FAQs - COPE Health Scholars

Health Scholar FAQs

Should Scholars wear masks during their shifts?

At this time, Scholars do not need to wear masks, as this is not a recommendation for safety. Until further notice, Scholars should not be entering any isolation rooms.

 

If I am feeling ill or have developed symptoms, such as a cough, fever, or shortness of breath, should I continue shifting?

No, Scholars who are experiencing any symptoms or feel ill should not be shifting and should report to their Program Manager for next steps.

 

Where can I submit a Leave of Absence (LOA) request form?

LOA forms can be found on CORE ELMS on the left hand side of the main page under “Electronic Forms.”

 

Before I go on my Leave of Absence (LOA), what steps do I need to take?

Please mail your badge to your sites’ Health Scholar office.

 

If my Health Scholar site was temporarily closed, do I need to submit a Leave of Absence (LOA) form?

No, you do not need to complete an LOA form if your site temporarily paused shifting.

 

Should I continue shifting if I live with family members or friends that are in the risk population for COVID-19 (i.e. immunocompromised, older adults, individuals with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease)?

No, if you live with a family member of friend that are in the risk population, we highly suggest for their safety that you do not continue shifting.

 

Will Scholars be notified if there is a positive case of COVID-19 at our hospital site?

No, Health Scholars will not be notified if there is a positive case of COVID-19 at their hospital site, as it is not appropriate to share that patient information. However, Scholars will be notified if there is potential exposure during their shifts or if they are not allowed in a room or unit of health care setting.

 

In regards to shifting and LOAs, what does “no penalty” mean?

As the COPE Health Scholars programs navigate through policy and procedure updates, if Scholars need to take an LOA or programs are being temporarily suspended, there will be no penalty to Health Scholar status and LOAs will be granted upon request. We want to make sure that those that do not feel comfortable for any reason to shift or cannot shift there is no penalty.

 

How is COVID-19 transmitted from person to person?

According to cdc.gov, the virus is thought to spread from person – to – person within about 6 feet apart through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes or via touching infected surfaces. COPE Health Solutions recommends frequently visiting the websites of Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and any local government websites to obtain the most up-todate information on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

 

As of 3/13/2020, it is out of the Health Scholar scope of practice to go into all isolation rooms. What should a Health Scholar do if they enter one?

If a Health Scholar enters an isolation room, they must report it to the charge nurse immediately and report it to the Program Manager by calling (888) 248-2914.

 

If my Health Scholar site has temporarily closed, can I transfer to a site that is still open?

At this time, we are not able to accommodate immediate transfers to another site. There may be opportunities to support healthcare sites remotely. Please email your Program Manager if interested and we can contact you about this further.

 

Where can I find the most up-to-date information on COVID-19?

COPE Health Solutions recommends frequently visiting the following websites for COVID-19 updates:

  • Center for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/
  • World Health Organization (WHO) https://www.who.int/
  • State Public Health Websites
  • Local government websites

 

Where can I find COPE Health Scholar’s Programs updates on policies and procedures during the COVID-19 changes?

Updates are posted on CORE ELMS, COPE Connect, and copehealthscholars.org.

 

Why are only select Health Scholar sites being closed?

COPE Health Solutions is working with Leadership at each hospital site to ensure the safety of their patients, staff, and scholars. We are responding to each sites’ respective needs per the guidelines by which they abide by.

I am having trouble submitting my application through the web portal, what do I do?

Please contact admissions@copehealthscholars.org and an admissions counselor from our team will reach out to you shortly.

 

I was not accepted. Can I reapply?

Yes, you may re-apply. In your new application, highlight new insights or learning you have had since your last application. Please don’t re-submit the exact same application.

 

What can I do to increase my chances of admission?

Take the application and interview process seriously. Spend time on your essays to demonstrate why you want to be in the program. Prepare for your interview and dress professionally. The career center at your college or university is a good resource for preparing for applications and interviews.

 

When do I need to show proof of immunizations and CPR certification?

Proof of immunization and CPR certifications are due during your clearance appointment which is scheduled before the first day of training. You do not need to complete these items before submitting your application.

Can I transfer from one site to another site?

Yes, you can transfer from one site to another site, depending on space availability at the new site. There is a $125 transfer fee.

 

How often will I rotate into a new clinical or administrative department? Do I choose the department?

Scholars rotate into new departments every three months after they complete a minimum of 48 hours in the current department. Scholars will fill out a department preference survey each rotation and are placed in new departments as space becomes available.

 

Why do some sites have more clinical areas than other sites? Why do some sites have only one or two clinical areas?

The number of clinical areas varies based on a few factors: the length of time the site has been open, the size of the site and the needs of the site. For new sites opened within the last two years, one to two clinical areas are typically opened every three months. For smaller sites, for example an acute care site with a relatively low number of beds, fewer areas are available because the site will have fewer clinical areas overall. The needs of the site also play a role – some sites will need more students in certain clinical areas and thus may have fewer open clinical areas.

Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?

We can sometimes assist in limited cases of extreme financial need. Please inquire at admissions@copehealthscholars.org.

 

Do you accept scholarships from outside organizations?

Yes, we do accept scholarships from outside organizations. If you have a scholarship from an outside organization, contact us at admissions@copehealthscholars.org for instructions on how to remit payment for the scholarship.

Still haven’t found the answer to your question?

If so, please contact admissions@copehealthscholars.org or call 213-542-2250.
A member of our team will contact you within 48 hours.

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