Question

The nursing instructor is explaining the student​'s practice in the clinical setting. Which statement is most appropriate for the nurse educator to include in the​ discussion?

>"Because nursing students practice on the nursing instructor​'s ​license, instructors are liable for students​' actions in the clinical setting."
>"Nursing students are held accountable for meeting a different standard of care than licensed nurses."
>"It is sometimes acceptable to ask a staff nurse to complete a task on behalf of the nursing student."
>"If the nursing student is practicing safely and​ competently, the instructor does not need to supervise medication administration."

Answer 1

Nursing students are supervised in the clinical setting and held to standard care under the instructor's oversight. They must develop professional character traits and cannot delegate their tasks to staff nurses. Even with competent practice, medication administration requires direct supervision.

Step-by-step explanation:

When discussing clinical practice for nursing students, it is crucial to understand several key aspects of their role and responsibilities. First and foremost, nursing students are indeed held to a standard of care, but they operate under the supervision and license of their nursing instructors. Thus, it is not entirely true that students practice on the instructor's license; however, instructors do have a responsibility for the students’ actions while under their supervision. It is also essential that students develop the necessary character traits required for success in the clinical setting, such as professionalism, attention to detail, and empathy, which are also fostered in certain educational practices like Theatre in Health Education.

Regarding task delegation, it is generally not acceptable for students to ask staff nurses to complete tasks on their behalf. Students are there to learn and perform within their scope of practice under supervision. As for medication administration, even if a nursing student is competent, direct supervision by the instructor is necessary for safety and legal reasons. This is in line with the principle of nonmaleficence, ensuring that no harm comes to patients due to inexperience or oversight.