Student Responsibilities & Guidelines

Do's

• The student should obtain 180 hours of clinical experience. All clinical hours must be completed with the contracted preceptor. As part of the 180 hours, the student should spend 6-12 hours with a nurse in an administrative role, such as Nurse Manager or Chief Nursing Executive.
• The student and preceptor should develop a Practicum Schedule. The Practicum Schedule should be developed in advance and should project as many days as the preceptor’s work schedule allows. The student may precept on any day and/or time of the week, except on dates when Jacksonville State University is officially closed as outlined on the academic calendar.
• The student should arrive at the agency at the beginning of the shift and stay for the duration of the shift. The student cannot accrue clinical time either before preceptor arrives at the unit or after the departure of the preceptor from the unit.
• The student should notify the preceptor and faculty one hour prior to the scheduled shift if he/she must cancel a scheduled clinical day. The cancellation has to be excused and be for valid reasons.
• The student should verbalize to the preceptor clinical course objectives and strategies to achieve the objectives. The objectives are many times communicated through the Preceptor Evaluation of Student evaluation tool.
• The student should gradually assume independence in making decisions, setting priorities and providing care following orientation.
• The student should participate in documentation of care provided. If the student is not allowed to document electronically, other methods of documentation should be provided.
• The student should maintain professional behavior in the clinical setting at all times.

Don'ts

• The student should not precept with relatives or friends or at a unit of employment.
• The student should NOT give any medication or perform invasive procedures without direct supervision of preceptor (i.e. Foley insertion, IV insertion, medication administration, sterile dressing changes, etc).
• The student should NOT be permitted to administer blood or blood products.

Documents

Practicum Clinical Document

The student and preceptor should review and sign the Practicum Clinical Document. The Practicum Clinical Document confirms the preceptor’s agreement to serve as a preceptor for the senior nursing student during the current semester. The document provides professional and contact information for the preceptor. If indicated, the document validates that the ADN preceptor has adequate nursing experience and critical thinking skills to provide a meaningful clinical experience.

Skills Assessment Sheet

The student and preceptor should review the Skills Assessment Sheet. The Skills Assessment Sheet provides the preceptor a customized list outlining areas of competency and areas in which additional experience is needed.

Faculty/Student Contact Information Sheet

The student and preceptor should review the Faculty and Student Contact Information Sheet. The Faculty and Student Contact Information Sheet provide contact information for the student, faculty, and JSU College of Health Professions and Wellness Dean. The preceptor is encouraged to call course faculty or administration at any time for questions or concerns.