Student Guide to Hospitalization Referrals and Extended Absenes
Saint Peter’s University mission of Cura Personalis, “care for the whole person”, extends to every student’s health and well-being. There may be times during your college years when a condition or incident requires a student to seek treatment from a hospital emergency department. Navigating school and medical treatment simultaneously can be challenging and sometimes confusing. This guide provides information on Saint Peter’s processes around emergency room visits and inpatient admissions. The purpose is to relieve some concerns by helping students prepare for the unexpected.
Mental Health Concerns
Mental health issues are not uncommon in college students, and many times students can benefit from an evaluation of symptoms and subsequent treatment. Although it may be a distressing time, remember you are not alone in managing your mental health! We know you will have concerns about classes, but by making your mental health a priority you will get back to focusing on academic goals quicker.
Why Was I Referred?
Saint Peter’s University is committed to the success, safety, and well-being of our students. If a clinician in our Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) believes that your symptoms are severe and your safety or the safety of others is at risk, a recommendation to be evaluated at the hospital could be made. CAPS does not have a psychiatrist on staff, and cannot provide psychiatric evaluations and care. Depending on the evaluation you could be discharged the same day with recommendations for ongoing care, or recommended for admission for inpatient care.
What Can I Expect at the Hospital?
Going to the hospital can be scary for anyone especially when you are not feeling well. You’re in an unfamiliar place with some uncertainties about what comes next. Also, there will be other patients with varying degrees of symptoms, some not as bad as yours and some likely more severe. Try to remember that everyone is there to get help and feel better, including yourself!
You might have to wait depending on the number of people coming into the hospital, but the nurses will assist you. Try to remain patient and calm while you wait, which will not only help you manage your own symptoms, but also allow you to better advocate for yourself when the hospital staff are with you.
What If I Am Admitted To The Hospital?
While in the hospital, the top priority is your mental health and wellness. You will meet with a social worker usually for one-on-one sessions, and educational groups to help you better understand your symptoms and how to help yourself. You will see a psychiatrist, who is a medical doctor that specializes in mental health conditions. The more open and honest you are about your symptoms, how you are feeling, and history of mental health conditions in yourself and your family will go a long way in identifying the best treatment to help you faster.
Involve yourself in the programming, therapist and doctor sessions, and support opportunities offered as much as you can. You can learn so much about yourself and how to manage your symptoms to reduce future hospitalizations.
It can be challenging to navigate life after discharge, returning home and going to school. Additional treatment support can help you be more successful. So talk to the hospital social worker about setting you up for care following your hospital stay. Planning ahead will ease your transition from the hospital.
As you are able, it can be helpful to communicate with CAPS staff, Dean of Students, and/or faculty when possible. Upon your request, the Dean of Students can communicate discreetly your absences to professors.
What do I need to do to return to campus?
Do not rush your hospital stay in order to get back to classes. You’ll be more creative and productive in your classes once you are truly ready to return! You will be asked to sign a Release of Information that allows your hospital staff to contact the college to coordinate discharge and return to campus. Please give them the following contact information:
Colleen Szefinski LPC LCADC
Director Counseling
Phone: (201) 761-6420
Fax: (201) 761-6421
cszefinski@saintpeters.edu
Travis Whisler
AVP and Dean of Students
Phone: 761-7128
twhisler@saintpeters.edu
Confidentiality: If you are over 18, it is your right to decline permission to communicate with Saint Peter’s personnel. Please note that doing this will limit our ability to support your successful return to campus.
RE-ENTRY MEETING: Once you are discharged from the hospital, a re-entry meeting with Travis Whisler AVP/Dean of Students is required within one business day of your return. The purpose is to help get you settled and make sure that any necessary resources and supports are in place. If hospital staff have not already scheduled this meeting on your behalf, please contact Travis as soon as possible to schedule a meeting.
CAPS FOLLOW-UP: If you met with a CAPS clinician prior to going to the hospital you will be asked to meet with that clinician upon your return to school. The purpose is to assist with the hospital’s recommendations of ongoing care, and offer support during your transition back to school. You will be asked to sign a Release of Information at the hospital for your discharge summary and hospital recommendations.
Physical Health Hospitalization
We all get sick from time to time and sometimes it is more serious than others. If you require hospitalization or extended absence due to physical health reasons, it is important that you communicate with faculty and relevant staff as soon as possible. If you require specific classroom/housing accommodations related to acute or chronic illnesses or injuries, contact accommodations@saintpeters.edu. For continued guidance related to medical concerns, please contact:
Anna Stacey RN, Director of Health Services
Phone: (201) 761-7445
Fax: (201) 761-7447
astacey@saintpeters.edu
Academic Considerations
When a student is absent from school for an extended period of time, there are academic considerations that can be complex and challenging to navigate. Staff working in CASE can assist you by reviewing your options and creating a plan that works best for you. You can contact CASE at CASE@saintpeters.edu.
Talking To Professors about Absences
Even if you elected to have the Dean of Students notify your professors of your upcoming absence(s), it is important to speak personally with your professors upon your return. Students who miss classes due to hospitalizations, or other extenuating circumstances, will need to communicate to their professors the reason for their absence, as well as any challenges that may impact their ability to attend classes, focus on class work, and/or meet academic deadlines.
While it is at the faculty members’ discretion whether to allow make-up work or excused absences, the tips below can help you approach the process with confidence.
Before/In addition to contacting support staff on campus, students should:
- Email their professors to inform them of their situation.
- Students can use discrete language such as: “medical reasons”, “unexpected, non-academic related concern”, “personal situation”, “ongoing health needs”, “family situation/emergency”, etc.
- Request an appointment to follow-up about missed coursework.
- Create an action plan for completing necessary work with their professor.
- Continue to follow-up with professors should there be any additional missed classes or to review the action plan.
Additional Academic and Support Needs
Following an extended absence, students often need additional support to make decisions about their overall academic programming and experience. For some, withdrawing from a class, for the semester, or from housing provides might be the best option for focusing on their well-being. Others choose to return to classes with varying levels of support from campus resources. The following list includes staff that can help you explore options, answer questions, and provide guidance on a range of topics. Remember – you are in the driver’s seat! Think about what information, resources, and strategies you need, and don’t hesitate to ask for help!
CAMPUS RESOURCES
AVP/DoS deanofstudents@saintpeters.edu
Counseling & Psychological Services caps@saintpeters.edu
Health Services healthservices@saintpeters.edu
Residence Life reslife@saintpeters.edu
Registrar registrar@saintpeters.edu
Disability Services accommodations@saintpeters.edu
CASE@saintpeters.edu
*Important note on financial considerations: If you have insurance make sure to notify hospital staff. If you do not have insurance, inquire about NJ Hospital Care Assistance Program or other programs available. NJ Hospital Care Assistance Program applications are available at all NJ acute care hospitals.
On behalf of Saint Peter’s, we look forward to your return when it is safe and healthy to do so.
Office of Student Life & Development
Counseling & Psychological Services