Student Employment

A student who wishes to seek employment during the school year should first discuss this situation with his/her academic advisor. It is strongly recommended that a student's combined employment and semester-hour load not exceed 30 hours per week. Frequently, students may be employed as nurse aides or practical nurses, performing functions for which they have been trained by the institution and for which the institution has a clearly discernible policy in writing. Students doing so should keep in mind that an individual who is not licensed or defined as exempt in the State of New York to practice professional nursing, and who engages in such practice, is doing so illegally and may be prosecuted. Supervision by a professional, licensed nurse or physician does not provide protection to the student or make the student's actions legal. Professional liability insurance purchased by students through the College is only applicable to students in their student role, not in their employment role. Individuals, who practice illegally, may jeopardize their future, as persons who are convicted of violation of the Nurse Practice Act may not be eligible to receive licensure. Students have a responsibility to refuse to participate in activities which they have not been legally licensed to perform. Any student who seeks employment as a nursing auxiliary worker or a Practical Nurse should consider the following guidelines.

· The employing agency has stated policy and procedure, as well as lists of functions and specific duties relative to the employment and assignment of persons in the nursing service.

· The student should be employed under the same conditions as any other nursing auxiliary worker. The student should not be in, nor place him/herself in a discriminatory position regarding title or duties. The student should be well aware of his/her role, functions and limitations.

· When a student seeks employment, the student assumes the same responsibilities as does any employee.