CNA Handbook: Academic and Clinical Performance Counseling

Counseling Conference Policy

• A counseling conference provides an opportunity for the instructor and student to raise and discuss issues of concern.
• A counseling conference can be initiated or requested by a student, faculty member or CNA Coordinator.
• A third person/neutral party may be asked to participate in the counseling conference. Attendance of a third party is to be accepted by all participating.
• Students may be counseled regarding academic and/or clinical performance. Violations of any program standard or policy as stated in course syllabi or the program handbook are also reasons for which counseling is initiated.

Academic Counseling Conference Procedure

• If a student’s academic performance indicates potential for not completing the course, a conference may be held at the request of the student or instructor.
• The instructor will provide the student with grades in writing. Recommendations for corrective action to assist the student in improving performance can be made at this time.
• The instructor will put a copy of the conference documentation in the student’s file.

Clinical Performance Conference Procedure

• Instructors have the right and responsibility to ensure safe and satisfactory behaviors in the clinical setting. The instructor may impose any restriction upon the student deemed necessary in relation to the occurrence. This includes removal from the clinical setting immediately.
• The instructor will then document behaviors/occurrence objectively. All specific data, including date, time, and place of occurrence is to be included.
• When student clinical behaviors do not meet satisfactory standards, the instructor will initially inform the student verbally (verbal warning) and if necessary a written warning will follow.
  • The verbal discussion should occur as close to the time of the occurrence as possible.
  • The instructor will discuss with the student acceptable behavior/performance and establish a plan for remediation.
  • Written warning will generally follow a verbal warning as necessary for unsatisfactory clinical behavior. An action plan will be provided.
• A counseling conference may be held. The student has the opportunity to respond to the instructor’s warning and recommendation on the Official Reprimand form or Written Summary of verbal warning.
• The student and instructor’s signatures are required on the Official Reprimand form. The student’s signature does not necessarily indicate agreement. The signature represents that the student has been apprised of the occurrence in writing and has read the information.
• Should a student refuse to sign the form, a note will be made on the form.
• An area for student comments is provided on the form.