Course Description
Capstone preceptorship experience in an acute care setting. Students work one-on-one with an RN preceptor to integrate all nursing knowledge and skills in preparation for transition to practice. Focus on managing multiple patients, prioritization, time management, and professional role development. Students function at the level of a graduate nurse under supervision.
Credit Hours
6 credits (6 clinical) | 270 clinical hours
Prerequisites
Completion of all other nursing courses, final semester standing
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Manage care for multiple patients safely and efficiently
- Prioritize and organize patient care activities
- Demonstrate competence in clinical skills at entry-level RN standards
- Communicate effectively with healthcare team members
- Document patient care accurately and completely
- Demonstrate professional behaviors consistent with the nursing profession
- Apply clinical judgment in complex patient care situations
- Transition from student role to graduate nurse role
Clinical Requirements
- Minimum 270 hours with assigned preceptor
- Weekly reflective journals
- Competency evaluations at midterm and final
- Portfolio completion
AACN Essentials Alignment
All 10 AACN Essentials domains are integrated in the capstone experience
Clinical Placements
- Medical-Surgical Units
- Telemetry Units
- Progressive Care Units
- Emergency Department
- ICU (with approval)
Evaluation Methods
Clinical Performance (70%), Preceptor Evaluations (20%), Portfolio (10%)
Professional Requirements
Students must maintain all clinical requirements and demonstrate professional behavior throughout the preceptorship.