Nursing Integrative Practicum Program - Guidelines for Student Progression

The following guidelines should be used when planning the student's progression through their Integrative Practicum. Adhering to a schedule similar to this will assist the student and the CTA in determining whether the student is progressing at a rate that will assist him/her to meet the goal of meeting competency benchmarks for Integrative Practicum completion.

Days 1-2:

Expected behaviors include:

  • orientation to unit
  • reviewing unit orientation manual
  • familiarizing self with job descriptions and employees
  • identifying lines of communication
  • caring for 1-2 patients
  • creating a worksheet suitable for the unit

Days 3-5:

Expected behaviors include:

  • taking report and planning care using a worksheet
  • keeping CTA and appropriate members of health team informed of changes in patient condition
  • assisting CTA in writing individualized patient care plans per agency protocol
  • identifying assigned patients' priority needs and reprioritizing them appropriately as patient's condition changes

Days 6-10:

In addition to the above, expected behaviors include:

  • increasing number of patients on student’s care team if applicable.
  • participating in assigned unit tasks beyond patient care
  • reporting pertinent information in a complete, concise, and organized manner to the oncoming shift
  • developing a nursing care plan for patients and with CTA assistance entering the care plan in the computer
  • participating in admissions, discharge and/or transfers of patients
  • facilitating patient contact with hospital and community services when appropriate

Days 11-16:

In addition to the above, expected behaviors include:

  • communicating patient care objectives to appropriate members of the health team
  • delegating patient care to appropriate personnel (as determined by job description) using appropriate communication skills
  • evaluating personnel performance in delivery of nursing care as appropriate

Days 17-26:

In addition to the above, expected behaviors include:

  • Assuming most of the RN role in managing care for assigned patients.
  • Assisting CTA with transcription and validation of new orders
  • Communicating with attending MD/NP/PA as necessary, reporting change in patient’s condition, requesting additional orders, etc.
  • Utilizing resources to advance evidence-based practice
  • Identifying personal goals to facilitate transition to RN role