Section 122. Clinical practice of students

A. In accordance with § 54.1-3001 of the Code of Virginia, a nursing student, while enrolled in an approved nursing program, may perform tasks that would constitute the practice of nursing. The student shall be responsible and accountable for the safe performance of those direct client care tasks to which he has been assigned.

B. Faculty shall be responsible for ensuring that students perform only skills or services in direct client care for which they have received instruction and have been found proficient by the instructor. Skills checklists shall be maintained for each student.

C. Faculty members or preceptors providing on-site supervision in the clinical care of clients shall be responsible and accountable for the assignment of clients and tasks based on their assessment and evaluation of the student's clinical knowledge and skills. Supervisors shall also monitor clinical performance and intervene if necessary for the safety and protection of the clients.

D. Clinical preceptors may be used to augment the faculty and enhance the clinical learning experience. Faculty shall be responsible for the designation of a preceptor for each student and shall communicate such assignment with the preceptor. A preceptor may not further delegate the duties of the preceptorship.

E. Preceptors shall provide to the nursing education program evidence of competence to supervise students' clinical experience for quality and safety in each specialty area where they supervise students. The clinical preceptor shall be licensed as a nurse at or above the level for which the student is preparing.

F. Supervision of students.

1. When faculty are supervising direct client care by students, the ratio of students to faculty shall not exceed 10 students to one faculty member. The faculty member shall be on site in the clinical setting solely to supervise students.

2. When preceptors are utilized for specified learning experiences in clinical settings, the faculty member may supervise up to 15 students. In utilizing preceptors to supervise students in the clinical setting, the ratio shall not exceed two students to one preceptor at any given time. During the period in which students are in the clinical setting with a preceptor, the faculty member shall be available for communication and consultation with the preceptor.

G. Prior to beginning any preceptorship, the following shall be required:

1. Written objectives, methodology, and evaluation procedures for a specified period of time to include the dates of each experience;

2. An orientation program for faculty, preceptors, and students;

3. A skills checklist detailing the performance of skills for which the student has had faculty-supervised clinical and didactic preparation; and

4. The overall coordination by faculty who assume ultimate responsibility for implementation, periodic monitoring, and evaluation.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 32, Issue 04, eff. November 18, 2015.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-3005 of the Code of Virginia.