NURS 454

I. Course Title: Clinical Nursing Practicum

II. Course Number: NURS 454

III. Credit Hours: 4 credits

IV. Prerequisites: NURS 352, NURS 443, NURS 448
 
      Corequisites: NURS 451, NURS 453, NURS 457

V. Course Description:

Provides students with the opportunity to synthesize theoretical concepts, current research, and nursing practice skills in a specific 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.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

The objectives and content of this Level 4 course facilitate achievement of the College’s program outcomes as well as the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education (AACN). Additionally, the major topics and skills covered in this course represent content covered on standardized achievement examinations and the NCLEX-RN test plan. Current research, advanced nursing theory, and evidence based clinical practice guide content development and course design. 
 
Topical Outline: 

1. Application of: 
   1. Standards for Clinical Nursing Practice 
   2. Ethical conduct and legal aspects of clinical practice 
   3. Nursing leadership theory and skills 
2. Professional career development and life-long learning 

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

The following teaching strategies will be employed but not limited to: experiential clinical practice, journals, practical presentations, and appraisal of critical incidents.

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

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

1. Apply scientific principles of nursing knowledge in partnership with the client to promote, protect, and restore the client’s holistic health. 
2. Apply the Standards of Nursing Practice in the clinical setting. 
3. Implement safeguards and decision-making tools embedded in patient care technologies and information systems to ensure a safe practice environment for both patients and health care workers. 
4. Identify abuse and exploitation of children, elderly, and disabled patients encountered in the health care setting and intervene as necessary. 
5. Utilize and demonstrate critical thinking, clinical judgment, and clinical reasoning, research findings, and the Standards of Nursing Practice through involvement with health care issues. 
6. Demonstrate competence by participating in evidence-based research in collaboration with other members of the health care team to improve patient outcomes. 
7. Make use of inter-professional and intra-professional resources to resolve ethical and other practice dilemmas. 
8. Exhibit caring and accountability in a variety of clinical settings. 
9. Utilize and model effective written, oral and non-verbal inter- and intra-professional communication and collaborative skills to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered, culturally competent nursing care. 
10. Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning to support excellence in nursing practice and foster professional growth and development. 
11. Exhibit leadership qualities commensurate with entry-level professional nursing practice. 
12. Advocate on a regional, state, national and global level to promote the advancement of nursing practice through the application of health care policies. 

VIII. Assessment Measures:

May include, but are not limited to: 

• Project, Individual or Group 
• Class Participation 
• Written Assignments 
• Clinical Performance

 

Review and Approval

April 2006 Undergraduate Curriculum Marcella Griggs, Review Director

February 2011, Kim Carter, Director

March 2021, Iris Mullins, Director

March 25, 2026