The following guidelines should be used when planning the student's progression through their Integrative Practicum. Adhering to a schedule similar to this will assist the student and the preceptor in determining whether the student is progressing at a rate that will assist him/her to meet the goal of meeting course outcomes for Integrative Practicum completion.
Days 1-2:
Expected behaviors include:
- orientation to unit
- reviewing unit orientation manual
- familiarizing self with job descriptions and employees
- identifying lines of communication
- caring for 1-2 patients
- creating a worksheet suitable for the unit
Days 3-5:
Expected behaviors include:
- taking report and planning care using a worksheet
- keeping preceptor and appropriate members of health team informed of changes in patient condition
- assisting preceptor in writing individualized patient care plans per agency protocol
- identifying assigned patients' priority needs and reprioritizing them appropriately as patient's condition changes
Days 6-10:
In addition to the above, expected behaviors include:
- increasing number of patients on student’s care team if applicable.
- participating in assigned unit tasks beyond patient care
- reporting pertinent information in a complete, concise, and organized manner to the oncoming shift
- developing a nursing care plan for patients and with preceptor assistance entering the care plan in the computer
- participating in admissions, discharge and/or transfers of patients
- facilitating patient contact with hospital and community services when appropriate
Days 11-16:
In addition to the above, expected behaviors include:
- communicating patient care objectives to appropriate members of the health team
- delegating patient care to appropriate personnel (as determined by job description) using appropriate communication skills
- evaluating personnel performance in delivery of nursing care as appropriate
Days 17-26:
In addition to the above, expected behaviors include:
- Assuming most of the RN role in managing care for assigned patients.
- Assisting preceptor with transcription and validation of new orders
- Communicating with attending MD/NP/PA as necessary, reporting change in patient’s condition, requesting additional orders, etc.
- Utilizing resources to advance evidence-based practice
- Identifying personal goals to facilitate transition to RN role