Student safety and security is of utmost importance while on clinical rotations. The program conducts routine site visits to evaluate the safety of students at clinical sites. If an incident occurs where the student feels themselves in immediate danger, the student must clearly communicate distress by any means possible, remove themselves from the situation, and call 911. If at any time while on clinical rotations a student feels that the rotation site is unsafe, the student must contact the Clinical Education Director, Clinical Coordinator, or Program Management Specialist immediately by email or telephone. This includes any form of harassment or bullying behaviors. The program investigates all concerns or allegations promptly.
Students should exercise good judgement while on clinical rotations regarding their safety. Please practice the following common-sense measures while at all rotation sites:
- Leave laptops, iPads, and other valuables at home, unless required at a clinical site.
- Do not carry large amounts of money or credit cards.
- Be sure to lock your car when you park and exit the car. If you are in a large parking structure, take a picture of the section where you parked so you are not wandering to find your vehicle.
- Pay attention to the surroundings. Avoid shortcuts through isolated areas. Be alert to potential hazards. If necessary, call hospital security for an escort.
- If you see unusual activity or someone loitering, call hospital security immediately.
- Park in well-lit areas and do not walk alone to/from parking areas at night. Use the escorts/shuttles provided by the hospitals. If you are working an odd shift, always call security to walk you out or ask someone in the clinic. Don’t take any unnecessary risks please!
- In the event of any problems or conflicts at a clinical site, students should attempt initially to work out any minor problems with their preceptor or supervisor. If students still perceive a problem in any area of the experience, including personality conflicts, communication issues, supervision, or inadequacy of the learning experience, they should contact the Clinical Education Director, Clinical Coordinator, or Program Management Specialist immediately.
Security and personal safety for instructional faculty across educational locations is supported. Faculty are also encouraged to practice the above precautions, as outlined for students. Classrooms, labs, office suites, and storage rooms are locked when not in use, with only designated personnel given keys to access these locations. Security patrols the campus and stationed security according to academic and University schedules and according to use areas. Faculty are provided with contact numbers for the UMES program and for on-campus security. Additionally, they are encouraged to contact 911 should an emergency issue arise. Security and safety are ensured with clinical rotation sites. Faculty visiting or present on a clinical site are required to be informed of the site-specific security supports, hours of operation, who has access to rooms to be used, and onsite contacts for immediate concern. Faculty are also required to contact the Clinical Team, with priority of the CED as first measure, if there is any security or personal safety concern. The CED and/or Clinical Team will review the concern and make reasonable decisions to ensure and maintain the person’s security and safety.
