Student Nurse Guidelines

Recommended Guidelines for Student Nurses Using Local Public Health Agney for Clinical Experience

Responsibilities of the Local Public Health Agencies
1. Determine if the request to provide student experience is reasonable and appropriate. The educational objectives, focus of the nursing program, type of experience, and resources of the LPHA should be considered when making the decision.

Educational Objectives and Purpose
An appropriate learning experience should meet the objectives and purpose of the program and occur at an appropriate place in the curriculum. The LPHA and the faculty of the nursing program should work together to determine the most appropriate type of experience for the level of students and curriculum objectives. For instance, if the objective is to acquaint the student with the functions of the LPHA, an hour presentation and tour of the agency may be a better choice than an observational experience.

Type of nursing program
There are various types of nursing education programs. Each type of program has specific focus for the preparation of students.

Type of experience requested
There are several types of experiences the LPHA may provide for a nursing education program:

Resources Available
Resources such as willingness of LPHA staff to work with students, skills and competencies of staff, services being provided in the LPHA, and ability of health department to participate in education while continuing to provide quality services to community should be considered.

2. Provide orientation about polices and programs of the LPHA to the nursing program faculty.

3. Provide competent and qualified supervisory and professional nursing personnel to assist with agreed upon guidance, supervision and evaluation of students.

4. Have written policies and procedures in place. Students are required to follow the policies of the LPHA.

5. Assure students have been informed about HIPAA confidentiality requirements and have signed confidentiality statements.

6. Collaborate with the faculty member in selection of specific educational experiences.

7. Provide agreed upon physical space for the faculty member and students to have conferences and workspace.

Responsibilities of the Nursing Program

  1. Provide the LPHA with information about the nursing program and educational objectives of the student experience.
  2. Provide adequate supervision, guidance and evaluation of students by faculty member who is oriented to the LPHA, and collaborate with LPHA staff to select experiences for students.
  3. Meet with LPHA staff before, during, and following the educational experience to evaluate the learning experience and plan for the future. Agreement should be reached regarding the number of students and assigned schedule.
  4. Provide documentation that the students and faculty have professional liability insurance coverage.
  5. Advise the LPHA as to the plan for student’s emergency medical care while assigned to the LPHA.

Memorandums of Agreement Between LPHA and Nursing Programs
The purpose of a memorandum of agreement with a nursing program is to define lines of authority and the professional responsibilities of the involved parties. The agreement is written and signed and should be reviewed annually. The agreement should include:

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