Practical learning experiences are structured across a series of two practicum courses that include course objective strategies for meeting overall program outcomes. The series of courses provides the student the opportunity to design, implement, and evaluate a theory-based educational project and disseminate findings to the academic community. The project reflects and demonstrates synthesis of the student’s knowledge from all courses and unique practice experiences in the student’s specified area.
Students, with faculty guidance, are responsible for identifying an educational site where the project will be designed and implemented. One site will be used for NSG 596 and NSG 597. Examples of sites for the practicum include nursing education programs at community colleges, colleges, universities; staff development programs at hospitals, clinics, community-based agencies, and long-term care facilities. All educational sites must be approved by the program coordinator and a signed ‘agreement’ must be in place at least 5 weeks prior to the start of NSG 596.
Students are required to comply with all policies requirements of the educational or clinical site. Students, with faculty guidance, are responsible for identifying one MSN-prepared nurse educator at the selected educational site who will serve as a preceptor for the practicum courses. The preceptor will work in conjunction with the student and course faculty and provide direct oversight of the student. Preceptors will provide information about student work to course faculty but will not be responsible for evaluating student learning. All preceptors must be approved by the program coordinator and a signed ‘agreement’ must be in place at least five weeks prior to the start of NSG 596.
Preceptor Qualifications
- Current license in state where practicum is located.
- Master of Science degree, preferably with a nursing education concentration, from an accredited nursing program.
- Minimum of three years of teaching experience in educational or clinical setting.
- Employed at the educational or clinical site where practicum course will be completed.
Guidelines for Selecting a Preceptor
- A nurse educator working in area of focus such as staff development, client education, higher education, or an area of specific interest to the student.
- A nurse educator with expertise that aligns with the educational goals of the student: classroom teaching, online education, staff development, community education, etc.
- A nurse educator who is well established in the clinical or educational agency and can assist student in networking with other professionals.
- A nurse educator who has experience mentoring new graduates and/or graduate level nurses and understands the implications of the preceptor role.
- A nurse educator who has the time and resources to allocate to the preceptor role.
