Clinical Performance Issues | Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing | Seneca Students

Clinical Performance Concerns and Memo of Concern

Students in the Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing are expected to demonstrate progressive development of clinical knowledge, skills, judgment and professional behaviours throughout their practicum.

Clinical performance is assessed against established course learning outcomes and competencies appropriate to the student's program and level of study. When students experience difficulty meeting these expectations, the Clinical Supervisor will identify the concerns and provide feedback to support improvement.

Identifying Clinical Performance Concerns

Clinical performance concerns may include, but are not limited to:

• Difficulty applying theoretical knowledge to clinical practice or explaining the rationale for patient care.

• Inability to organize, prioritize and provide care within a reasonable time frame.

• Inaccurate or incomplete clinical documentation.

• Failure to report patient assessment findings, changes in condition or relevant clinical information to the Clinical Supervisor or assigned healthcare staff.

• Difficulty recognizing personal limitations or seeking appropriate assistance.

• Ineffective communication with patients, families, healthcare staff or the Clinical Supervisor.

• Failure to demonstrate accountability for actions and clinical responsibilities.

• Difficulty understanding or communicating information necessary for safe patient care.

• Unprofessional behaviour or inappropriate workplace conduct.

• Failure to demonstrate expected improvement in clinical performance.

Clinical Attendance and Absenteeism

Clinical attendance is mandatory and forms an essential part of a student's ability to demonstrate consistent clinical competency and meet course learning outcomes.

Absenteeism, missed clinical days and repeated lateness are considered clinical performance concerns and may result in the issuance of a Memo of Concern.

In accordance with the School of Nursing Student Handbook:

• One Missed Clinical Day: A student who misses one clinical day will receive a Memo of Concern and must develop a Collaborative Success Plan with their Clinical Supervisor.

• Two Missed Clinical Days: A student who is absent for two clinical days will be at risk of receiving an Unsatisfactory (UNSAT) grade, as the absences may prevent the student from meeting the conditions of the Collaborative Success Plan and demonstrating consistent clinical competency.

Students are responsible for maintaining regular attendance and following the established procedures for reporting absences or late arrivals.

For detailed notification requirements, refer to the Clinical Practicum Attendance and Absences section of this website.

Memo of Concern

A Memo of Concern may be issued when a student's clinical performance, attendance or professional behaviour places them at risk of receiving an Unsatisfactory (UNSAT) grade in their clinical practicum course.

The Memo of Concern formally identifies areas requiring improvement and communicates the concerns affecting the student's ability to meet clinical learning outcomes.

A Memo of Concern serves as an opportunity for the student to recognize performance concerns, understand expectations and work toward satisfactory clinical performance.

Collaborative Success Plan

When a Memo of Concern is issued, the student is required to develop a Collaborative Success Plan with the assistance of their Clinical Supervisor and Program Coordinator.

The plan is intended to address identified concerns and support the student in achieving satisfactory clinical performance.

Students are expected to participate actively in developing and implementing the plan, demonstrate accountability for their learning and apply feedback to improve their clinical practice.

Ongoing Clinical Performance and Evaluation

Clinical performance is evaluated throughout the practicum. Students must demonstrate consistent progress, professional accountability and satisfactory achievement of all required clinical learning outcomes.

A Memo of Concern does not automatically result in an Unsatisfactory grade. However, failure to demonstrate satisfactory clinical performance or meet the conditions of the Collaborative Success Plan may result in an Unsatisfactory (UNSAT) grade and affect program progression.

Unsafe or Unprofessional Clinical Practice

Performance concerns that present an actual or potential threat to patient safety or the well-being of others may require immediate removal from the clinical setting and formal review under the School of Nursing's Unsafe/Unprofessional Clinical Practice procedures.

A Memo of Concern or Collaborative Success Plan is not required before immediate removal when unsafe or unprofessional practice presents a safety risk.

Failure to Complete Mandatory Clinical Agency Onboarding

All students are required to complete the mandatory onboarding, orientation and training requirements established by their assigned clinical placement agency. These requirements are essential for ensuring students are prepared to participate safely in clinical practice and comply with agency policies.

Students are responsible for monitoring their Seneca email and HSPnet for onboarding instructions and completing all required activities when initiated by their clinical agency.

All outstanding agency onboarding requirements must be completed by the end of Week 1 of clinical practicum.

Failure to complete mandatory onboarding requirements is considered a serious concern regarding clinical preparedness and professional accountability. Students may receive a Memo of Concern for failing to follow agency instructions, complete required training or meet established onboarding deadlines.

Students who have not completed all mandatory agency onboarding requirements by the end of Week 1 will be removed from clinical practicum and any associated co-requisite courses.

Students must also use their Seneca email address when attending mandatory virtual onboarding or orientation sessions. Attendance under a personal or alternate email address may not be recorded and will be considered incomplete.

For further information, students should refer to the Student Responsibilities, Consent and Clinical Agency Onboarding section of the intranet.