VCOM Institutional Policy and Procedure Manual

VCOM Policy and Procedure

Policy #U031

7.1 Employee Health Insurance VCOM provides a robust health insurance plan for all employees. The plan is provided at an affordable rate for employees and their families and is robust so to encourage faculty and staff to utilize the plan to its fullest. 8. FATIGUE MITIGATION Providing medical care to patients is physically and mentally demanding. Night shifts, even for those who have had enough rest, cause fatigue. VCOM has adopted fatigue mitigation processes and ensures that there are no negative consequences and/or stigma for using fatigue mitigation strategies. 8.1 Signs of Fatigue It is important for physicians and students to have adequate rest before and after clinical responsibilities. Signs of fatigue include: • Involuntarily nodding off

• Waves of sleepiness • Problems focusing • Frequent unexplained headaches • Muscular aches and pains • Blurred/double vision • Loss of appetite • Irritability/intolerance • Reduced short-term memory • Lack of interest and drive • Confusion and fearfulness • Decreased startle response • Anxiety • Social withdrawal

• Degraded motor skills • Tenseness and tremors • Slower reaction time • Labile mood • Poor coordination

• Difficulty with short-term recall • Tardiness or absences from work Fatigued physicians/students typically have difficulty with: • Appreciating a complex situation • Avoiding distraction • Keeping track of the current situation and updating strategies • Thinking laterally and being innovative • Assessing risk and/ or anticipating consequence • Maintaining interest in outcome • Controlling mood and avoiding inappropriate behavior

VCOM Campus Safety and Health Policy

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