Title: Safety in the Clinical Setting
Course: COVID CURRICULUM (Export) > Section: Module 2: Professional & Safety Obligations

While there will be variation across organizations, most clinical settings will require physical distancing.

Wherever possible, you should keep at least 2 meters (6 feet) away from others, including your colleagues and classmates. This may feel strange, as these are the people that you are used to working with, however, it will help to promote your safety and the safety of your patients.

The risk of transmitting COVID-19 is not isolated to patient care areas.

- You should continue to physical distance in areas such as:
  - Nursing stations/staff areas
  - Medication rooms/preparation areas
  - Staff break areas
  - Locker/change rooms
  - Libraries

Image source: Fathromi Ramdlon from Pixabay

Remember to be vigilant and maintain situational awareness, especially in spaces where staff gather such as lunchrooms. It’s easy to let down your guard when taking a break.

  - Keep your mask on unless you are alone, eating or going outside.
  - Be mindful when removing your mask, if you are reusing it, ensure that you do not contaminate yourself or the inside of the mask.
  - Handle the mask using the ties or ear loops only, avoid touching the outside of the mask.
  - Avoid touching your face.
  - Remember to perform frequent hand hygiene and wipe down surfaces such as tabletops after use.

- Please note that your Program will provide you with direction regarding interactions with COVID-19 positive or presumed positive patients (or patients under investigation/PUI) and you must abide by the Program’s instructions.
- Remember, if you feel unsafe at any point during your placement, you should advise your preceptor, supervisor or clinical instructor AND you should contact your placement coordinator immediately for guidance.

Image source: United Nations COVID Response