Clinical Attendance and Punctuality Expectations
Consistent and timely attendance in clinical, skills, and simulation lab experiences is essential for successful completion of the Nursing Program. Clinical attendance and timeliness are mandatory. These experiences are critical for the development of clinical judgment, technical skill, and professional behavior.
Students may have up to two excused absences per course, and all missed clinical days must be made up. Twenty (20) points will be deducted from the clinical evaluation grade for tardiness or each unexcused absence. Proper clinical preparation, dress code adherence, and appropriate use of nursing equipment are required.
Transportation to Clinical Sites
Transportation to and from clinical sites is solely the responsibility of the student. Students are expected to plan ahead and arrange reliable transportation to ensure timely arrival to clinical assignments. Students must arrive on-site at least 15 minutes prior to the start of clinical pre-conference. Carpooling is encouraged when possible to minimize parking congestion and promote punctuality. Parking policies vary by clinical agency and are determined by each individual facility. Clinical instructors or faculty will inform students of parking arrangements and expectations prior to the start of the clinical rotation. Students are expected to follow all posted parking regulations and facility guidelines to maintain a professional relationship with the clinical site.
Punctuality Expectations
Students are required to arrive on-site at least 15 minutes prior to the start of clinical pre-conference. Clinical and lab experiences begin promptly at the assigned time. Late arrival—defined as arriving after the clinical or lab experience has begun—will result in:
- A verbal warning
- The student being sent home for the day
- The day counted as a missed clinical/lab, subject to the make-up policy
- Missed clinical or lab time must be made up if clinical space is available. If the required clinical/lab hours are not completed, the student may not pass the course.
Absence Notification and Requirements
- All absences must be reported at least one hour prior to the start time.
- For skills/sim lab absences notify the assigned nursing faculty and lab instructor via your official Ogeechee Technical College student email.
For clinical absences notify the clinical instructor via phone call to the provided number at least one hour prior to the start of the shift and follow up with an email via your official Ogeechee Technical College student email to the instructor’s OTC email address.
Unexcused Absences and No Call/No Show
Any unexcused absence will result in a clinical or lab warning/write-up. More than one unexcused absence may result in course failure. A “no call, no show” for any clinical or skills/simulation lab experience will result in an immediate clinical warning/write-up. More than one “no call, no show” may result in dismissal from the course.
Clinical and Lab Make-Up Policy
All missed clinical or lab experiences must be made up. Make-up days at clinical sites are not guaranteed due to space and agency constraints. If a student is unable to complete required clinical/lab hours, they may not meet course objectives and therefore may not pass the course.
Excused Absences
Excused absences will be limited to extenuating circumstances, including but not limited to:
- Death of an immediate family member
- Personal illness requiring documentation from a licensed healthcare provider
- Other significant life events may be excused at the discretion of the Program Director and the Dean for Academic Affairs.
Students are expected to schedule routine appointments, travel, and other personal obligations outside of scheduled program commitments.