Clinical Practice Experiences
The Population and Community Health Nursing course and Baccalaureate Nursing Capstone course are completed near the end of the program and require practice experience hours that must be completed in addition to the online courses.
NURS 4015 Population and Community Health Nursing
Be prepared to spend approximately 12 hours per week for the next 15 weeks completing the course requirements for this 4 credit course. The course requirements include a practicum component that is fulfilled by completing 45 hours working with a preceptor in a community setting.
NURS 4020 Baccalaureate Nursing Capstone
Be prepared to spend approximately 15 hours per week for the next 15 weeks completing the requirements for this 5 credit course. The course requirements include a practicum component that is fulfilled by completing 90 hours working with a preceptor in a leadership role.
Here is what some of our students are saying about the clinical practicum experiences:
“I had a great experience, and I am now considering going into community/public health nursing!”
“…Not only did I learn from my experience in the clinical, but also from my classmates. I had thought I was diverse in different cultures but I have much more to learn and apply. I thoroughly enjoyed this class and especially my experience that I otherwise would not have had”
“This clinical experience has succeeded in reinforcing the knowledge that I have gained in this course and to apply this knowledge in this practice setting. I feel that I have learned far more than I had anticipated from this practicum experience, and I am very thankful to my preceptor for providing me with this wonderful learning opportunity”
“It was an amazing experience. Being able to be given this opportunity to really interact within the community and feel like my work is actually making a difference as well as learning new information has me truly thankful for this practicum.”
Practicum Requirements
Since 2008, over 1500 students have had successful clinical practicum learning experiences in their home community. At SUNY Empire, we have a dedicated clinical coordinator and program aide to guide you through the clinical paperwork process.
Please plan in advance how you will accommodate practice experience hours in your present work schedule. Students can request preferred days, but sites often have limited availability and assigned days may be determined by the preceptor's schedule. Students are responsible for identifying potential practicum experiences and discussing these with the clinical coordinator well in advance (six months or more).
The clinical coordinator may assist with practicum experience requests but such placement requests are not guaranteed. All students must meet health requirements and may need to pass a criminal background check prior to the start of their practicum experience.
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing®
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