Students of the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FKEP USU), participated in an orientation session on laboratory rules and procedures as part of the 2026 USU Campus Life Orientation Program for New Students (PKKMB). The session was delivered by Nunung Febriany Sitepu, S.Kep., Ns., MNS., on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. WIB. The session provided students with an initial understanding of the rules to be observed when participating in practicum activities, including equipment borrowing procedures, the use of laboratory coats and name tags, punctuality when entering the laboratory, and responsible use of facilities. The rules also cover students’ appearance and preparedness while in the laboratory.
In her presentation, Nunung emphasized that discipline is an essential part of practical nursing education. Students are required to arrive at the laboratory 30 minutes before the practicum, maintain cleanliness and safety throughout the activity, and store unused belongings in lockers. Students are also responsible for taking care of laboratory equipment and inventory, refraining from moving equipment without the laboratory staff’s permission, and assuming responsibility in the event of damage or loss. These requirements help establish professional habits from the early stages of nursing education.
The session also explained procedures for borrowing and returning locker keys as part of practicum activity management. The group leader is responsible for borrowing the key, recording the borrowing transaction in the designated logbook, submitting the Student Identity Card (KTM) as security, and ensuring that the key is returned after the activity. Items not needed during the practicum, such as bags and shoes, must be stored in lockers to keep the practice area organized. In the event of a lost key, students are required to provide a replacement in accordance with applicable regulations. These procedures teach students the importance of administrative order, responsibility for shared facilities, and compliance with laboratory standard operating procedures.
The laboratory rules orientation is closely related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through structured practical learning that supports student competency development. The implementation of laboratory rules, cleanliness, and procedures also supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by creating a safer and more orderly practical learning environment. In addition, responsibility for maintaining equipment and facilities can be linked to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production through the responsible use of educational resources. Through this orientation, FKEP USU students are expected to develop a culture of discipline, professionalism, and responsibility as a foundation for their education and future nursing practice.