We will endeavour to provide placements within the Midlands region; however, this is dependent on supply and learning needs, and therefore you should expect that travel will be required for at least one placement during your programme. Given the nature of the professions concerned, you should be prepared to undertake shift work. You are expected to attend all aspects of placement regardless of time, day or place. You will be responsible for all costs associated with placement; for example, food, travel and accommodation.
It should be noted that each accrediting body has a minimum number of hours required for the completion of a qualification or specific module. In addition to achieving the minimum number of hours required, you must also meet the relevant competency. As your education provider, we must ensure that you have adequate time to reach competency, and this may mean you complete hours over and above the minimum required by the accrediting body.
Pre-placement orientations
Your individual programme will share placement orientation information with you. You are required to attend and complete all pre-placement orientation requirements before your placement can commence.
Attendance
You are required to attend all scheduled placement days/activities. If you are absent from placement, you must inform your module coordinator or other nominated person immediately, and ideally in advance of the relevant activity. If you are absent from placement for three days or more, you may be required to provide a medical certificate. Please refer to your Ākonga Handbook for further information.
Confidentiality and privacy
Your programme will include formal learning regarding confidentiality and privacy within your profession, and as an ākonga of Wintec. There are numerous pieces of legislation and policy that detail specific and strict requirements. You are expected to learn and apply this knowledge and adhere to all relevant legislative and policy requirements throughout your education.
Placement record keeping
You are expected to maintain complete and thorough placement records, including timesheets. Timesheet information will be entered into SONIA. It is essential that you complete your timesheets in a prompt manner and as required by your programme of study. If you have any questions, please contact the Clinical Experience Team by emailing chaspplacements@wintec.ac.nz. Please note that some programmes, such as the Bachelor of Midwifery, may require ākonga to complete a logbook or similar in addition to or in place of entering timesheet information in SONIA. It is your responsibility to check all requirements for your chosen programme of study.
Uniforms/dress code
Please note that some programmes, such as the Bachelor of Nursing and the Bachelor of Midwifery, have specific uniform requirements for placement. Please refer to your Ākonga Handbook for details. Tidy and professional attire is expected regardless of your programme of study. If you have any questions or concerns about attire, please contact your module coordinator as soon as possible. Any ākonga who report for placement in incomplete, unsatisfactory or unprofessional dress code may not be permitted to commence the placement until appropriately attired.
Professionalism and appropriate behaviour
At all times while on placement, it is expected that you will act with professionalism and integrity. This includes during interactions (in person and via phone/email) with placement providers, patients/clients, as well as Wintec staff members.
Please remember that mobile phones may not be used while on placement, with the exception of meal/break times.
Challenges
We know that life challenges and other circumstances mean that readiness and ability to engage in required clinical/practicum placements may change over time. We can often accommodate and support your needs and provide you with extra learning and development opportunities as long as you proactively inform us of any issues arising that may impact your success. Significant unexpected events may make you eligible for special concessions. Please let us know promptly if something like this arises for you as there is a formal pathway you need to follow to apply for any such concession. Whānau and/or cultural advocates are an option for ākonga when applying for special consideration.
Waikato DHB Medical and Science Award winners: L-R Dr Douglas White (finalist), Midland Trauma Research Centre specialist Grant Christey (winner), Chief Executive Waikato DHB Dr Keven Snee and Ruth Martis (finalist).
