Information

Advanced Practice Nursing Clinical Facilities Selection

The agencies and institutions for advanced practice nursing experiences in the graduate program are selected according to the following criteria:

1. The health care philosophy and objectives of the agency or institution are compatible with those of the College of Nursing and learning needs of the students.
2. The accreditation status of the agency is satisfactory.
3. The demographics of clients and advanced nursing situations are adequate to fulfill course objectives and advanced practice nursing expectations.
4. The educational preparation and experience of the preceptors meets required criteria for the specific course.
5. The location of the agency/institution is accessible.
6. Use of the agency by other nursing programs does not create negative learning opportunities for students.

Clinical placements for NP students will be within the Southeast Florida area including Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, Indian River, and St. Lucie, Brevard, Orange, Okeechobee, and Osceola counties. Some travel to sites may be required based upon site and preceptor availabilities. Student assignments will be made based upon campus location for which the student is registered.  Placements in other locations are at the discretion of the faculty and are dependent on availability of clinical Instructors to make site visits.

Cooperative agreements with each preceptor and/or site are required by the university. The agreement is signed by the preceptor or the agency head, the Dean of the College of Nursing, and the University Attorney prior to initiation of student experience at the site. The original agreement is kept on file in the College of Nursing; the preceptor is sent a fully executed copy of the agreement for records.

Clinical Preceptors and Sites

NP students will be assigned and notified of clinical placement sites for primary care, pediatrics and women’s health.

The potential preceptor should be advised that the students must have the opportunity to actually carry out ("hands-on") complete and episodic histories and physical examinations, present the patients to the preceptor, discuss the options for diagnostic tests and management including follow-up of the patients. Students should be involved in the decision-making process to some degree, and have opportunities for in-depth discussions about patients with the preceptor to gain insights into appropriate management. In addition, opportunities for recording the patient information, understanding certain financial influences in the practice site, etc. are important.

Preceptors will receive a Preceptor Packet explaining their role with students. Preceptors may apply for a certificate of participation after 300 hours of precepting. This will allow waiver of tuition for six credits at any state college or university. 

For NP clinical information and approval of sites/preceptors contact:

• Dr. Tracian Kelly, NP Concentration Coordinator tkelly11@health.fau.edu 

Requirements: Number of Hours and Types of Experiences

• NP STUDENTS: minimum of 600 hours of advanced practice nursing experience.
• FAMILY NP STUDENTS: 100 hours of child health, 100 hours of women's health
• ADULT/GERONTOLOGICAL NP STUDENTS: 100 hours of women's health, and 150 hours of gerontological care some of which should be with adults in a long term care setting and/or subacute facility and some in primary care.

PLEASE NOTE: When the university is officially closed and during semester intersessions (the periods between semesters), students MAY NOT participate in practicum experiences.

Student, Faculty and Preceptor Responsibilities

Student Responsibilities

Students will:

1. Demonstrate the integration of a philosophy of caring in advanced nursing situations.
2. Meet all clinical entry requirements as outlined in the college clinical tracking system.
3. Submit signed preceptor agreement form to faculty prior to entering any practicum site.
4. The orientation to the setting is the responsibility of the student and is to be conducted before and/or during the first week of the semester. The student needs to provide the preceptor, a copy of their CV/resume, the course syllabus, the advanced practice nursing evaluation tool, and a set of individualized objectives.
5. Professional attire and conduct is expected at all times:

• If the student is unable to attend clinical related to illness, he/she is to contact the preceptor and facility in a timely manner.
• Students are expected to report to clinical on time. Tardiness is considered unprofessional behavior.
• A student ID and name badge must be exhibited (see Graduate Handbook).

1. Students must maintain advanced practice nursing electronic logs as described in individual course syllabus. Students are advised to maintain a copy of their clinical logs for their own records.
2. Students must complete an evaluation of the advanced practice nursing site and preceptor at the end of the semester.
3. All ethical standards per the ANA code must be maintained, including client confidentiality.

College of Nursing Nurse Practitioner Faculty Responsibilities:

1. Conduct advanced practice nursing site visits as appropriate; minimally one visit per semester. This visit should be scheduled in advance to ensure the time and experience. More than one visit may be required.
2. Conduct three group clinical conferences per semester (beginning and end of semester and at midterm).
3. Evaluate student, preceptor and site over the course of the semester.
4. Visit potential new sites. Notify NP Coordinator of sites no longer appropriate or functional.
5. Maintain collegial working relationships with preceptors and staff.
6. Be available to preceptor and student during times that student is in advanced practice setting.
7. If course faculty are unavailable (out of town or ill) notify NP coordinator to arrange back up faculty supervision. Students must be notified if faculty are unavailable and the contact information of back-up supervising faculty member.
8. For each student, submit a signed summary sheet, e-log composite printout, student evaluations, and student preceptor/site evaluations to the graduate coordinator within one week of submitting course grades.

Preceptor Responsibilities:

1. Maintain a current license to practice as an advanced practice nurse (ARNP, MD, or DO) in state of practice.
2. Complete and sign a preceptor agreement provided by the student.
3. Conduct a joint review with the student of the learning objectives for the advanced practice nursing experience. Should there be any problems in meeting the course objectives during the semester, the preceptor should inform the student and contact the faculty.
4. Provide adequate facility/clinical space to facilitate student's interaction with a variety of clients necessary for appropriate learning experiences.
5. Actively participate and facilitate student's experience.
6. Provide an expanding scope of responsibility and accountability as the student progresses toward meeting and/or exceeding course objectives.
7. Participate with the faculty member in evaluating student's knowledge base and clinical management skills through:

• Direct supervision, observation, and teaching of students.
• Discussion of and critique of written documentation as well as verbal presentation of cases.
• Provide written evaluation at midterm and end of the semester. Advanced practice nursing evaluation tool will be provided by faculty and/or student.