The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing has identified through research that the successful completion of a nursing program is enhanced if concurrent outside employment is less than 20 hours per week. While employment for the nursing student may be necessary, the student should not overextend themselves in a way that comprises their performance and progression in the program. Research indicates that working more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period increases the risk of error. Students who report for clinical having had worked within the last eight hours prior to the beginning of their clinical shift may be deemed unfit for duty and sent home. This will count as a clinical absence.

Work Eligibility

Federal legislation has led to the requirement that nursing assistants be certified as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in long term care settings. Once a student has successfully completed the first semester of the program, the student may request that a letter be written by the dean stating that they have met the requirements that allow them to sit for the CNA exam. For out-of-state students, there may be additional requirements. Additionally, students who successfully complete at least one semester of clinical rotations may be eligible for local opportunities within acute care as student nurse assistive personnel.