Students are legally accountable for their own behavior. They will be held responsible to recognize their limitations. Students are permitted to perform any nursing function that an RN can perform with the following exceptions:

• Cannot witness any consent form. They can observe and learn the process involved in obtaining proper consents.

• Cannot validate blood consent. They can retrieve blood from the laboratory and assist with the verification of blood products (with an RN). Students are allowed to sign the blood verification form.

• Cannot initiate any intravenous line nor administer any IV medications without supervision and validation of correct medication, dose, time, route, person by a RN or instructor.

• Cannot defibrillate or cardiovert a patient. They can assist with CPR and other needed “ABC” functions necessary during these procedures under RN supervision.

• Are not to document data or sign records of any patient who has been a victim of an altercation or any other criminal act that could be a high legal risk. The student may observe and learn the process of taking risk reduction measures.

• Should not directly care for patients (nor interact with the significant others of the patient) who are considered to be high risk for legal problems (i.e. “Red Flag” patients).

• Cannot transport patients into or out of the clinical area alone.

• Cannot be supervised by an LPN or any procedure that is outside of the LPN’s scope of practice.

• Cannot be sole care takers of a group of patients without RN preceptor supervision.

• Cannot take telephone or verbal orders from physicians or residents. Must have all orders written and transcribed appropriately before initiation by student nurse.

• Cannot administer medications without the Medication Administation Record at the bedside for a triple check procedure as taught.

• Specific to the Emergency Department experience: Cannot be responsible for completion of the Emergency Department Record at time of discharge or admission of a patient (i.e., final nurse signature).

The RN preceptor, has the final say in an emergency situation as to the function of the student. Generally the student will assume the role of an observer or may assist with CPR, documentation (Code Blue Record), and/or obtaining supplies as needed.

If any problems arise at any time while working with a student (attitude, behavior, performance, attendance, etc.), please inform the instructor(s) ASAP so that a solution can be worked out quickly and smoothly. The communication will assist the instructor in evaluation of the student’s performance strengths and weaknesses.