Students must meet CDC guidelines for long-term and acute care facilities
SACRAMENTO – Due to a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the state, the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) in conjunction with the California Department of Public Health, is notifying nursing students, nursing schools, long term care facilities, and general acute care hospitals; that students who meet CDC guidelines for healthcare workers can work as supplemental staff, during this public health crisis.
Students working towards obtaining their direct patient care clinical experience as part of an approved nursing program through the BRN and recent graduates can be utilized in much-needed areas of the healthcare workforce, to help with patient ratios and to reduce burnout from current healthcare staff.
The Board provided direction on Business and Professions Code section 2727(d), and nursing students’ ability to assist in a March 31, 2020 news release without violating the Nurses Practice Act.
“Health care facilities can use the Emergency Care Matrix as a tool to ensure students and recent graduates are assigned to provide care safely and within their competency level. We hope that healthcare facilities will open their doors to our future nurses; so they can help ease the demand on our licensed personnel and support the entire healthcare team. This action will also help to provide students with the needed experience, knowledge, and academic credit,” said BRN Executive Officer Loretta Melby, RN, MSN.
The Board of Registered Nursing protects and advocates for the health and safety of the public by ensuring the highest quality registered nurses in the state of California. With our mission as a guiding principle, the Board remains committed to working within the legislative and regulatory framework to partner with all stakeholders to navigate through these unprecedented times and find a path for the progression of qualified and competent nursing students.
Click here to view a printer-friendly version of this news release.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS: The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) promotes and protects the interests of California consumers while ensuring a competent and fair marketplace. DCA helps consumers learn how to protect themselves from unscrupulous and unqualified individuals. The department also protects professionals (licensees) from unfair competition by unlicensed practitioners. Consumers can file complaints against licensees by contacting DCA at (800) 952-5210. Consumers can also file a complaint online at dca.ca.gov.
# # #
