Tips for Students

The purpose of this program is to bring you ‘‘inside the ropes’’ about the delivery of health care so that you may evaluate medicine as one of your considerations for your life’s work.

Students who complete the majority of their rotations and submit corresponding evaluation forms qualify for a certificate of accomplishment from Sentara Healthcare. They will have the opportunity to join the hospital volunteers core if interested.

The doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel who have volunteered their time have done so realizing that this program adds to an already long day. We know you will respect their contribution. Remember that nurses, and especially the charge nurse, are in charge of the schedule, patient flow and when you are allowed to interact with patients, staff and the doctor

It is anticipated that you will be able to participate at least once in all the rotations offered. If you wish to make a second visit, contact the coordinator.

If you must cancel, please notify the MSC promptly so that a substitute may be found and the affected mentor notified. If you cannot reach the MSC, call the mentor using the phone number on the contact list.

Please complete the evaluation form after each rotation.

Patients are remarkably tolerant of students wishing to learn. It is up to the mentor to inform the patient of your presence and obtain permission as necessary. If your role is questioned by a patient, simply respond that you are a high school student thinking about going to medical school. Patient privacy is very critical! The names of patients should never be repeated when discussing cases.

You must wear your white jacket and your name tag when on rotations.

The medical personnel donating their time for you endure a longer day but are willing to accept this in the hopes of inspiring young people to join them in the most caring of social professions. Please respect their commitment by honoring scheduled rotations in a timely manner, with good form and appearance, and with your best behavior.

Patients are generally quite tolerant of students observing rather intimate care as long as behavior is appropriate and their privacy is maintained.

Patient Confidentiality

Patients must feel trust to disclose intimate information about their health.

HIPPA protects written, electronic, and verbal health information; gives patients rights over their health information; gives providers rules to follow in how health information is handled; outlines consequences for improper use/disclosure of health information.

Whenever possible, limit identity when discussing confidential information.

Health information should only be accessed by providers with a clear need-to know.

Talk quietly when discussing patient information.

Be careful when talking with members of the patient's family. 

Carefully protect any written documents containing patient information.

No photos or posts are allowed without explicit permission from the healthcare mentor, patient, and program coordinators and school.  This permission will rarely be granted.