Student Responsibilities and Professional Conduct in Clinical Practicum | Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing | Seneca Students

Student Responsibilities and Professional Conduct in Clinical Practicum

Students in the Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing are expected to demonstrate professionalism, accountability and respect throughout their clinical practicum. All students must comply with Seneca Polytechnic policies, School of Nursing requirements, clinical agency policies and applicable professional standards.

Students are required to:

• Professional Identification: Introduce themselves by name and clearly identify their role as a student when interacting with clients, families and healthcare staff.

• Clinical Identification: Wear their official Seneca Clinical Placement identification badge while in the clinical setting.

• Punctuality and Preparedness: Arrive on time and be prepared to participate in all scheduled clinical learning activities.

• Safe Clinical Practice: Recognize their knowledge and skill limitations, seek assistance promptly and practise within their permitted responsibilities and level of supervision.

• Clinical Judgment: Apply critical thinking, sound clinical judgment and evidence-informed knowledge when making decisions related to patient care.

• Communication and Collaboration: Communicate effectively and collaborate with clients, families and members of the interprofessional healthcare team.

• Privacy and Confidentiality: Protect patient information and comply with applicable privacy legislation, professional standards and clinical agency policies.

• Respect and Professionalism: Demonstrate respect, dignity and professionalism toward clients, families, healthcare professionals, peers and faculty.

• Accountability: Accept responsibility for their actions, decisions and professional conduct.

• Dress Code: Comply with the School of Nursing's uniform, appearance and clinical identification requirements.

• Electronic Device Use: Follow Seneca and clinical agency policies regarding electronic devices, including the prohibition of personal cell phone use in patient care areas.

• Professional Communication: Use their official Seneca email account for academic and clinical communications and respond professionally and promptly.

• Attendance and Reporting: Follow established procedures for notifying their Clinical Supervisor of absences, late arrivals or circumstances affecting clinical attendance.

• Clinical Placement Arrangements: Refrain from contacting clinical agencies directly regarding placement requests, assignments or changes unless specifically authorized by the Clinical Placement Office.

Failure to meet professional conduct expectations may affect clinical performance evaluations, placement eligibility and successful completion of clinical practicum.

Related Policies and Professional Standards

Students are responsible for reviewing and following the institutional policies, professional standards and legislation applicable to their clinical practice.

Seneca Polytechnic Policies

• Student Code of Conduct: Establishes expectations for respectful behaviour, honesty, accountability and professional conduct. The policy applies to Seneca-sanctioned activities, including clinical placements.

• Academic Integrity Policy: Outlines expectations for honesty, ethical conduct and integrity in academic and clinical learning activities.

College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Professional Standards

The following standards guide professional nursing practice and are particularly relevant to students preparing for registration as Registered Nurses (RNs) or Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs):

• CNO – Code of Conduct: Establishes expectations for ethical behaviour, respect, honesty, accountability and professional nursing conduct.

• CNO – Professional Standards and Guidelines: Provides guidance on professional accountability, safe nursing practice, clinical decision-making and professional responsibilities.

• CNO – Professional Boundaries and Nurse-Client Relationships: Outlines expectations for maintaining therapeutic relationships and professional boundaries.

• CNO – Confidentiality and Privacy: Personal Health Information: Addresses responsibilities for protecting confidential patient information and maintaining privacy.

• CNO – Documentation: Establishes expectations for accurate, timely and accountable nursing documentation.

Applicable Legislation

• Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA): Governs the collection, use and disclosure of personal health information in Ontario.

• Ontario Human Rights Code: Protects individuals from discrimination and harassment on legally protected grounds.

• Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA): Establishes workplace health and safety requirements, including the prevention of workplace hazards.

Students must also follow the policies and procedures of their assigned clinical agency, which may establish additional requirements for patient safety, professional conduct, confidentiality and workplace practices.

All students are expected to uphold the professional and ethical standards appropriate to their program and clinical role throughout their practicum experience.