4. Your Safety
Learner’s personal safety is of the utmost concern for NOSM University. We ask all learners to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety. This involves familiarize yourself with your placement community, environment and winter weather and includes the strategies you should employ at home, going to and from placement, and during social and evening times. The Program Manager, Programs and Partnerships Coordinator, Community Relations Coordinators, Clinical Learning Liaisons and your preceptor(s) can also be of assistance to you.
Northern communities are vast; weather conditions may be extreme, plan ahead and dress for the weather.
COVID-19
As we continue to manage with the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation across all clinical sites can change rapidly. Even after starting a confirmed placement, your clinical site may need at any time to suspend clinical placements. If this happens and we are notified first, we will contact you and your program. Should you be notified of your clinical site suspending your placement, please contact your host university and the NOSM University RS Team immediately so that we may help you in coordinating your travel home. We understand this can be stressful and we are here to help you.
While on Placement
RS Learners on a placement in Northern Ontario have a responsibility to keep themselves, others around them, and our communities safe. In relation to the pandemic, this means reporting if they experience any SYMPTOMS of COVID-19 or if they are EXPOSED a person with COVID-19 (presumed or confirmed) within or outside the clinical environment. The below flow chart outlines the specific steps any learner should take when they experience symptoms or when an exposure has occurred.
Flow Chart COVID-19 Reporting – Rehabilitation Science Learners
You are required to follow all of the health and safety policies and procedures of your home university, the specific clinical site where you have been placed, and the public health guidelines of the region where you clinical site is located. As these can vary from what you might be used to in your home community, it is very important to familiarize yourself with these policies, procedures and guidelines prior to leaving for Northern Ontario.
The vast majority of NOSM University staff continue to work from home supporting the School’s programs. Some staff may be working varied hours as a result; however they remain committed to attending to all operations and learner communication/support needs.
Access current information by checking the NOSM U’s Response to COVID-19 website.
NOSM University’s Respect the Difference Movement
The Respect the Difference movement was developed by NOSM University to bring awareness to a culture of kindness and respect in the learning and work environment. We hope that together, we can ignite a positive cultural change that is grounded in respect and reaches beyond the NOSM University community. Read more about the movement here.
As part of this movement, we want to make sure you are aware of the resources available to you if you ever feel you need help.
Do you Need Help?