# FAQs Regarding NYSNA strike

## **General FAQs**

**Will my education stop during a nursing strike?**&#x20;

No, the medical school has contingency plans to preserve meaningful education.&#x20;

**Will I be asked to replace nursing staff?**&#x20;

No, medical students will not be asked to substitute for striking nurses.&#x20;

**Will this affect my grades or graduation?**&#x20;

Students will not be penalized for disruptions outside their control.&#x20;

**How will I get updates?**&#x20;

Updates will be sent through MSHS Broadcast Communications, so be sure to read these. In addition, ISMMS may forward certain critical messages to you from the Education Emergency Management email address (<educationalerts@mssm.edu>) so be sure to check those emails. If you have added your cell phone information to the MSHS emergency messaging system, you will receive texts from the MSHS system.&#x20;

**Why don’t I receive messages from the MSHS emergency messaging system (Alert Media)?**&#x20;

To receive emergency text messages from the MSHS, you must UPDATE your contact information in Sinai Cloud and opt-in to messaging:&#x20;

Use these [INSTRUCTIONS](https://advocate.socialchorus.com/mountsinai/mountsinai/welcome?skip_mobile_redirect=true#contents/41452811) to update your contact information&#x20;

Alert Media Texts will come from this number: 970-299-9188, so add to your phone contacts&#x20;

**What if I have concerns or questions not addressed here?**&#x20;

You should contact <curricular.affairs@mssm.edu> or your course/module/clerkship/acting internship director immediately. Clerkship and Acting Internship Director contact information is listed on the Medinfo App. You can also contact your student reps and your Career and Professional Development Advisors.&#x20;

## **Clinical Students FAQ**&#x20;

**Will my clerkship or acting internship still run during the strike?**&#x20;

Yes. Clerkships and acting internships will continue, but clinical operations may change temporarily, sometimes with little advance notice.&#x20;

**Will my elective still run during the strike?**&#x20;

Yes. Electives will continue. If a strike occurs, some services (surgical and anesthesia electives in particular) may experience reduced clinical volume due to the cancellation of elective surgeries, while other services are expected to continue largely as usual. All students should continue to report to their assigned clinical teams and participate in clinical activities to the extent that they continue. Please communicate directly with your assigned team for service-specific guidance, and feel free to reach out to the director of your specific elective with any questions or concerns. If concerns persist or you are unable to reach a resolution, you may also escalate to <ismmselectives@mssm.edu> for further assistance.&#x20;

**What kinds of changes should I expect on my clerkship?**&#x20;

You may see:&#x20;

* Changes in clinical schedules or team structure&#x20;
* Fluctuations in patient volume&#x20;
* Greater prioritization of emergency, inpatient, and high-acuity care&#x20;
* Reductions or rescheduling of elective clinics or procedures&#x20;

**Are learning objectives or grading standards changing?**&#x20;

No. Learning objectives, assessment standards, and professionalism expectations remain unchanged for all clerkships and acting internships.&#x20;

**Should I still report to my clinical site as scheduled?**&#x20;

Yes. Report as scheduled unless you are explicitly directed otherwise by your clinical team or clerkship/acting internship leadership.&#x20;

**What if my team dismisses me early or sends me home?**&#x20;

You must notify your Clerkship or Acting Internship Director (or designee) when this happens.&#x20;

**Can I leave early or reassign myself if things are slow?**&#x20;

No. Do not leave a clinical site or self-reassign without communication and approval from clerkship or acting internship leadership.&#x20;

**What if there is very limited clinical activity?**&#x20;

Remain available and await guidance from your clerkship or acting internship leadership.&#x20;

You may only participate in alternative learning activities if your Clerkship or Acting Internship Director explicitly approves them.&#x20;

**Am I expected to help cover for nursing shortages?**&#x20;

No. Medical students are learners, not workforce substitutes.&#x20;

You should not be asked to replace the duties, roles, or responsibilities of striking nurses.&#x20;

**Can I still participate in patient care activities?**&#x20;

Yes—when clearly educational and appropriately supervised.&#x20;

This may include activities such as obtaining vital signs or assisting with basic assessments, when these are part of your education and not intended to substitute for nursing coverage.&#x20;

**What if I’m unsure whether a task is educational or inappropriate?**&#x20;

If you are unsure whether a task is educational or meant to replace nursing responsibilities:&#x20;

Discuss the task with your supervising resident or attending.&#x20;

Notify your Clerkship, Acting Internship, or Electives Director if concerns remain.&#x20;

**Do expectations for professionalism change during the strike?**&#x20;

No. Expectations for professionalism, communication, patient safety, and respect for patients, staff, and institutional processes do not change.&#x20;

**Do expectations for clinical supervision of medical students change during the strike?**&#x20;

No. Medical students participating in patient care must be supervised at all times, and the Supervision Policy in the ISMMS Medical Student Handbook remains in full effect.&#x20;

**Who should I contact if expectations are unclear or I have concerns in the clinical arena?**&#x20;

Escalate concerns in the following order:&#x20;

1. Senior resident or attending&#x20;
2. Clinical Site Director&#x20;
3. Clerkship or Acting Internship Director&#x20;
