During Your Rotation

When caring for patients, use of PPE does not replace the need to utilize additional protective controls.

General Guidelines²

• Stay at home when you're sick, even if symptoms are mild
• Take care of your mental well-being by checking in with loved ones and practicing self-care
• Wash your hands regularly. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) can be used to clean your hands as long as they are not visibly soiled. If they are visibly soiled, use a wipe and then ABHR to effectively clean them
• Plan to have a change of clothes and shoes to travel to and from the placement site and clothes to work in. Wash placement clothes daily between shifts

Practice appropriate respiratory etiquette:

Review additional infection prevention and control practices for clinical care providers

Your wellbeing is important:

• Keep hydrated during your shift
• Take meal breaks and keep snacks on hand for busy shifts to keep your energy levels up
• Practice good sleep hygiene
• Stay connected: let your friends, peers, and family know when you are starting clinical placements so they are able to support your mental and physical wellbeing

Some learners experience syncope (fainting) events while attending clinical placements. Some common causes are:

• Skipping meals or forgetting to drink plenty of water
• Feeling exhausted or being on your feet for long shifts
• Observing a situation that may cause a vasovagal response (e.g., a lot of blood, needles, a traumatic injury)

If you are aware of a susceptibility to syncope events, inform your preceptor so you can work together on prevention strategies.