the tuition. The Program Director will designate the uniform for each individual trip or event.

3. Lunch may be eaten in the classroom as long as trash and leftovers are properly disposed of and messes are cleaned up promptly.

4. Drinks and snacks are permitted in the classroom at the discretion of the instructors during breaks only.

Patient Records and Confidentiality Policy Information concerning any patient and his/her illness is private. It is your obligation, as well as every member of the hospital, to keep this information strictly confidential according to HIPAA laws. Do not discuss patient information with friends, relatives, classmates or even hospital employees with the following exception: you may discuss a patient’s medical condition with other Surgical Technologists, physicians, your instructors and Surgical Technology students

provided they are directly concerned with the care of the patient or if it is in a supervised learning situation. This does not authorize the student to make moral judgments concerning the patient’s personal life. This would be an invasion of privacy. A tape recorder will only be allowed in the classroom with special permission and prior approval of the instructor.

**VIOLATION OF THIS POLICY MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL**

Personal Appearance Policy As a Surgical Technology student you represent your school, classmates, and Surgical Technology as a profession to the public, patients and their visitors. Your conduct, dress, and appearance are important. Cleanliness and neatness are necessary because of the nature of your work. The following requirements have been established:

1. Good personal hygiene-includes personal cleanliness, use of effective deodorant and good oral hygiene.

2. Hair must be clean and well groomed.

In all areas of personal appearance the student is to judge his/her own dress. When attending clinical, you must enter the site wearing the blue scrubs suit uniform. If there is a problem related to this area, the instructors will advise the student of any problem with the personal appearance as it relates to professional patient care. Should the issue not be resolved by informal discussion, the issue will be addressed formally by the program director or clinical coordinator. Students are required to wear the program’s royal blue scrub suits to all Surgical Technology courses and to clinical sites.

Uniforms Students are required to wear blue scrubs suits to all surgical technology clinic sites and lab courses. You will be required to wear complete OR attire, including scrub suits, while in the laboratory setting. See the lab syllabus for complete details on full lab uniform requirements. Your uniform cost has been added to your cost sheet located at the end of this handbook. You also will receive a scrub jacket to wear in the classroom in case of cold weather. White shoes and name tags will be ordered for your clinical rotations. The class also receives polo shirts that are required to be worn on field trips, state assembly meetings, or as the Program Director deems necessary. Your polo shirt should be worn with blue scrub pants.

Tobacco Policy There is absolutely NO TOBACCO usage on the entire campus of RTI/C. It is a tobacco-free facility as well as most hospitals and clinical sites. You will not be permitted to consume tobacco at school or at any of your clinical sites. If you are found to be violating this rule, you will be placed on behavioral probation for the first offense and further disciplinary action may result.

Student Performance Standards Policy In any organization it is important that all members work together for the good of the whole, so the rights and interests of all are assured. In the Surgical Technology program and the hospitals in which you will be working it is especially true. Any failure to work together harmoniously and effectively by maintaining good standards of behavior may affect the wellbeing of the patients. It is for this reason that following rules of conduct have been established. It is your responsibility to know and to follow them. Common sense, good judgment and acceptable personal behavior on your part will make our program and the hospitals a better place to study and learn. Demonstration of poor behavior and unprofessional attitudes of others are not an excuse for you. You must act professionally as a representative of RTI/C at all times in school and clinical sites.You are accountable for your own actions.

Student Work Policy It is the policy of this program that any student will not be paid or accept any type of payment (i.e. gifts, food, or room and board) for clinical time they are performing at any clinical site. Students will not be substituted for staff in any way. If a student wishes to obtain a job at a clinical site before they receive a certificate of Surgical Technology, they will only be allowed to work after clinical hours have ended and with approval of the Program Director. They may not work in the position of Surgical Technologist. A student must have at least 8 hours of time available for sleep before beginning another school or clinical day.

Telephone Use Policy Phone calls are not to be made or received by students during class time or in the clinical sites except in cases of emergency, and only when the student has obtained permission. Cellular phones are to be turned off while in the classroom and clinical sites unless an instructor has advised you they may be used for educational purposes. Students may use their cell phone during breaks and lunch periods as long as they do not abuse this and they return to duties at the proper times. Instructors may restrict this privilege if student has problems acting professionally in some way due to their cell phone.

Withdrawal Policy Students desiring to withdraw from school must contact the school office and submit a written statement giving reason for withdrawal within seven (7) calendar days of last day’s attendance. This form must also be signed by the Program Director.

Academic Guidance and Student Counseling

Support services are available to Surgical Technology students. Students have access to these services, which include: financial aid, counselor, student services, and academic help services. Instructors will guide students toward understanding and observing program policies and practices and may provide guidance or referral for personal problems that may interfere with progress of the program. The Surgical Technology Program Director and Clinical Coordinator will:

● Maintain an “Open Door” policy. There may be times however when visitation is inopportune; therefore, we ask that you request permission before entering the office;

● Provide disciplinary counseling in accordance with program policies and procedures, when needed (written documentation kept in student files); or

● Refer students to the RTI/C Assistant Director or the Student Counselor, when deemed necessary by the Program Coordinator/or Clinical Coordinator (written documentation kept in student files).

Students may seek services from the Student Counselor without consulting any other member of the faculty by drop-in, phone, or email. Janell Duncan 458-0150 Ext. 15030 Awards The program will give several student awards on the last day of class after the certification review. Awards are chosen by the director and clinical coordinator and are as follows:

● Academic student of the year (highest G.P.A.) ● Clinical student of the year ● Professionalism Award of the year ● Most improved student of the year ● Most outstanding student

One award will be given as decided by the students ● Outstanding peer award

Library The library facilities for the Surgical Technology program include the resources in the classroom, the University of Missouri S&T library, and the medical libraries of our clinical sites. Each has rules for using and checking out books and periodicals. The student will be expected to adhere to those rules. Violation of those rules may lead to fines, loss of privileges and/or disciplinary action. All books and periodicals must be returned and any fines paid prior to graduation. Parking

While in class students are to park in the designated parking area. At times, the parking lot at RTI/C may be fuller due to certain events and students will be permitted to park at another nearby area. Parking at a clinical site will be in accordance to the policy of that facility. If a student refuses to park in the designated area at their clinical facility, they may be placed on behavioral probation and /or dismissed from that clinical site.

Student Organizations On or around the beginning of October, the class will vote on a class representative and an alternate representative. This representative will be responsible for certain appearances such as the program advisory committee. The class representative should uphold the highest standards as a surgical technology student including professionalism, attitude, adherence to policies and procedures, academic, and clinical standards. Failure to represent the program and class in a positive manner will result in termination of the elected position. All students will become student members of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) and be entitled to all of its benefits during the second semester of the program. At times, students may wish to fundraise for charities, and/or conferences as a group. If the class chooses to fundraise, then a faculty member must serve as the advisor and will provide the students with the proper paperwork to complete. All fundraisers must be approved prior to start by Rolla Public Schools.

State Assembly Meetings All students will attend a mandatory conference hosted by the Missouri Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists as part of the required curriculum. The cost of attendance and overnight stay has been included in the program cost sheet. Students will share hotel rooms with one roommate of the same gender. All students are expected to act professionally as representatives of Rolla Technical Institute/Center.

The anticipated date of this conference is March 5-6, 2021.

National AST Conference Students may choose to attend the Association of Surgical Technologists national conference at their own cost. Time to attend this conference may be provided to the student if they are in good standing within the program. Students that wish to attend should contact the clinical director and complete the required contract for this event. All students who choose to attend are still responsible for any missed work or clinical time.

Surgical Technology Program Calendar 2020-2021

August 12 School Begins 1st semester begins September 7 No school-Labor Day September 25 No school-Professional Development September 20-26 National Surgical Technology Week September 19 Missouri Assembly of AST meeting October 23 No school- Professional Development November 16 No school- Professional Development November 25-27 Thanksgiving break (No School) December 18 End of 1st semester December 21-January 4 Christmas break (No School) January 5 2nd Semester begins, Classes Resume *January 18 No school-Martin Luther King February 15 No school – Professional Development March 5-6 Missouri Assembly of AST meeting (mandatory) March 19-March 26 No school-Spring break March 29 Classes resume April 16 No school- Professional Development May 24 End of 2nd Semester *May 25-27 Inclement weather make-up days May 31 No School Memorial Day May 25 Summer Semester Begins June 30 Last day of Clinical July 1 Certification Review 8am-3pm July 2 Certification Review 8am-3pm July Certification Exam (mandatory – all students) July 7 Official graduation release date – students cleared TBA GRADUATION!! This calendar may be changed by the program if hours need to be made up in the case of snow days. School Cancellation: In the event of inclement weather, the Surgical Technology program will comply with the cancellations of the Rolla Public Schools. This information is available on:

Cable TV Channel 6 Local radio stations: KTTR 1490 AM or 99.7 FM

KZNN 105.3 FM www.Cancellations.com Note: If snow days exceed the number of days allotted above, please know that days may be deducted from Spring break. Also, this program will follow Rolla Public Schools decision on how to utilize unused snow days. Example: extending a weekend or reduction in academic year end calendar. Days of school lost to inclement weather will be made up in the following order: Jan 18, Feb 15, April 25, May 17-24

http://www.cancellations.com/http://www.cancellations.com/

Rolla Technical Institute/Center Surgical Technology Program Student Handbook Acknowledgement

I,______________________, have received in print or have been given the webpage address where these 3 handbooks are stored electronically. I will read and abide by the policies and procedures describe within these handbooks.

● Student Handbook for the Surgical Technology Program at RTI/C 2020-21 ● The RTI/C Adult Student Handbook 2020-21

http://rolla.k12.mo.us/schools/rtirtc/student_services/handbook/ ● The RTI/C Financial Aid Policy and Procedures Manual 2020-21

http://rolla.k12.mo.us/schools/rtirtc/student_services/handbook/

I understand that I am accountable for all policies and procedures found in the RPS Board Policy JG-R2.

By my signature below, I indicate that I have received and understand the contents of the Student Handbook of the RTI/C Surgical Technology Program and will abide by these rules, regulations, guidelines, and policies that are within this handbook. I have read and understood the RTI/C grievance policy for students. I understand that during the course of this program, I may come in contact with and/or care for people that have been charged or convicted of criminal acts. I understand that I may be required to travel at my own expense to clinical sites that are up to two hours from the RTI/C building in order to complete this program. I understand that I am required to obtain all necessary immunizations by the enforced deadline in order to begin my clinical rotations. All clinical hours and cases must be completed in full in order to graduate this program. The certification exam must also be taken in order to complete this program. I understand that my immunization records, background check information, and drug screenings may be sent to the clinical sites that I am placed at for externships. This information will be kept on file at my clinical sites. I understand that I may be required to sign additional privacy/confidentiality paperwork at my clinical sites. I understand that the Chromebook device will be the property and responsibility of each student. This acknowledgment will be placed in my personal file. Student Signature______________________________Date________________

Rolla Technical Institute/Center Program of Surgical Technology

Sharps/Biohazard Policy Acknowledgement I _________________________________ agree to abide by the sharps and biohazard policy listed in the Student Handbook of Surgical Technology.

I will take care of the wound (anything that constitutes an entrance through intact skin or mucous membranes) in an appropriate manner by immediately washing the area thoroughly.

I will contact an administrator/supervisor at my clinical site immediately after the incident happens and fill out a hospital incident report.

I will report the incident to my clinical coordinator and bring a copy of the hospital incident report to them.

I will obtain emergency care for the wound immediately, including HIV/Hepatitis testing of myself and the source patient.

I understand that this care is at my own cost or covered under my own health insurance.

I will come to my clinical coordinator or program director if I have any questions regarding a sharps incident.

Signed:

Student_________________________________Date____________________