The NMC has published emergency education standards that apply on clinical placements. Find out what they mean for you
Who will supervise and assess me?
The emergency standards allow any registered health or social care professional to supervise students while on clinical placement. They also allow the same person to fulfil the role of practice supervisor and practice assessor.
Will I be supernumerary?
The NMC understands it won’t be possible for students on clinical placement to be supernumerary but expects students to be supervised and work within an appropriate delegated framework.
What support will I get in practice?
Although supernumerary status will no longer be achievable, students should always receive supervision from a registered practitioner. You will retain your student status and the responsibility for you lies with your university. Induction to a new area of work will be required, to include health and safety and escalation of concerns.
Will I be accountable?
Yes. You will remain accountable for the care you provide, while supervised and under an agreed delegation framework. It is essential that you only undertake care that you are assessed as competent and confident to carry out.
What if I do something wrong or make a mistake?
You will be working under supervision and any mistakes will be addressed as part of the learning process and/or as part of normal university processes, depending on the severity of the mistake.
Will I have cover for indemnity and from whom?
During the period of placement, indemnity cover for clinical negligence will be provided by state-backed schemes in the NHS and GP services or by employers in the independent sector.
What will I be entitled to as an RCN member?
You’ll have the full support of the world’s largest nursing trade union and professional body. This includes access to our network of workplace reps, as well as free legal and employment advice.
Induction checklist
- Do you know where to find important equipment, fire exits and emergency apparatus?
- Do you have access to all policies, procedures and guidelines?
- Do you know who to seek guidance from and how to raise concerns?
- Have you received training on IT systems, incident reporting, record keeping, telephone systems and alarms?
- Are you clear about what your role is and what level of care you’re expected to give?
- Have you been given appropriate PPE and training to ensure you’re able to use it correctly, including safe donning and doffing?
