Tarrant County College

Standards for Central Sterile Processing Students

2018–2019
 Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Central Sterile Processing Program Purpose and Philosophy ............................................................. 4
Central Sterile Processing Program Goals and Objectives .................................................................... 5
Central Sterile Processing Competencies Necessary for Graduation ................................................ 6
Central Sterile Processing Code of Ethics .................................................................................................... 7
Physical Requirements ........................................................................................................................................ 8
Immunizations Required .................................................................................................................................... 9
CPR Certification .................................................................................................................................................... 9
Student Provides................................................................................................................................................. 10
Personal Information ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Conduct in Class .................................................................................................................................................. 11
Class Attendance ................................................................................................................................................. 11
Grading Scale ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
Major Exams and Weekly Quizzes ............................................................................................................... 12
Cellular Telephones and Recording Devices ............................................................................................ 12
Guidelines for using Social Media Appropriately................................................................................... 12
Clinical Attendance ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Clinical Attire ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
Clinical Expectations .................................................................................................................................. 15-16
Errors Made During Clinical ........................................................................................................................... 17
Employment during the Program ................................................................................................................ 17
Students with Disabilities ............................................................................................................................... 17
Withdrawal from the Program ...................................................................................................................... 18
Dismissal from the Program .......................................................................................................................... 18
Program Re-Entry .............................................................................................................................................. 18
Code of Conduct Health Sciences .......................................................................................................... 19-20
Action Procedure for Violation of the Code of Conduct ....................................................................... 21
Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement ........................... 22-23
Acknowledgement Statements .................................................................................................................... 24-25
The faculty and staff of the Central Sterile Processing Program and the Allied Health
Department welcome you! It is our desire that you attain the goals that you have
set for yourself; thus, we want to assure you that we are here to help you attain
those goals.
This document is intended as a reference for you to use during your enrollment in
the Central Sterile Processing Program. It contains general information about the
program as well as policies and procedures that are specific to students in this
program; therefore, it should be used as a supplement to the TCC Student
Handbook and College Catalog.

Please read this entire document; you are responsible for the information it contains.
You will be asked to sign the last page of this document indicating that you have
read, understand, and been given an opportunity to ask questions about the
information. Your signature also denotes that you will abide by the policies within
the handbook and the policies of TCC. Note: Occasionally it is necessary to change
policies/procedures during the school year. Students will be notified of any changes
to current policies/procedures.

CENTRAL STERILE PROCESSING PROGRAM

PURPOSE
The purpose of the Central Sterile Processing Program is to train and educate Tarrant County community
college students to function as competent sterile processing technologist. Upon successful completion of
the program, the graduate is eligible to take the certification exam through the Certification Board for
Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

PHILOSPHY
Tarrant County College Central Sterile Processing faculty believes education is a process that optimally
occurs over an expanded period of time as opposed to quick, discrete periods. This type of learning occurs
best when the student is actively rather than passively involved in his or her own learning. Students are
encouraged to be self-directed in their learning process and to establish high standards of professional
and personal excellence. The faculty strives to develop sterile processing technologists who, along with
other members of the sterile processing department, can function as effective health care professionals in
a dynamic and challenging work setting.
Tarrant County College Central Sterile Processing faculty is dedicated to providing the educational
environment necessary for successful completion of this program. We acknowledge individual differences
which may affect learning abilities and seek to provide motivation for each student to learn and adapt to
the constantly changing operating room environment. The Central Sterile Processing faculty accepts an
individual’s ability to learn is based upon particular interpretations of past experiences and personal
potential and motivation which permit learning to occur at different rates and levels. Our commitment is
to ensure the necessary information is provided in a logical sequence and progresses in difficulty from the
simple to the complex. Under the guidance of the Central Sterile Processing faculty, the student must
assume full responsibility for his or her own learning.

CENTRAL STERILE PROCESSING PROGRAM

GOALS

 To prepare the student to conscientiously function as the sterile processing department team
member primarily responsible for the maintenance of instrumentation and equipment.

 To provide the student with the education and clinical experience necessary to acquire the
knowledge and skills levels required to become a qualified sterile processing technologist.

 To create a learning environment which promotes the highest quality education for the student’s
academic and career success.

 To promote clinical competence by exposing the student to a variety of surgical instrumentation

and equipment in appropriate clinical sites.

 To prepare the student to deal effectively with stress and to develop the personal discipline,
stamina, and emotional stability required in the Central Sterile Processing profession.

OBJECTIVES

 The student will demonstrate the integration of critical thinking skills and technical skills into daily
practice as a sterile processing technologist.

 The student will practice personal and professional accountability as a health care provider.

 The student will exercise self-direction in learning activities or required behaviors.

 The student will analyze and utilize effective communication skills with patients, their families,
other health care providers, colleagues, and instructional personnel.

 The student will exhibit at all times an ethical conscious in regards for the care of the patient,
aseptic technique, and collaborative working relationships.
  The student will apply a knowledge base of instrumentation, anatomy, and expected behaviors of
the sterile processing technologist.

CENTRAL STERILE PROCESSING COMPETENCIES NECESSARY FOR

GRADUATION
1. State purpose of basic OR attire.
2. Able to identify circumstances when OR attire must be worn and/or should be changed.
3. Able to understand and use proper PPE.
4. Know purpose of basic hand wash.
5. Know purpose of envelope-style wrap.
6. Know proper usage for envelop-style wrap.
7. Know purpose for square fold wrap and usage.
8. Know purpose and usage on peel pack.
9. Know the usage of container system.
10. Know appropriate internal sterilization indicators.
11. Know appropriate locks for various container systems.
12. Know appropriate filters for various container systems.
13. Know how to properly label various items for processing.
14. Know how to and when to use a flash autoclave.
15. Know the difference between gravity and prevacuum.
16. Knows how use and trouble shoot the autoclave.
17. Know the hazards of different chemicals used in SPD.
18. Know how too properly documents items being processed.

CENTRAL STERILE PROCESSING

CODE OF ETHICS
POSITION STATEMENT

1. To maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and patient care.

2. To hold in confidence, with respect to the others beliefs, all personal matters.

3. To respect and protect the patient's legal and moral rights to quality patient care.

4. To not knowingly cause injury or any injustice to those entrusted to our care.

5. To work with fellow technologists and other professional health groups to promote
harmony and unity for better patient care.

6. To always follow the principles of asepsis.

7. To maintain a high degree of efficiency through continuing education.

8. To maintain and practice Central Sterile Processing willingly, with pride and dignity.

9. To report any unethical conduct or practice to the proper authority.

10. To adhere to the Code of Ethics at all times in relationship to all members of the health
care team.
 Physical Requirements
Students entering the Central Sterile Processing Program must be able to demonstrate the following:

o Stand, bend, stoop, and/or sit for long periods of time in one location with minimum/no
breaks.
o Lift a minimum of 20 pounds.
o Refrain from nourishment or rest room breaks for up to 6 hours.
o Demonstrate the ability to anticipate and function while in stressful situations.
o Hear and understand muffled communication without visualization of the communicator’s
mouth/lips and within 20 feet.
o Hear activation/warning signals on equipment.
o Detect odors sufficient to maintain environmental safety and patient needs.
o Manipulate instruments, supplies, and equipment with speed, dexterity, and good eye-
hand coordination.
o Ambulate/move around without assistive devices.
o Assist with, and/or lift, move, position, and manipulate, with or without assistive devices,
the patient who is unconscious.
o Communicate and understand fluent English both verbally and in writing.
o Be free of reportable communicable diseases and chemical abuse.
o Demonstrate immunity to rubella, rubella, tuberculosis, and hepatitis A/B, or be vaccinated
against these diseases, or be willing to sign a waiver of release of liability with regard to
these diseases.
o Possess short- and long-term memory sufficient to perform tasks such as, but not limited
to, mentally tracking sterile processing supplies and performing anticipation skills.
o Demonstrate the use of positive coping skills under stress.
o Demonstrate calm and effective responses, especially in emergency situations.
o Exhibit positive interpersonal skills in staff and faculty interactions.
o Make appropriate judgment decisions.

Immunization Requirements
The Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council Foundation requires all
students in health related programs to be immunized prior to enrollment in classes where patient contact
is a component.
Required Vaccines
 TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – documentation of one (1) dose within every ten (10)
years
 MMR (Rubella/Measles, Mumps, Rubella/German Measles) – documentation of two (2) doses or
positive titers
 Hepatitis B – one series of three (3) doses required [may take six (6) months to complete]
 Varicella – documentation of vaccination or titer
 Influenza (Flu Shot) – required annually during flu season
CPR CERTIFICATION
Current CPR cards are required by the end of the third week in September. This requirement is essential
to participate in hospital clinically because CPR certification is a JCAHO requirement of all personnel with
patient contact. You will not be allowed to participate in labs without current CPR certification.

It is your responsibility to achieve CPR certification.

Some possible agencies:
 American Heart Association - www.heart.org
 Harris Methodist HEB Hospital, 817-355-7870
 Arlington Memorial Hospital, 817-548-6400
 Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, 214-345-6055
 American Red Cross, 817-336-8710

For purposes of this program, your CPR certification is only acceptable for two years and must not expire
during the course of the program. If so, you will need to show proof you have repeated your certification
process before the expiration date.

STUDENT PROVIDES

1. Personal health insurance (See Clinical Explanation #9)

2. Name tag

3. Lab jacket with patch

4. One pair of shoes

(Walking or tennis) which are all white or black leather (no canvas shoes are allowed) to be worn ONLY IN
CLINICAL AREAS

5. Working pen(s) for clinical

6. Pocket-sized notepad

7. Zippered carry-all bag

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Each student is required to complete an emergency locator card. This card contains pertinent information
which may be needed by the Program Director and/or clinical instructor. Information on this card includes:
name, address, telephone number (home, pager, etc.), e-mail if available, employer and work number,
birth date, emergency medical information, and the name of an emergency contact person.
CONDUCT IN CLASS
You're expected to perform on an adult level. Appropriate action will be taken if there's any evidence of
dishonesty in class work. All forms of academic dishonesty including, but not limited to cheating on a
test, plagiarism, collusion, and falsification of information will result in appropriate disciplinary action
that may involve dismissal from the Central Sterile Processing program.

Cheating includes:
1. Copying from another student’s paper.
2. Using unauthorized materials during an exam.
3. Collaborating with any other person during an exam without permission from the instructor.
4. Obtaining, using, buying or selling (in any manner), transporting, or soliciting in whole or in part the
contents of any test from classmates or any previous classes.

Plagiarism is the appropriation of any other person’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that
work in one’s own work offered for credit or grade.

Collusion is the unauthorized collaboration with any other person in preparing work offered for credit or
grade.

CLASS ATTENDANCE
You're expected to come to class prepared for that day's lesson. Preparedness includes reading the
assignment, bringing your books, and other necessary materials to class. If a class is missed, it's the
student's responsibility to get any notes or assignments from a classmate. If a special assignment is missed,
it's your responsibility to contact the instructor within one week about making up the assignment;
otherwise you will receive a "0" for the work missed.

GRADING SCALE

A= 100% to 89.5% (1000 to 958 points)

B=89.4% to 79.5% (957 to 918)

C=79.4 to 94.9 (917-900 points)

F=below 74.9% (less than 900)

A minimum of “C” is required for all courses starting with the prefix “HPRS.” Each student must attain at
least a “D” in any other class required for this program. Failure to meet these grade requirements will
result in official termination from the Central Sterile Processing program.
MAJOR EXAMS AND WEEKLY QUIZZES
All major exams missed during this program will be made up on the same day as the course final.
Scheduled exams will be listed on the Class Calendar and given to each student. Weekly exams and pop
tests will be given each class as deemed necessary. NONE of the weekly exams or pop tests will have
make-up exams. A grade of “0” will be given. All written work is due on the date assigned. Ten (10)
points for each day the written assignment is late will be deducted from the final score.

CELLULAR TELEPHONES AND RECORDING DEVICES

Cellular telephones must be turned off or put in the “silent” mode within the classroom. No cellular
telephones are allowed in the clinical areas. The instructors of the Central Sterile Processing program
have given their permission for students to record the lectures; however, if you listen carefully and pay
attention, there should be no need to record each lecture.

GUIDELINES FOR USING SOCIAL MEDIA APPROPRIATELY

 Students must recognize that they have an ethical and legal obligation to maintain patient privacy
and confidentiality at all times.
 Students must not transmit, by way of any electronic media, any patient-related information or
image that is reasonably anticipated to violate patient rights to confidentiality or privacy or to
otherwise degrade or embarrass the patient.
 Students must not share, post, or otherwise disseminate any information, including images, about
a patient or information gained in the Student-patient relationship with anyone.
 Students must not identify patients by name or post or publish information that may lead to
identification of a patient. Limiting access to postings through privacy settings is not sufficient to
ensure privacy.
 Students must not refer to patients in a disparaging manner, even if they are not identified.
 Students must not take photos or videos of patients on personal devices, including mobile devices.
 Students must maintain professional boundaries in the use of electronic media.
 Students must be aware of hospital policies regarding the use of social media.
 Students must promptly report any identified breach of confidentiality or privacy.
 Students must be aware of and comply with hospital policies regarding use of hospital-owned
computers, cameras, and other electronic devices and use of personal devices in the workplace.
 Students must not make disparaging remarks about TCC, hospital staff, or other students.

CLINICAL ATTENDANCE
Due to the importance of the laboratory and clinical practice in this program, the Central Sterile Processing
faculty has developed the following attendance policy for HPRS 1470, HPRS 1471, and HPRS 1370 & HPRS
1561.
THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY REGARDLESS OF THE REASON
Individuals will be permitted no absences per each two hour laboratory/clinical course semester. Two
tardies constitute an absence. Any time missed in the laboratory or clinical area will be made up at the
discretion of the clinical instructor. Students with more than two absences may receive the option of
dropping the clinical with a "W" or receiving an "F" for the course.

If you're unable to attend clinical, you must notify your Clinical Instructor prior to the time you're due in
the clinical area.

If you're absent from the clinical area and do not contact your Clinical Instructor, you may be subject to
immediate dismissal from the clinical portion of the program.

Prior to clinical time, you must call your Clinical Instructor. YOU ARE NOT TO CALL THE HOSPITAL! If there
is a time change or other changes applying to the clinical area, you will be notified. Time to call: 5:30 am –
6:00 am
NO TEXTING! You must speak with your instructor or leave a voice message if they do not answer.

Clinical Instructors Cell Phone Numbers

Theresa Steele 817-692-1371

CLINICAL ATTIRE
1. You will wear your program scrubs and clean tennis shoes to the school laboratory. You will wear
your program scrubs and clean tennis shoes and lab coat to clinical sites. No jewelry will be
allowed during lab time. You may NOT wear your clinical shoes to school.

2. Each hospital provides operating room attire. You'll dress in the designated area. Put on fresh,
clean scrub clothes each day. WEARING OR REMOVING SCRUB CLOTHES FROM THE HOSPITAL IS
FORBIDDEN.

3. Shoes and shoe laces must be kept clean. THESE SHOES ARE FOR THE CLINICAL AREA ONLY.

4. All hair and ears must be covered by the caps provided. You may NOT wear more than one cap.
Remove cap any time you leave the clinical area.

5. You must wear socks in the clinical area.

6. Women must wear bras into the clinical area and during clinical.

7. The name pin is to be worn on the left side, above the waist.

8. Hair must be clean and neat appearing. Beards and mustaches must be kept short and neatly
trimmed. Students with beards or long side burns MUST wear surgical hoods.
 9. Nails must be kept short and clean. Nails should be shorter than the finger tips when observing the
palm side. NO FINGERNAIL POLISH, Acrylic Nails ARE ALLOWED.

10. NO JEWELRY IS ALLOWED. Leave your rings, earrings, and watches at home. DO NOT wear
jewelry into the clinical area and then remove it, or put it on when leaving the clinical area. This
leads to loss and theft.

11. NO VISIBLE BODY PIERCING OR TONGUE PIERCING IS ALLOWED. All such jewelry must be
removed prior to coming to clinical.

12. Leave all personal belongings (purses, billfolds, etc.) at home or locked in the trunk of your car.
Leave your driver's license in your car trunk. You may not have a locker to put your things in at the
clinical site.

13. DO NOT BRING YOUR CELL PHONE TO CLINICAL. You are NOT allowed to make personal phone
calls at clinical sites. In case of an emergency, your family should be given the cell number for your
clinical instructor.

14. I want Tattoos covered, if applicable

CLINICAL EXPECTATIONS

1. When reporting to the clinical areas, your appearance must be neat. You must wear your
Central Sterile Processing program scrub suits with clean, white sneakers and your white lab
coat.

2. You will be sent home and receive an unexcused absence, if you report to clinical
inappropriately dressed.

3. Undue conversation, excessive noise, profanity, dirty jokes, gossip, and loitering are
unbecoming conduct, so avoid them. DO NOT discuss your personal problems with
classmates, coworkers, or patients at the clinical sites. All complaints of any nature must be
discussed with the clinical instructor and no one else.

4. DO NOT, under any circumstances, discuss patients, their problems or the surgery you have
seen with your friends outside of the operating room. Don't talk about patients in the
cafeteria or lounge. If you need to discuss a patient or their surgery, go to your Clinical
Instructor.

5. No gum chewing is allowed during clinical.

6. DO NOT seek free medical advice for yourself or your family while in the clinical area.

7. Students are NOT allowed to make or receive phone calls on the hospital telephone (unless
given prior permission from Clinical Instructor).
8. If you change your name, address, or phone number, you must notify the Program Director
immediately.

9. If you're sick or injured during clinical, report to your Clinical Instructor immediately to
complete the required paperwork. If the Clinical Instructor is unavailable, report to the
designated supervisor of that clinical site. For any injury, an Unusual Occurrence Form and
TCC’s Blood borne Pathogen Exposure form must be completed and signed by the Clinical
Instructor, and/or a hospital supervisor and the student. THE HOSPITAL OR TARRANT
COUNTY COLLEGE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR INJURIES OCCURRING DURING CLINICAL
PRACTICE, OR FOR THE EXPENSES INCURRED DURING TREATMENT.

10. When you have an infection, report to your Clinical Instructor for directions.

11. Be polite at all times.

12. When assigned to a sterile processing department, report on duty and off duty (breaks,
conferences, lunch, etc.) to your preceptor. When reporting on duty, introduce yourself to
the preceptor/manager person-give your name, state you're from TCC's Central Sterile
Processing Program, and the reason you're there. Also give the preceptor/manager the
duration of time you will be in their room.

13. After you have received your assignment, then STAY in your assigned area unless otherwise
assigned by your Clinical Instructor. NEVER leave the clinical area without first notifying your
Clinical Instructor.

14. You will be told where food and drinks are permitted in each hospital.

15. SMOKING IS PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES DURING CLINICAL ROTATIONS. You are NOT to bring
ANY tobacco product onto the in clinical site including electronic cigarettes. If you are caught
using tobacco products during a clinical rotation, you will be subject to immediate dismissal
from the Central Sterile Processing program.

16. You may leave the clinical area ONLY when dismissed by your Clinical Instructor. You're NOT
to remain in the clinical area after the time designated by your Clinical Instructor. You may
NOT return to the clinical area for any reason without first notifying your Clinical Instructor.

17. You're NOT to be in the clinical area other than the time and days designated by the Program
Director.

18. DO NOT USE THE EMERGENCY ENTRANCE OF ANY HOSPITAL when reporting to the clinical
area.

19. STUDENTS WILL ADHERE TO STANDARD PRECAUTIONS AND PRACTICE INFECTION CONTROL
AT ALL TIMES.
ERRORS MADE DURING CLINICAL
DO NOT try to conceal any error you may make in the clinical sites. Tell the
circulator/instructor/supervisor immediately when the error occurs. Failure to report an error
could cost a life. If your Clinical Instructor isn't available when the error is made, call the Program
Director at home in that evening-no later than 9:00 pm.

EMPLOYMENT DURING THE PROGRAM

Tarrant County College Central Sterile Processing Program assumes no liability for any student
employed as a sterile processing technologist or in any other role within the hospital during his or
her enrollment in the Central Sterile Processing Program. All student activities associated with the
curriculum, especially while students are completing clinical rotations, will be educational in
nature. Students will not receive any monetary remuneration during this educational
experience, nor will the student be substituted for hired staff personnel within the clinical
institution, in the capacity of a sterile processing technologist.

STUDENTS WITH DISABIILITIES

If you require any special accommodations based upon a disability, you must register with the
Disabilities Support Services (DSS) office. Students are then required to submit a form from the
DSS office to the instructor by the second week of class. You may be required to attend a
consultation meeting with the instructor to make sure you are appropriately accommodated.

INSTRUCTOR CLINICAL CONFERENCE FORMS

Any conference called by a Clinical Instructor or the Program Director to address areas of concern
with student’s appropriate attainment of TCC’s Central Sterile Processing stated program goals
and objectives will be recorded and kept on file within the student’s records.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PROGRAM

It is recognized certain circumstances may arise which require the student to withdraw from the
program and possibly the college. In this event, the following procedures must be followed:

1. Meet with Program Director to determine if any alternate actions may be taken. If no
Alternatives can be found; the coordinator will outline and explain the steps necessary for re-
entry into the program.
2. If a student must withdraw from the program, for whatever cause, a Student Termination
Report must be completed as well as a conference with the Program Director. It is the student's
responsibility to arrange the conference. Failure to complete this interview will result in you
being treated as any other applicant should you want to reapply to the program.

3. Go the Registrar’s and officially drop all classes. Failure to do so will result in you receiving an
“F” in any class not dropped.

DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM

The faculty reserves the right to dismiss any student for just cause. Just cause may apply, but is
not limited, to any of the following:
1. excessive absenteeism
2. repeated tardiness
3. incapability to pass required courses
4. unsatisfactory progress in clinical performance
5. inappropriate personality behaviors
6. moral or ethical misbehavior
7. inability to get along with peers and coworkers
8. not taking courses in required order

PROGRAM RE-ENTRY
A student may re-enter the Central Sterile Processing program ONE time after initial acceptance,
if the proper procedures were followed at the time of withdrawal, and if there is clinical space
available at that time. Students unable to successfully complete the program following the first
readmission will NOT be allowed to re-enter the Central Sterile Processing program.

CODE OF CONDUCT HEALTH SCIENCES

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE TRINITY RIVER EAST CAMPUS
The faculty and staff of Health Science extend a "welcome" to you as you enter your chosen field of study.
It's our sincere desire you attain the goals you have set for yourself. We are here to help you!
This document is intended as a guide for questions you may have concerning attitude, hygiene, and dress.
Read the contents carefully because you're responsible for the information.
The "Action Procedure for Violation of the Code of Conduct" is included to ensure students are treated
with fairness and they know the procedures open to them for due process. Because students in health
science programs deal directly with patients, dentists, doctors, and other professionals, the student is
observed and evaluated as a total person and not merely on the knowledge possessed concerning a
particular field of study. The "patient" must always come first; therefore, requirements may apply to the
student in health science programs that don't apply to students in other disciplines.

ATTITUDES - CLASSROOM AND CLINICAL

The attitudes, feelings, or emotions you have toward yourself, your work, patients, coworkers, and your
profession is reflected in your outward behaviors. Behavior may include facial expressions, actions, body
language, and conversation. It's very important to your professional future you exhibit behavior reflecting
your attitude of openness to learning. Listed below are some the attitudes expected of you with
example(s) of the type of observable behavior desired.

HONESTY AND INTEGRITY

Refusal to lie, steal or deceive in any manner. Abiding by your profession's written Code of Ethics.

PUNCTUALITY
Arrives on time for class, clinics, and rotations. Completes all assignments on time.

COOPERATIVENESS
Follows established departmental protocol and procedures. Demonstrates willingness to work well with
others and is receptive to suggestions for improvement.

PRIDE IN WORKMANSHIP
Strives for improvement in assignments and clinical areas. Requests assistance when having difficulty
attaining specified performance standards.

MATURE ACTIONS
Assumes responsibility and consequences for one's own actions. Accepts personal limitations and strives to
resolve personal conflicts.

CONSIDERATION FOR OTHERS

Demonstrates through verbal and nonverbal communication thoughtful regard for the feelings and rights
of other students, the faculty and staff, and clinical personnel.

CONCERN FOR PATIENTS

Demonstrates through verbal and nonverbal communication the patient comes first. Refrains from spoken
remarks and/or facial expressions that may arouse undue concern, alarm, or embarrassment in the
patient. Respects patient's right to confidentiality of personal information. Refrains from referring
disparagingly about the services of another health care provider.

ENTHUSIASM
Displays initiative in class and in clinical situations. Volunteers to assume acceptable additional
responsibility.

ABILITY TO ACCEPT CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM GRACIOUSLY

Strives to improve personal performance and doesn't become defensive when suggestions for
improvement are given.

LOYALTY
Supports with words and actions the ideals and policies of the school, the program, and the chosen
profession.
PRIDE IN PERSONAL APPEARANCE
Maintains professional appearance and personal hygiene consistent with the program's guidelines.

TACT
Exercises discretion in words and actions in order to maintain good relations with patients, peers, and
faculty.

NOTE:
The faculty reserves the right to terminate any student for failure to display attitudes, reflected
by their behavior, consistent with those listed above.
 ACTION PROCEDURE FOR VIOLATION OF
THE CODE OF CONDUCT

I. The Central Sterile Processing Program Director, if he/she feels it's necessary, may suspend students for
violations of the Code of Conduct pending a meeting with the student's Coordinator and the Department
Chair of the Health Science Department. The meeting should be held within twenty-four (24) hours
(excluding weekends) of the suspension. Whether suspension is necessary or not, the student should be
given a written notice stating the violation and the particular code violated. The notice should also
include a specific time for the student to meet with the student's Coordinator and the Department Chair
of the Health Science Department with the twenty-four (24) hour time period stated previously. If the
Department Chair isn't available, then another person should be in attendance. In order of priority, they
are the Division Chair of the Division of Science and Technology, a Program Director from one of the
other health programs, or an instructor in the same program. The minimum time lapse between issuing
the notice to the student to attend a meeting with the Coordinator shall be two (2) hours.

II. The meeting should be handled openly and honestly with the student's feelings as a central concern. If
disciplinary action is to be taken, it's suggested a defined probationary period be designated for first
time violators to give the student an opportunity to show a reversal of behavior. If the student commits a
second violation, the same procedure as for the first violation should be followed. The Program Director,
if he/she feels the disciplinary action is warranted, can recommend the student be dismissed from the
program.

Regardless of the action taken, the action must be stated in writing, given to the student, and a copy
sent to the Department Chair of the Health Science Department. If the action is a "recommendation for
dismissal from the program," the student should be instructed he/she has the privilege of appealing to a
Health Science Conduct Committee. The Division Chair of Science and Technology will be responsible for
setting a meeting time for the "Health Science Conduct Committee."

III. The "Health Science Conduct Committee" will consider the case and make final recommendation
to the President of the college.

IV. The President will issue the final decision.

V. Students who are dropped from a program for actions in violation of general college disciplinary
regulations may be subject to additional disciplinary proceedings by the Dean of Student Development.

VI. The "Health Science Conduct Committee" will be appointed annually by the Division Chair of Science
and Technology.
 Student Must Be 18 Years Or Older To Sign

RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND

INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
(“Release”)
(Please Read Carefully Before Signing)

I, , a student of Tarrant County College District

(referred to as “TCC”), hereby acknowledge that I freely and voluntarily have registered for
(referred to herein as the "Course"), for the
Semester of 20_ at TCC. The term TCC also includes its trustees, employees, agents
and assigns. I registered for the Course understanding that I would be required to sign this
Release, as the Course is structured to include off-campus activities for which TCC cannot
exercise control or provide the same protections as it does in an on-campus setting (the
“Off-Campus Activities”). I understand that the Off-Campus Activities are included in the
Course structure to enhance my educational experience in ways not available through
study solely on the TCC premises. I further state that I am at least 18 years of age and
competent to sign this Release.

I fully understand and agree that certain elements of the Course, including the Off-Campus
Activities, are physically and emotionally demanding and that by participation in the Off-
Campus Activities in a locale(s) not under the control of TCC, there are risks of accidental
or other physical or emotional injury. These risks may include, but are not limited to, loss
or damage to personal property, injury or death due to (1) travel to and from the Off-
Campus Activities, (2) the condition of facilities where the Off-Campus Activities will occur
which are not under the control and maintenance of TCC, and/or (3) potential criminal
activity in the area of the Off-Campus Activities, among others. I agree to advise the
Course instructor at any point when I question my ability to participate in any activity related
to the Course.

I have fully investigated the nature of the Course and the Off-Campus Activities and I
understand and assume the risks of my participation in them. I further represent that I do
not possess, nor am I aware of, any physical or mental disabilities which will limit my
participation in the Off-Campus Activities, or that I have asked for and received reasonable
accommodation, allowing me to participate in the Course and the Off-Campus Activities.

I EXPRESSLY AGREE AND INTEND THAT MY PARTICIPATION IN THE OFF-CAMPUS

ACTIVITIES SHALL BE UNDERTAKEN BY ME AT MY OWN RISK AND THAT TCC
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INJURIES, DAMAGES, CLAIMS, DEMANDS,
ACTIONS OR CAUSES OF ACTION WHATSOEVER WHICH MAY ARISE OUT OF OR IN
CONNECTION WITH MY PARTICIPATION IN THE OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES,
WHETHER FROM ACTS OF ACTIVE OR PASSIVE NEGLIGENCE ON MY PART, OR
THE PART OF TCC. SHOULD I OR MY SUCCESSOR ASSERT ANY CLAIM IN
CONTRAVENTION OF THIS AGREEMENT, I OR MY SUCCESSORS SHALL BE
LIABLE FOR THE EXPENSES (INCLUDING ATTORNEY’S FEES) INCURRED IN
DEFENDING SUCH CLAIM.

I AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD TCC HARMLESS AND FREE FROM AND
AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LIABILITIES, LOSSES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING ATTORNEY’S FEES), LIENS, DEMANDS, DAMAGES, AND CAUSES OF
ACTION OF EVERY PARTICULAR CHARACTER AND KIND, INCLUDING CLAIMS OF
NEGLIGENCE, WHICH TCC MAY AT ANY TIME SUFFER, INCUR OR SUSTAIN,
WHETHER BY ITS OWN FAULT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF THE OFF-
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES. SUCH OBLIGATION SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
NEGATE, ABATE OR WAIVE ANY OF THE IMMUNITIES PROVIDED TO TCC BY LAW.

THE TERMS OF THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY ARE TO BE GOVERNED BY AND

CONSTRUED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. SHOULD ANY TERM
OR PROVISION OF THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY BE FOUND TO BE
UNENFORCEABLE OR VOID, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, THE TERM OR PROVISION
CONCERNED SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS VALID AND ENFORCEABLE TO THE
MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, AND THE BALANCE OF THIS RELEASE OF
LIABILITY SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT. I AGREE THAT EXCLUSIVE
VENUE FOR ANY DISPUTE ARISING BETWEEN COLLEGE AND ME INVOLVING THIS
RELEASE OF LIABILITY IN ANY WAY SHALL BE IN TARRANT COUNTY, TEXAS.

ACCEPTED AND AGREED:

By: Date:
Signature

Phone:
Printed Name

Address /
___________
___________
__________
City / State /
Zip
Code

SS# or
COLLEAGUE
ID_________
576624.1
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENTS

You have received two acknowledgement statements. Complete both before the first day of classes.
Leave one in the standards book and return the other to the director on the first day of class in the
fall.

Place initials in each line below.

1. ____ I have received and understand the contents of the Central Sterile Processing standards
book and have been given an opportunity to ask questions about the contents.

2. ____ I have reviewed and agree to abide by the guidelines/policies/rules in the standards book,
the TCC catalog, and the TCC Student Handbook.

3.____ I have reviewed the Code of Conduct for Health Sciences and the Action Procedure for
Violation of the Code of Conduct as described in the standards book and agree to abide by the
Code of Conduct while enrolled in the Central Sterile Processing program.

4. ____ I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of facilities to which I am assigned clinically
and off-campus tours/classes.

5. ____ I understand that medical insurance is required throughout my enrollment in the Central
Sterile Processing clinical courses and I agree to present proof of coverage no later than three
weeks prior to the first clinical and upon request thereafter.

6. ____ I understand that: (1) all immunizations and TB titer (with negative finding) must be
completed by the first day of class; (2) the HBV series #1 injection must be completed no later
than the last day of the first semester in the program; (3) the HBV series #2 must be completed
one month later; (4) the HBV series #3 must be completed 4-6 months after that; and (5) that I will
not be able to attend clinical unless the previous items have been completed as scheduled.

7. ____ I understand that the Central Sterile Processing program is rigorous and requires on
campus study times outside of regularly-scheduled classes.

8. ____ I understand that TCC faculty and clinical instructors have a duty to the student, the
college, the profession, the clinicians, and the public to ensure that students are well-prepared for
providing safe, effective, efficient, professional patient care and thus have created policies,
procedures, guidelines and rules to help ensure this level of care.

9. ___ I understand that completion of the program and graduation provides the educational
requirements for certification and that further application, testing, and fees are required by the
National Board of Central Sterile Processing before certification is obtained.
************************************************************************************************************************

_____________________________________/____________________________________/________
Printed Name Signature (must be readable) Date
 Tarrant County College
Central Sterile Processing Standards Book

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENTS

You have received two acknowledgement statements. Complete both before the first day of classes.
Leave one in the standards book and return the other to the director on the first day of class in the
fall.

Place initials in each line below.

1. ____ I have received and understand the contents of the Central Sterile Processing standards
book and have been given an opportunity to ask questions about the contents.

2. ____ I have reviewed and agree to abide by the guidelines/policies/rules in the standards book,
the TCC catalog, and the TCC Student Handbook.

3.____ I have reviewed the Code of Conduct for Health Sciences and the Action Procedure for
Violation of the Code of Conduct as described in the standards book and agree to abide by the
Code of Conduct while enrolled in the Central Sterile Processing program.

4. ____ I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of facilities to which I am assigned clinically
and off-campus tours/classes.

5. ____ I understand that medical insurance is required throughout my enrollment in the Central
Sterile Processing clinical courses and I agree to present proof of coverage no later than three
weeks prior to the first clinical and upon request thereafter.

6. ____ I understand that: (1) all immunizations and TB titer (with negative finding) must be
completed by the first day of class; (2) the HBV series #1 injection must be completed no later
than the last day of the first semester in the program; (3) the HBV series #2 must be
completed one month later; (4) the HBV series #3 must be completed 4-6 months after that; and
(5) that I will not be able to attend clinical unless the previous items have been completed as
scheduled.

7. ____ I understand that the Central Sterile Processing program is rigorous and requires on
campus study times outside of regularly-scheduled classes.

8. ____ I understand that TCC faculty and clinical instructors have a duty to the student, the
college, the profession, the clinicians, and the public to ensure that students are well-prepared for
providing safe, effective, efficient, professional patient care and thus have created policies,
procedures, guidelines and rules to help ensure this level of care.

9. ___ ___ I understand that completion of the program and graduation provides the educational
requirements for certification and that further application, testing, and fees are required by the
National Board of Central Sterile Processing before certification is obtained.
************************************************************************************************************************
*********
************************************************************************************************************************
*********
___________________________________/____________________________________/_______
Printed Name Signature (must be readable) Date