What are nursing clinicals?
Working under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse preceptor during your clinical rotations, you’ll practice what you learned in the online classroom. Clinicals are very similar to an internship or being an apprentice; you provide care for real patients while benefiting from the supervision and guidance of your preceptor. Additionally, Holy Family University faculty will direct and evaluate the clinical experience providing support to both you and your preceptor.
How does the clinical placement process work?
Our clinical placement team works closely with you to ensure your rotations meet University and national guidelines. You’ll work with a dedicated Holy Family University Placement Coordinator who will walk you through the process and be your primary point of contact for placement logistics. Based on the program requirements and where you live, your Placement Coordinator will identify an appropriate site and preceptor for you within your community.
When will I receive my clinical placement details?
You will receive a notification from your placement coordinator prior to each clinical start date. Once the placement has been confirmed and communicated, you are encouraged to begin working directly with your preceptor to establish a schedule.
How should I prepare for nursing clinicals?
Throughout the program and through to graduation, you will be in close communication with your Placement Coordinator who will prepare you for clinicals by ensuring you complete all requirements and meet deadlines, answering your questions, verifying your clearance requirements, and walking you through the nursing clinicals checklist.
What can I expect during nursing clinicals?
All clinical experiences are slightly different because students work in various healthcare environments. During clinical rotations, you will be under the close supervision of your preceptor and the indirect supervision of Holy Family University clinical faculty. You will be given specific instructions to follow while keeping clinical practice guidelines in mind.
What are my responsibilities as a student during my clinicals?
Your responsibilities will include the following:
- Review objectives to fulfill clinical requirements.
- Provide your preceptor with daily written objectives and evaluation forms.
- Review existing clinical protocols and Holy Family’s protocols with your preceptor.
- Document all clinical encounters using a subjective, objective, assessment, and plan (SOAP) format.
- Ensure you are always under the supervision of your preceptor.
What can I expect from my preceptor?
Your preceptor is your on-site role model and will help you develop as a nurse during your clinical rotation. They will:
- Bridge the gap between theory and actual practice.
- Orient you to the practice setting (key personnel, organization, and institutional policies).
- Help you plan clinical assignments.
- Provide direct supervision and daily feedback.
- Review and co-sign all documentation in the clinical records.
