Students registered with BCCNM as employed student nurses (ESNs) or employed student psychiatric nurses (ESPNs) may carry out nursing activities as a registrant. Employed student registrant (ESR) practice is about consolidating current learning by working within the competencies attained in an educational program.
Practice Standard
Temporary exemption for employed student registrants
Employed student registrants: practice responsibilities
Students registered with BCCNM as employed student nurses (ESNs) or employed student psychiatric nurses (ESPNs) may carry out nursing activities as a registrant. Employed student registrant (ESR) practice is about consolidating current learning by working within the competencies attained in an educational program.
The BCCNM practice standard Use of Title requires ESRs to use the titles "Employed Student Nurse" and "ESN" or "Employed Student Psychiatric Nurse" and "ESPN" to inform others that the student's registration status is that of a learner and not a fully qualified professional.
ESRs are responsible and accountable for their practice. The documents referenced below apply to ESRs even if the documents refer to practising nurses. If an ESR has a practice concern, they should speak with their supervising nurse first and, if necessary, contact a BCCNM Regulatory Practice Consultation at practice@bccnm.ca.
Employed student nurse/psychiatric nurse registrants must:
- maintain current registration with BCCNM
- maintain enrollment in a recognized entry-level registered nursing or psychiatric nursing education program
- work only in the authorized workplace
- work under the supervision of a named RN, NP or RPN who is physically present and readily available to provide direction. Note that LPNs are not authorized to supervise ESNs or ESPNs
- never be solely responsible for the care of clients
- work within the competencies they have attained in their educational program
- practice within their competence level and in accordance with BCCNM Standards of Practice and employer policies specific to the role of the ESR
- not supervise other staff, volunteers, contractors or nursing students
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