Students in the MSN FNP track complete a minimum of 680 supervised direct patient care clinical hours. Clinical hours are distributed across three practicum courses to support competency and development as an FNP. PGC students who are practicing and certified in another population foci, are required to complete a minimum of 500 supervised director patient care clinical hours. PGC students who are not certified as an APRN will complete a minimum of 680 hours. Direct patient clinical hours refer to hours in which direct clinical care is provided to individuals and families.
An interdisciplinary mix of preceptors and experiences provides students with the best clinical experience and preparation as an FNP. NPs, other advanced practice providers and individuals from other disciplines who are credentialed and licensed to practice in their area of expertise and their area of practice is clearly relevant to meeting FNP core competencies and scope of practice, may serve as preceptors. Students in the FNP track will be assigned a clinical preceptor for all clinical practicum by the Graduate Nursing FNP Program Coordinator. Any requests for placement in a specialty area outside of primary care must support the development of primary care FNP competencies.
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 clinical practicum. Students assume all responsibility for travel to and from clinical practicum sites.
Students may request preceptor matching. All requests must be made to the Graduate Nursing FNP Program Coordinator at least 20 weeks in advance of placement. All contact with potential preceptors must be directed to the FNP coordinator.
FNP Clinical Hours Tracking
The determination of appropriate clinical hours are at the discretion of the clinical faculty for the course and the Graduate Nursing FNP Program Coordinator.
The following activities may be counted toward required practicum hours:
- Hours in which direct clinical care is provided to individuals and families across the lifespan.
- Time spent documenting the patient’s medical record.
- Telehealth
- International/national direct care experiences as part of a medical mission
- Attendance at an educational offering related to practicum goals and objectives (not to exceed 8 hours). Must have prior approval from clinical faculty.
The following activities may NOT be included toward required practicum hours:
- Travel time to and from practicum; or between clinical sites.
- Requirements mandated by clinical agencies.
- Course assignments (ex: completion of online discussion board for the course).
- On campus practicum class time.
- Clinical preparation time.
- Skill lab or physical assessment practice sessions.
- Community-based projects.
- Simulation/Objective Structured Clinical Evaluations.
Preceptor Eligibility
The Graduate Nursing FNP Program Coordinator approves all clinical preceptors. The following criteria are utilized in selecting appropriate clinical preceptors specific to the identified student and course outcomes:
- Evidence of current licensure by the appropriate licensing/credentialing body to practice as an APRN, PA or MD/DO.
- If placed with an APRN, preceptor must have a minimum of an earned Master’s in Nursing with clinical preparation as a nurse practitioner.
- Certification in area of expertise is strongly preferred.
- At least 18 -24 months of experience in the clinician role in suitable settings.
- Interest in assuming the responsibilities of the preceptor role.