GRADUATE HANDBOOK

 Practicum Requirements

Clinical Experience Requirements

CNS and FNP Students
Students must have completed the equivalent of one-year or 1500 hours of experience as a registered nurse related prior to enrolling in the first clinical practicum course:  NUR 511, Concepts and Applications of Health Promotion for Advanced Practice Nursing.

Nursing Administration Students
Students must have completed the equivalent of one-year or 1500 hours of experience as a registered nurse related prior to enrolling in the first clinical practicum course: NUR 671, Nursing Administration, Practicum I.

Return to Table of Contents

Student Information Required Prior to First Practicum Course

Students are to provide the following information to the School of Nursing Graduate secretary 1 month prior to the start of the first practicum course.  In addition, students may be asked to submit a copy of this information to their clinical instructor or clinical agency site prior to the beginning of the practicum.  For CNS and FNP students, the first practicum course is NUR 511, Concepts of Health Promotion.  For Nursing Administration students, the first practicum course is NUR 671, Nursing Administration Practicum I.

1. A signed copy of the "Physical Examination Summary" (See Appendix D)
2. A signed copy of the "Health Screening Requirements" form documenting your immunization history (See Appendix D)
3. A copy of a current certification card (both sides with signature).
4. A current copy of registered nurse license.
5. Universal Precautions training Acknowledgment form (See Appendix C)
6. If Hepatitis B immunization has not been done, a signed and witnessed form, "Statement of Refusal of Hepatitis B Vaccine," must be completed and returned with the Physical Examination Summary and Health Screening Requirements records (See Appendix C).

NOTE:  Some Clinical agencies may require additional testing or documentation other than that which is required by Purdue University Calumet (i.e. drug test, etc.)

Required forms are available in the handbook as well as in .pdf format from the School of Nursing Graduate Student Advising site or from the School of Nursing website:  http://www.calumet.purdue.edu/nursing/gradhb6.html

Note that students cannot begin practica courses unless the required forms are submitted.

Return to Table of Contents
 

Indiana
Professional Licensing AGency
(Attn:  Indiana State Board of Nursing)
402 West Washington St, Rm. W072
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone:  (317) 234-2043
Fax:  (317) 233-4236
Website:  http://www.in.gov/pla/bandc/isbn

Illinois
llinois Department of Professional Regulation
Illinois Board of Nursing
320 West Washington, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786
Phone:  (217) 785-0800
Fax:  (217) 785-7645
Website:  http://www.idfpr.com/

The School of Nursing document entitled Policies Regarding Communicable Diseases must be carefully read and adhered to (See Appendix C).  In addition, the following forms pertaining to clinical requirements must be signed and returned to the School of Nursing prior to beginning the first practicum course.  These forms are available in the School of Nursing office and in Appendix D.  They can also be accessed as .pdf files from the School of Nursing website:  http://www.calumet.purdue.edu/nursing/gradhb6.html

1. Select area of concentration based on educational, personal and/or professional goals.
   
2. Write tentative behavioral objectives that are congruent with course objectives. (Refer to Appendix B for further information).
   
3. Select a preceptor.

   Points to consider:

   • Acceptance by preceptor of the concept of advanced practice nursing.
   • Willingness to serve as preceptor.
   • Size, type and quality of practice setting.
   • Match of preceptor to area of specialization
     
     
4. Initial meeting with preceptor
   
   Points to consider:
   • Discuss goals and objectives of experience and provide a copy of your objectives.
   • Provide a current copy of your vita.
   • Arrange for orientation to the practice setting.
   • Determine a schedule most beneficial to both.
     
     
5. Submit completed "Initial Preceptorship Information" Form approximately six to ten weeks prior to the beginning of the practicum.  This form can be obtained from the School of Nursing office and is also available in Appendix B.
   
   Return to Table of Contents
   
   

Return to Table of Contents

Student, Preceptor and Faculty Responsibilities

Student Responsibilities

• Prepare learning objectives and present them to preceptor and faculty during the first week of class.
• Arrange for an on-site orientation conference with preceptor and faculty member.
• Collaborate with and seek guidance from preceptor in meeting practicum objectives.
• Discuss progress with preceptor.
• Arrange for individual conferences with faculty member.
• Assume responsibility and accountability for practicum requirements.
• Throughout the practicum experience, evaluate progreess toward meeting course and personal objectives.

Preceptor Responsibilities

• Orient the APN student to the practice setting.
• Assist the student in selecting appropriate means for meeting course and personal objectives.
• Provide validation and feedback pertaining to student experiences.
• Provide faculty with feedback on student's performance.
• Provide feedback and contribute to the evaluation of the student's clinical performance.

Faculty Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and supervision for the APN student during the preceptorship.
• Arrange conferences with student at the beginning, middle and end of the semester or as needed or requested.
• Make on-site visits during the semester.
• Assist the APN student in solving clinical and interactional problems during on-site visits, conferences, and seminar discussions.
• Maintain communication with preceptors and other agency personnel.
• Evaluate the APN student's practicum performance. Practicum evaluation criteria may include:
  1. observations during on-site visits
  2. assigned materials
  3. ongoing contact with preceptor
  4. ongoing contact with student
  5. degree of attainment of course and personal objectives