In Fall 2025, BCCNM conducted a survey to understand the experiences of licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), registered nurses (RNs), and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) who have experience providing regulatory supervision to students and/or employed student registrants (ESNs and ESPNs).
We also surveyed ESNs and ESPNs about their experiences, responsibilities, and challenges in clinical practice.
What we heard from nurses
Practice settings and experiences: Most survey respondents work in urban clinical environments, with others in rural, remote, and non-clinical settings. Many have experience supervising student nurses and employed student registrants.
Understanding the concept of regulatory supervision: Most respondents are familiar with the concept of regulatory supervision, although some requested more guidance on roles and accountabilities.
Supportive factors and student competence: Nurses who have experience supervising students emphasized the need for clear guidelines, adequate support from employers and educational institutions, and effective communication. They emphasized that students should only perform activities within their competence.
Key challenges: Common concerns included uncertainty about student competence, preparedness of students, and the impact of staffing shortages on supervision quality. Challenges included high workloads, limited time for teaching, and insufficient orientation for supervising nurses.
What we heard from ESNs/ESPNs
Practice settings and responsibilities: Most respondents work in urban clinical settings, with a small proportion in rural or remote areas. The majority care for adult and elderly client populations. Their main responsibilities include clinical assessments, medication administration, personal care, and documentation.
Support & supervision: Survey respondents highlighted the importance of employer orientation, clear job descriptions, accessible supervisors, and supportive teams.
Key challenges: Common challenges included uncertainty about role boundaries, team members' understanding of the student registrant's competence, high workload, and inaccessible or unclear supervision.
What happens next
Feedback from this survey will inform BCCNM policy work related to ESNs/ESPNs and regulatory supervision of students.