Clinical Practicum Information and Student Responsibilities

Students enrolled in the graduate nursing program must complete a minimum number of practicum hours as designated by the program. Clinical sites that meet the standards and the needs of the College and students will be invited to become a Clinical Partner. The relationship between the site and Graduate Nursing program is formalized through the student clinical experience contractual agreement. Students will be placed only in those sites which have a duly executed contractual agreement with the College.

It is College policy and policy of many clinical agencies, that all contact with clinical sites be coordinated through the College.  Students are not permitted to contact sites unless directed by the Clinical Placement Coordinator. Students are encouraged to contact the clinical coordinator with recommendations or potential options. All requests must be made to the College Clinical Placement Coordinator at least 20 weeks in advance of placement. The College Clinical Placement Coordinator, and the designated Program/Clinical Coordinator, DNP Clinical Coordinator, or NE practicum facilitator is responsible for communication with the clinical agency and final placement of the student.  

Students in the graduate nursing program will be assigned a practicum preceptor for all clinical by the designated Program/Clinical Coordinator, DNP Clinical Coordinator, or NE Practicum Facilitator depending on the program. All efforts are made to match students with preceptors within the student’s home geographical area, however this is not always possible. Students may be required to travel up to 90 minutes each way to complete their practicum. Students assume all responsibility including expenses, for travel to and from clinical practicum sites. Travel time is not counted as practicum time.

Student Responsibilities

• Complete all preceptor agreements prior to the start of the practicum.
• Discuss practicum objectives and personal objectives and learning needs for the course with the preceptor.
• Determine the schedule for the clinical experience, including days of week and hours per day. Submit clinical calendar via email to the student’s clinical faculty.
• Adhere to professional attire that is in accordance with clinical site requirements and Bellin College.
• Maintain professional behavior in the clinical setting at all times.
• Complete required clinical course paperwork and submit on time.
• APRN students collect and enter patient encounter data in clinical log (Typhon) as required in each clinical course.
• NE students collect and document teaching experiences using the designated log.
• Demonstrate increasing competencies and progressive independence in knowledge and skills.
• Function in the designated role (NE, FNP, PMHNP, or DNP) under the supervision of the preceptor incorporating evidence-based practice guidelines and clinical site policies.
• Complete preceptor and clinical site evaluations at end of practicum.
• Attend all scheduled practicum experiences on time and prepared, completing all required clinical hours for each clinical course.
• Notify preceptor and clinical faculty as soon as possible if unable to attend clinical as scheduled and arrange make-up clinical day.

APRN Clinical Practicum Evaluation

An essential aspect of advanced practice role development is receiving thoughtful, constructive feedback throughout the practicum experience. While faculty are responsible for assigning the final practicum grade, preceptor input is critical in supporting student growth and evaluating progression toward course outcomes. Student performance is assessed by preceptors and faculty using the following adapted version of Benner’s Novice to Expert Scale, with the understanding that APRN students are expected to develop across their practicum courses. Early practicum experiences serve as a foundation for knowledge and clinical skill development, with expectations for progressive growth across subsequent rotations. APRN students are expected to achieve specific competency milestones aligned with their practicum level:

• First practicum: Students must demonstrate performance at the Advanced Beginner level.
• Second practicum: Students are expected to reach the Competent level.
• Third or fourth practicum (DNP students only): Students must achieve the Proficient level to demonstrate readiness for advanced clinical practice.

Performance Evaluation Scale: