NURS 454
Clinical Nursing Practicum

1. Catalog Entry

Clinical Nursing Practicum
Fifteen hours practicum (5)

Prerequisites: NURS 443, 444, 448
Co-requisites: NURS 453

Semester offered: Fall and Spring

Provides students with the opportunity to synthesize theoretical concepts, current research, and nursing practice skills in a selected clinical setting. Professional roles are applied through structured clinical learning experiences and learning is facilitated through a selected clinical role model serving as preceptor to the student.

2. Detailed Description of Content of the Course

The objectives and content of this Level 4 Course are derived from the School of Nursing’s philosophy and conceptual framework, and facilitate achievement of the School’s program objectives. Additionally, the major topics and skills covered in this course are common to major leadership and professional development nursing textbooks, and represent areas covered on standardized achievement examinations and the NCLEX-RN Test Plan. Current research and advancement in theory and clinical practice also determine content.

Application of:

• Standards for clinical nursing practice
• Ethical conduct and legal aspects of clinical practice
• Nursing leadership theory and skills
• Professional career development and life-long learning

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The following teaching strategies will be employed:

• Experiential clinical practice, guided logs, appraisal of critical incidents, seminar presentation, portfolio development, multimedia, and computer-assisted learning exercises.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Apply the nursing process in partnership with the client to promote, protect, and restore the client’s holistic health.
• Implement the Standards of Nursing Practice.
• Utilize knowledge and skills in health care and information technologies.
• Utilize critical thinking, research findings, and the Standards of Nursing Practice through involvement with health care issues.
• Demonstrate caring through theory and evidence based nursing interventions.
• Implement effective written, oral, and non-verbal communication skills.
• Apply ethical decision making processes in meeting health care needs.
• Collaborate with clients and other health professionals to provide culturally sensitive nursing care.
• Demonstrate a commitment to life long learning and professional development.
• Exhibit leadership qualities commensurate with entry-level professional nursing practice.
• Promote legislation and policy consistent with the advancement of nursing care and health care on a regional, state, national, and global level.

5. Assessment Measures

May include:

• Clinical performance
• Weekly logs
• Teaching projects
• Seminar presentation
• Professional portfolio
• Computer-assisted comprehensive exams

The course grade is determined by an evaluation of the extent to which the student meets the stated course objectives. Students must have a minimum of 75% (“C”) on each graded component in order to pass the course. Clinical performance must be satisfactory to pass the course.

6. Other Course Information

Additional costs may be incurred by students related to travel, meals and housing depending on clinical placement.

Honor Code: By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to understand, support, and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or exception. Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated. This class will be conducted in strict observance of the Honor Code. Refer to your Student Handbook for details.

Students with Disabilities: If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act, you are required to register with the Disability Resource Office (DRO). The DRO is located in Room 32, Tyler Hall, telephone 540-831-6350. To receive academic accommodations for this class, please obtain the proper DRO forms and meet with course instructor no later than the second week of the semester.

Attendance: For Attendance policies and other course-related requirements, see School of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook and Course Description.

7. Review and Approval

Date Action Reviewed by
April 2006 Undergraduate Curriculum Marcella Griggs, Review Director