Clinical Information

There are written statements of agreement between the college and the clinical agencies. Students are mandated to meet all the requirements of these agreements. It is understood and agreed that the agency may withdraw the students from any specific area which is not conducive to optimum learning experiences and may withdraw any student from any area when the student’s actions, attitudes, or conduct may, in the agency’s judgment, have a detrimental effect on the patients or personnel. Students are expected to abide by all policies of the affiliating institution which may include random drug screen and criminal background checks.  If a clinical agency denies a student access to clinical experiences at their location the Nursing Program must adhere to the agencies request.  This may mean the identified student may not be able to complete the program requirements and would therefore be withdrawn or dropped from the program.

Additional clinical information includes: 

1. Familiarity with equipment and procedures is necessary before arriving at the clinical facility. It is expected that the student will review and practice skills in the nursing lab prior to their clinical experience.
2. Patient care is only allowed with an instructor/facility representative present.  
3. All medications must be researched prior to administration. Ability to calculate the dosage and administer medications through all appropriate routes is mandatory.
4. Report pertinent changes in patient’s health status immediately to instructor and RN assigned to the patient that day.
5. Students may not accept gifts or social invitations from patients. Nursing students must be mindful of their conduct when in the clinical facility. Conduct should be professional at all times.
6. Students are expected to:
   • Refrain from engaging in client care when the student’s physical or emotional condition is a threat to client and/or others carrying out nursing interventions in a safe manner.
   • Engage in nursing practice in accordance with the student’s level of preparation, legal limitations, and agency policy.
   • Communicate with faculty and health team members honestly and accurately, including reporting errors of omission or commission to appropriate persons.
   • Seek appropriate supervision and/or consultation in planning and providing nursing care.
7. Students will limit their lunch or dinner breaks in accordance with agency policy for nursing staff. The meal break should be taken with consideration of the patient’s condition, planned treatments or medications, and the overall staffing needs of the nursing unit. Other breaks, such as coffee breaks, are permitted if the agency policies permit, and should be limited. Students are required to inform the nursing instructor and staff when they leave the unit for meals, breaks, or conferences.
8. All IV starts will be observed by an RN.
9. Students cannot transcribe doctor’s orders independently.
10. Preceptor/instructor, staff nurse must observe all calculations, preparations and administration of IV push medications and mix solutions. They must observe all subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intradermal medication administration and all controlled substances administration (EXCEPTION: flushing peripheral PRN IV devices).

Injury occurring in the clinical area

When a student has been injured in a clinical area immediate notification of the clinical supervisor is expected. The student needs to seek emergency treatment at the nearest emergency department.  Human Resources at NJC must be notified of occurrence for Workman’s Compensation procedures and will be followed by the Occumed department at Sterling Regional Medical Center.