Nursing student -roles and responsibilities

Nursing student roles and responsibilities
Nursing Students are identified as learners by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)

The CNO states that the learner:
Respects the safety and well-being of the clients in the learning experience
Recognizes her/his knowledge, skills and abilities, limits of responsibilities, legislative authority and supervision requirements
Contributes to the development of objectives for the experience
Understands and clarifies her/his role in the provision of care with the educator/preceptor
Uses clear, accurate and effective communication skills in professional interactions
Identifies the need for, and acts to obtain appropriate supervision
Is aware of her/his responsibility to notify the educator if they are not achieving objectives due to setting and/or preceptor relationship
Is accountable for the quality of care she/he provides within the established objectives
Becomes familiar with and follows the agency’s policies, procedures and principles


Students are permitted to:
Perform controlled acts authorized to nursing if they meet all three criteria:

Have been taught by their faculty, preceptor or Nurse Educator
Have the knowledge, skill and judgment to perform them as determined by their preceptor or faculty member
Are supervised by a member of the nursing staff at Sick Kids or their faculty member

Students are NOT permitted to:
Perform delegated medical acts.
Act as a witness under any circumstances or for any purpose.
Provide second signature/check for controlled drugs, blood products, breast milk, and medications listed as requiring independent double checking, double signing and documentation
Provide telephone advice for discharged families
Perform controlled acts without close supervision by an RN
Take verbal or telephone orders
Carry narcotic keys
Be left in sole charge of the unit or any patient
Transport patients alone when the presence of an RN is required.