Personal Cell Phone and Electronic Device Use During Clinical Practicum | Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing | Seneca Students

Personal Cell Phone and Electronic Device Use During Clinical Practicum

The Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing is committed to maintaining patient safety, privacy, confidentiality and professionalism in all clinical learning environments.

Students are strictly prohibited from using personal cell phones, smartwatches or other personal electronic devices in patient care areas during clinical practicum. This includes using devices for personal calls, text messaging, social media, photography, audio or video recording, and accessing personal applications.

Personal devices must be stored securely and may only be accessed during designated breaks in areas permitted by the clinical agency.

Patient Privacy and Confidentiality

Under Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA), personal health information must be protected against unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) also requires nurses to safeguard patient confidentiality, maintain professional boundaries and follow organizational policies governing electronic devices and communication technologies.

Students must not use personal devices to photograph, record, store, transmit or share patient information under any circumstances during their clinical practicum. This includes photographs of patients, health records, computer screens, clinical documentation or other information obtained within the healthcare environment.

Patient information must never be entered into personal applications, messaging platforms, social media or unapproved digital tools.

These requirements apply even when a patient's name or other identifying information has been removed.

Clinical Agency Policies and Consequences

Each clinical placement agency has its own policies governing personal electronic devices, patient privacy, confidentiality and professional conduct. Students are responsible for reviewing and complying with these policies throughout their placement.

Failure to comply with the School of Nursing or clinical agency's electronic device policies may result in immediate removal from the clinical setting, termination of the clinical placement and consequences for academic progression.

Depending on the nature and severity of the incident, violations may also result in investigation under applicable institutional policies, professional standards and privacy legislation.

Students must immediately report any suspected privacy breach or unauthorized use or disclosure of patient information to their Clinical Supervisor and follow the clinical agency's reporting procedures.

Professional Responsibility

Students are expected to remain attentive to patient care, maintain professional boundaries and demonstrate responsible conduct throughout their clinical experience.

If a student requires access to a personal device for an urgent or exceptional circumstance, they must discuss this with their Clinical Supervisor and follow the clinical agency's approved procedures.

Patient safety, privacy and professional accountability must remain the priority at all times during clinical practicum.

Relevant Legislation and Professional Standards

Students are expected to comply with the following legislation and professional standards:

• Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) – Establishes legal requirements for protecting personal health information in Ontario.

• CNO – Confidentiality and Privacy: Personal Health Information – Outlines nurses' responsibilities for maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality.

• CNO – Using Technology Safely – Provides guidance on personal devices, clinical photographs, electronic communication and the protection of patient information.

• CNO – Social Media: Reflect Before You Post – Reinforces professional accountability and confidentiality when using social media.

All students must comply with these requirements in addition to Seneca Polytechnic policies and the policies of their assigned clinical placement agency.