NURS 6600: CAPSTONE SYNTHESIS PRACTICUM - Discussion 1 (Very Important for me please - Need only A work on this)
Walden University School o f Nursing Practicum Manual Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Practitioner Special izations : Adult Gerontology A cute Care Nurse Practitioner Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Family Nurse Practitioner P sychiatric -Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page ii MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page iii Walden University 100 Washington Avenue South , Suite 900 Minneapolis, MN 55401 1-800 -925 -3368 Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org. . Walden University practices a policy of nondiscrimination in admission to, access to, and employment in its programs and activities. Walden d oes not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion or creed, marital status, disability, national or ethnic origin, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status. Walden is committed to providing barrier -free access to its educational services and makes appropriate and reasonable accommodations when necessary. Students requesting accommodations per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must contact the Office of Disability Services at [email protected] . This publication represents current curricula, educational plans, offerings, requirements, tuition, and fees. These may be modified or discontinued from time to time in the university’s sole discretion to carry out the university’s purposes and objectives. Neither the provisions of this document nor the acceptance of students through registration and enrollment in the university constitutes a contract or an offer of a contract. Find information on costs, occupation types, completion rates, and median loan debt for this program at http://programdata.laureate.net/walden/master -of-science -in-nursing.html . Walden University is a registered trademark of Walden University , LLC. © 201 7 Walden University, LLC MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page iv C ontents Section 1. Introduction ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 1 Purpose of This Manual ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 1 Walden University ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 1 Vision ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 1 Mission ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 1 Social Change ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 2 School of Nursing ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 2 Vision ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 2 Mission ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 2 Goals ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 2 MSN Program Outcomes ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 2 Nurse Pr actitioner Licensure ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 3 Note on Certification ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................. 3 Note on Licensure, Authorization, Endorsement, or Other State Credentials Necessary to Practice as a Nurse Practitioner ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 4 Field Experience Terms ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................. 4 Practicum ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 4 Practicum Site ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 5 Primary Care ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 5 Acute Care ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 6 Supervision ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 6 Field Experience R oles ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 6 Preceptors ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 6 Students ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 6 Practicum Course Faculty Members ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 8 MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page v Clinical Instructors ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 8 Speciali zation Coordinators ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 9 Program Director ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 9 Field Education Coordinators ................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 9 Working Together ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 9 Field Experience Regulatory Requirements ................................ ................................ ............................ 10 State Requirements ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 10 State Board Requirements ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 11 Non -U.S. -Based Student Requirements ................................ ................................ .............................. 11 Licensure Review ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 11 Section 2. N P Practicum Program ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 13 Specializations Overview ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 13 Required Activities ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 14 Individualized Learning Objectives ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 16 Conference Call ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 16 Journal and Time Log ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 17 Performance Evaluation ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 19 Formal Preceptor and Student Feedback ................................ ................................ ........................... 19 Course -Specific Guidance ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 19 Sect ion 3. Getting Started ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 26 Finding Practicum Sites and Preceptors ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 26 Tips for Practicum Site and Preceptor Search ................................ ................................ ..................... 26 Choosing a Site ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 27 Choosing a Preceptor ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 27 Change of Preceptor ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 29 Affiliation Agreements With Practicum Sites ................................ ................................ ...................... 30 MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page vi Completing and Submitting the Practicum Application ................................ ................................ .......... 31 Policy on Electronic Signatures ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 31 Verification Documents ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 32 Obtaining the Required Information ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 33 Application Deadlines ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 35 Field Site Onboarding Requirements ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 37 Practicum Approval and Start ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 38 Application Approval ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 38 Practicu m Course Registration ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 38 Application Steps ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 39 Section 4. Practicum Policies ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 41 Student Conduct and Responsibilities ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 41 Academic Standing ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 41 Student Professional Competence Policy ................................ ................................ ............................... 42 Problem Behaviors ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 42 Inappropriate and/or Unprofessional Conduct ................................ ................................ .................. 42 Critical Behaviors ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 43 Nondiscrimination and Sexual Harassment Policies ................................ ................................ ............... 43 Nondiscrimination ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................... 43 Sexual Harassment ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 44 Problem Resolution and Process ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 45 Section 5. Frequently Asked Questions ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 48 Section 6. Contact Information ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 51 School of Nursing ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 51 Other Important Resources ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 52 Field Education Resource Links ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 52 MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page vii Academic Advising Team ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 52 Office of Disability Services ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 52 Section 7. Programs of Study ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 53 MSN Core Courses ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 53 MSN NP Specialty Track Courses ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 53 Course Descriptions ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 56 Section 1. Introduction Purpose of This Manual Welcome to the field experience component of Walden University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program . This manual describes the structure and timing of the classroom -based and on -site practicum experiences and the policies students must follow to be successful in the nurse practitioner (NP) specialties. For more information about the nursing programs, students should refer to the School of Nursing Handbook . This manual is intended to provide MSN -NP students with information they need related to practicum policies and procedures as well as to serve as a reference for practicum preceptors and other practicum personnel. This manual refers to the Walden Unive rsity Catalog and the Walden University Student Handbook for specific information on university policies and courses. These resources can be accessed at catalog.WaldenU .edu . Note : Walden University reserves the right to make program changes as needed to help ensure the highest quality program. Walden University The MSN program at Walden University is designed to promote Walden University’s vision , mission, and ongoin g commitment to social change. These guiding principles serve as a framework for the program curriculum and outcomes and are included here as a reference. Vision Walden University envisions a distinctively different 21st -century learning community where k nowledge is judged worthy to the degree that i t can be applied by its graduates to the immediate solutions of critical societal challenges, thereby advancing the greater global good. Mission Walden University provides a diverse community of career profess ionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar -practitioners so that they can effect positive social change. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 2 Social Change Walden University defines positive social change as a deliberate process of creating and applying ideas, strategies , and actions to promote the worth, dignity, and development of individuals, communities, organizations, institutions, cultures, and societies. Positive social change results in the improvement of human and social conditions. School of Nursing Vision The School of Nursing envisions recognition as a preeminent 21st -century school of nursing in which the contributions of nursing, health, and related sciences will transform the provision of nursing services along the continuum of care and across the human lif espan to meet the needs of individuals and local and global communities. Mission The School of Nursing provides academically rigorous and culturally and contextually relevant educational programs, based on the scholar -practitioner model, for a diverse arra y of nursing professionals seeking enhancement of critical -thinking skills, abilities to select and implement evidence - based practices, and core and specialty nursing knowledge in order to transform society. Goals The goals of the School of Nursing at Walden are to: 1. Empower nursing professional s through academic advancement that enhances personal growth, professional development, and academic achievement. 2. Create an educational environment where learners are able to build on their existing transformational and professional nursing knowledge, skills, and integrative abilities. 3. Educate nursing professional s with consideration for the complex needs of the diverse learner while upholding professional nursing standards. 4. Encourage learners t o integrate biopsychosocial, nursing and health theories, research, and evidence -based practice that exemplif y professional nursing standards. 5. Prepare professional nursing leaders who are empowered to promote social change for individuals, groups, and o rganizations locally, nationally, and globally. MSN Program Outcomes At the end of th e MSN program, students will be able to: MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 3 1. Synthesize organizational/systems leadership for cost -effective specialist nursing practice that contributes to high -quality he althcare delivery, advancement of the nursing profession, and social change. 2. Critique evidence -based literature drawing from diverse theoretical perspectives and pertinent research to guide decision making that demonstrates best practices for specialist nursing practice in a global society. 3. Integratively assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate cost -effective healthcare strategies that reduce health disparities by patient/population advocacy for access to specialist nursing care. 4. Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate using audience -specific oral, written, and information technology for professional delivery of specialist nursing care. 5. Evaluate health needs of diverse populations for necessary teaching/coaching functions based on specialist nursing knowledge to restore/promote health and prevent illness/injury. 6. Exhibit ongoing commitment to professional development and value of nursing theories/ethical principles (altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice) in accordance with ethically responsible, legally accountable, specialist nursing practice. 7. Implement specialist nursing roles to promote quality improvement of patient -centered care in accordance with professional practice standards that transform heal th outcomes for diverse populations. Nurs e Practitioner Licensure Note on Certification The MSN -NP specializations are designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for national NP certification exams, which are required for practice as a n NP in most st ates. Because no university program can guarantee that graduates will be permitted to practice as a n NP upon graduation, Walden encourage s students to consult with the appropriate Board of Nursing or state agency to determine specific certification exam re quirements. Walden enrollment advisors can provide information relating to national certification exams; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification exams for the state in which he or she intends to practice as requirements vary widely. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain national certification. For more information about NP certification exams, students should visit the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners at www.aa npcertific ation.org , the American Nurses Credentialing Center at www.nursecredentialing. org , and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses at www.aacn.org . MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 4 Note on Licensure, Authorizatio n, Endorsement, or Other State Credential s Necessary to Practice as a Nurse Practitioner The MSN -NP specializations are designed to prepare graduates with an active registered nurse (RN) license to practice as NP s. However, each state Board of Nursing has its own academic and certification requirements and issues its own credential for an RN to be permitted to practice as a NP in that state. Because no university program can guarantee that graduates will be permit ted to practice as NP s upon graduation, Walden encourage s students to consult with the appropriate Board of Nursing or state agency to determine specific requirements in the state in which they wish to practice. Walden enrollment advisors can provide guida nce relating to the state -by -state requirements for practice as a NP ; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to the practice as a NP in the state in which he or she intends to practice as requirements vary widely. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential. For more informa tion about the requirements to practice as a NP , students should contact the appropriate Board of Nursing or state agency. After graduation , all certification , credentialing , and licensure forms and requests must be sent to Nursing Licensure at [email protected] . Field Experience Terms For the purposes of this manual , the following terms are defined in this way: Practicum A practicum is a distinctly defined supervised on -site experience in which students develop applied skills and integrate professional knowledge in the provision of advanced practice nursing care. All NP students must complete four practicum courses, with a minimum o f 576 hours of supervised clinical experience (144 hours in each course) . The didactic (classroo m) and clinical components of the courses are integrated. The courses vary by specialization : Students in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP ) specialization must complete NURS 6531, 6540, 6550, and 6560. Students in the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner ( AG PC NP ) specialization must complete NURS 6531, 6540, 6551, and 6565 . Students in the Family Nurse Practitioner ( FNP ) specialization must complete NURS 6531, 6541, 6551, and 6565 . Students in the Psychiatric -Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialization must complete NURS 6640, 6650, 6660, and 6670. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 5 Practicum Site A practicum site is a health agency or other appropriate setting at which students have supervised, applied practice experiences that are consistent with their education and training. Officials at p racticum sites enter into an affiliation agreement with Walden, stating they will provide appropriate support and supervision for students during the practicum experience. Virtual sites are not allowed for practicum courses. In general, students must spend the majority of their clinical experience time in general primary care settings seeing a good ov erall mix of age groups over the lifespan (FNP) or with adolescents and adults (AGACNP, AG PCNP) with a broad range of health promotion, disease prevention, and acute and chronic health problem assessment and management needs. Appropriate practicum sites for the AG PC NP/FNP specializations can include physician’s offices (family practice, pediatric practice, women’s health, or internal medicine) ; clinics that provide primary care, such as health departments ; and hospital -based primary care clinics. AGACNP s tudents may use some of these sites in NURS 6531 and 6540 and acute care facilities for NURS 6550 and 6560 . Psychiatric -mental health nurse practitioners will have practicum experiences in a wide range of setting with children, adolescents, adults, and o lder adults. NURS 6640 and NURS 6650 focus on psychotherapy practice where NURS 6660 and NURS 6670 are integrative experiences (psychopharmacology coupled with psychotherapy) . Primary Care A primary care practice serves as the patient's first point of ent ry into the healthcare system and as the continuing focal point for all needed healthcare services. Primary care practices provide patients with ready access to their own personal physician. These practices provide health promotion, disease prevention, hea lth maintenance, counseling, patient education, diagnosis , and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses in a variety of healthcare settings . These practices are organized to meet the needs of patients with undifferentiated problems, with the vast majority of patient concerns and needs being cared for in the primary care practice itself. Primary care practices are generally located in the community of the patients, thereby facilitating access to healthcare while maintaining a wide variety of specialty and in stitutional consultative and referral relationships for specific care needs. The structure of the primary care practice may include a team of physicians and non -physician health professionals. Appropriate settings for primary care should be in outpatient primary care settings. All students in NP specializations require primary care experiences. FNP students must complete all clinical hours in primary care settings, AG PC NP students may complete clinical hours both in primary care and specialty care settings, and AGACNP and PMHNP students may complete clinical hours in MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 6 primary care, specialty care , and acute care settings. Acute Care Acute care refers to a level of specialty care focused on the management of severe injuries, urgent medical conditions, exa cerbation of chronic illnesses, and/ or recovery after surgical procedures. Acute care settings provide patients with secondary heal thcare services that address active healthcare problem s. Acute care practices provide access to healthcare teams that spa n the gamut of nursing, medical, and surgical specialties. Acute care practitioners perform assessments, order and interpret diagnostic tests, formulate diagnoses, perform procedures, and develop and /or implement treatment plans. The quintessential acute c are setting is the in -patient hospital, but acute care is also provided in emergency rooms, urgen t care centers, or surgery centers . Essentially, comprehensive care of patients with acute, critical, and/or exacerbated , complex , chronic conditions falls und er the realm of the acute care provider regardless of the practice setting. The acute care provider is specialized in addressing the needs of high acuity patients along the illness -to-wellness spectr um . Supervision Supervision by a preceptor is composed of a tutorial and mentoring form of instruction in which practicum preceptors monitor students’ activities in the practicum during the provision of primary care and facilitate learning and skill -development experiences. Preceptors guide student s and provide feedback on their practicum work. Field Experience Roles Preceptors Preceptors are qualified practitioners within a clinical site who are responsible for guiding students’ practicum experiences (see Preceptor Requirements in Section 3 ). Preceptors must be employed at the field site. Walden expects preceptors to be accessible to students and to provide guidance and feedback that promotes growth of knowledge, skills, and competencies consiste nt with Walden’s educational goals as well as with best nursing practice s. Preceptors provide mentoring and guidance appropriate to students’ roles in their clinical sites, including ongoing feedback about the students’ progress in meeting clinical goals. Students Students at Walden are considered to be adult learners who are capable of seeking educational opportunities to meet their personal and professional goals. Walden expects students to collaborate with faculty members and be self -directed to meet edu cational requirements. Students work with faculty members, clinical instructors, and preceptors to ensure they obtain a well -rounded educational experience. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 7 Students are expected to complete adhere to the following: Develop a learning contract to meet co urse objectives and outcomes for the practicum. Adhere to the learning contract as established by the student, clinical instructor, and preceptor. Comply with the policies and protocols established by the practicum site. Seek direct and indirect supervisio n from the clinical instructor and preceptor. Be appropriately prepared for each laboratory and clinical experience. Incorporate theory and research into clinical practice to provide evidence -based care to patients. Provide safe, competent, and quality car e under the supervision of the clinical instructor and preceptor. Maintain an ethical and professional manner at all times. Use acquired knowledge and clinical skills for appropriate clinical setting. Use various educational resources to provide evidence -based care to patients. Be on time and be prepared for each clinical session. Develop a clear and concise plan to meet course outcomes. Be respectful and professional . Participate in regular conferences with the clinical instructor. Seek regular feedback fr om the clinical instructor and preceptor about progress in the clinical setting. Adhere to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines at all times. Maintain a clinical journal, time log s, patient logs , and other pertinent clinic al records as required by the clinical instructor and/or preceptor. Be adaptable and flexible learners. Evaluate the course, clinical experience, and preceptor. Develop long -term and short -term goals during the program. Participate in group and individual conferences. Complete the required hours needed for the didactic and clinical portions of the courses. Complete all course assignments satisfactorily. Contact the clinical instructor and practicum site if unable to attend a clinical experience. Use critic al-thinking skills and sound clinical judgment in providing patient care. Students With Disabilities The School of Nursing at Walden will not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing all qualified students with disabilities eq ual access to its programs, services, and activities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 8 In postsecondary education, it is the students’ responsibility to self -identify disability statu s and register with the Office of Disability Services prior to requesting accommodations. To register, students should submit documentation of disability along with Walden’s Accommodation Request form to [email protected] . The process and form are available from the Office of Disability Services . Students with disabilities requesting accommodations to access field experiences, such as a practicum and/or internship , should register with the Office of Disability Services prior to registering for those field experiences and clarify their specific accommodation needs. In most cases, field experience sites have their ow n systems for ensuring equal access for employees/interns with disabilities. The Office of Disability Services will help address any gaps in those systems. Practicum Course Faculty Members Walden nursing faculty members , who are doctorally prepared, teach the didactic portion of the course s and communicat e with clinical instructors and preceptors regarding the students’ successful mastery of all competencies prior to recording the final course grades . Practicum course faculty members collaborat e with stude nts and clinical instructors and inform specialization coordinators about any difficulties that arise during the practicum experience. Didactic faculty members may also serve as clinical faculty. Clinical Instructors Clinical instructors are a critical element of the NP student practicum experience. The se instructor s monitor and assess appropriate learning experiences to facilitate students’ achievement as it relates to the practicum course objectives. The clinical instructors are NP s respons ible and accountable for assuring that students meet the course objectives at a specific practicum site and work closely with preceptors. Clinical instructors communicate on a regular basis with NP students and their preceptors regarding student progress and learning needs; they are also available to resolve problems that may arise. Clinical faculty make practicum site visit s (virtually and/or physically) to review students’ experiences and the appropriateness of the setting. Clinical instructors are respo nsible for evaluating the students’ clinical work. Specific clinical instructor responsibilities include the following activities: Providing guidance to students in formulating the learning contract. Conferring with students individually and in groups. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 9 Assigning student grades following review of the learning outcome measures identified in the course and the learning contract. Complet ing final student evaluations in Meditrek. Forwarding all evaluation forms to the specialization coordinator. The clinical instructors and their assigned students should touch base very early in the quarter and arrange date(s) for the site visit(s). Students should turn in their subjective , objective , assessment , plan (SOAP) notes and their journal entries to thei r clinical instructors and maintain their time logs within Meditrek. The c linical instructors are the students’ primary resource regarding any problems or issues that arise relat ed to the practicum experience. Specialization Coordinators Specialization coordinators are doctorally -prepared Walden faculty members whose primary role regarding the MSN practicum is to oversee the experience for a given MSN specialization (i.e., AGACNP, AGPCNP, PMHNP, or FNP) . The specialization coordinators are an important r esource for students during the program, especially if any problems arise during the practicum . Program Director The program director (PD) is a doctorally -prepared full -time academic administrator who reports to the dean and supervises the specialization c oordinators and faculty. The PD ’s primary role is to maintain the quality and integrity of the degree program and oversee day -to-day program management. While working with specialization coordinators, the PD supports students throughout the MSN -NP program, including during the practicum experience. Field Education Coordinators Field education coordinators are Walden employees who help students understand the practicum policies and procedures. They answer questions about the practicum application process, r eview materials to ensure that students have completed all required application and documentation steps, and work collaboratively with the specialization coordinators and the PD throughout the approval process. Once practicum applications have been approve d, the field education coordinators ensure that students are enrolled in their appropriate practicum course. Field education coordinators are assigned to students by region and are available to students via e -mail, phone , or appointment. Students can find their field education coordinator online at http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son/contactus . Working Together Walden’s program directors, director of field placement, specialization coordinators, field education coordinators, practicum course faculty members , and clinical instructors are committed to working collaboratively with students and preceptors to support the successful completion of practicum experiences. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 10 Process for Mentoring and Evaluation of Students Th e practicum process is collegial , with the recognition that NP students are adult learners who are capable of critical self -reflection, open to constructive feedback, and responsibl e for their own learning. Expectations for clinical practica performance correlate with the stage of the students’ learning ; i.e., greater clinical practicum expertise is anticipated as students’ progress through the program. Once students enroll in a practicum course, they are mentored and evaluated by their preceptor and a Walden clinical instructor who is assigned to them at the beginning of the quarter. Preceptors provide the experiences , supervise students , and provide evaluations to the clinical ins tructors. Practicum course faculty members grade students’ coursework and, in general, return students’ written work within Walden guidelines on returning grades. Students are encouraged to consult with practicum course faculty members by phone or e -mail a bout their progress throughout the quarter as stipulated in the course syllabus. Students meet with their clinical instructor during the first or second clinical practicum seminar of the quarter. Clinical instructors are experienced NPs who grade students ’ written work (SOAP notes, clinical logs, and reflections); in general, clinical instructors return students’ written work within Walden guidelines on returning grades. Students are encouraged to consult with clinical instructors by phone or e-mail about their progress throughout the quarter as stipulated in the course syllabus. Clinical i nstructors also maintain contact with students and preceptors throughout the quarter to determine whether the students’ learning needs are being met at their practicum site and to monitor students’ clinical progress. This culminates in a clinical practicum evaluation toward the end of the quarter. Clinical instructors arrange a time with students to evaluate the students’ clinical performance. Students should make sure t hat the date and time of the evaluation is agreeable with the preceptor, and if this is an on -site visit, that an appropriate number and type of clients are scheduled. During these visits, instructors provide students with mentorship and supervision during one or more patient encounters. Field Experience Regulatory Requirements State Requirements The ability for student s to complete a required practicum in each state depends upon the statutes and regulations of that state. It is the students ’ responsibility to know and understand the statutes and regulations of that state and whether completion of the required practicum is permitted. Students should inform the field education office when moving to another state to ensure successful completion of practicum is permitted. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 11 State Board Requirements Some state boards of nursing have additional approval requirements. B ecause of these additional state board requirements and approvals, students who will perform their clinical practicum experience i n the following states must submit their applications via Meditrek at least 11 weeks (one quarter) prior to starting their practicum course as late applications will NOT be accepted for these states: Alabama: (http://www.abn.alabama.gov/nursing -programs/#tab -outofstate Wyoming: https://nursing -online.state.wy.us/Default.aspx?page=57 Rhode Island:
http://www.health.ri.gov/partners/boards/nurseregistrationandnursingeducation/ Tennessee : http://tn.gov/health/topic/nursing -board Non -U.S. -Based Student Requirements To be approved for the field experience, non -U.S. -based students must adhere to the following: Students must apply through the International Office . Students must be licensed in a U .S. state and complete their practicum in that state. Students must comply with all other requirements required of U.S. students. Students should contact nursing field education coordinators early to ensure that they have found an acceptable preceptor and meet all the other requirements. Licensure Review The School of Nursing Field Education Office will conduct a routine professional license verification search and verification review as part of the practicum application process. This search and review will be completed for all students applying for practicum and all candidates for preceptorship. Information for this review will be gathered through NURSYS ®, state boards of nursing, state medical boards , or any other applicable professional credent ialing authority. Any information attached to a professional license verification will be reviewed by the School of Nursing’s Licensure and Compliance department. The information that will be reviewed includes past and present credentialing information , su ch as state licensing board orders, consent agreements, letters of reprimand or censure, complaints, malpractice claims, settlements , and awards or other indication of action taken against the license by the professional credentialing authority. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 12 This info rmation will be reviewed as part of the application and preceptor approval process. Practicum applications will not be approved until this review has been completed. If a student has a past or present order, consent agreement, letter of reprimand, censur e or complaint , or any other information issued by the professional credentialing authority regarding the student’s professional license, the student will be required to inform their field site and preceptor of this information. The field site and precepto r will need to confirm that the student will be able to complete field experience at the site prior to the approval of the student’s practicum application. Written documentation from the field site and preceptor , which confirms that (a) the field site is a ware of the past or present board issued information (as described previously ) and (b) the field site has agreed to accommodate the practicum placement, must be submitted to the Walden University SON field office. It is recommended that students review their preceptor’s license verification prior to submitting their practicum application. This can be done online through NURSYS or the corresponding state board of nursing website if the preceptor is a nurse, or by reviewing the preceptor’s license v erification provided by their professional licensing authority (medical board, Department of Health , etc.) MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 13 Section 2. NP Practicum Program Specialization s Overview The practicum experience helps students transition from the role of learner to that of s cholar - practitioner. To achieve this transition, students engage in a relationship with a clinical instructor and preceptor, focusing on roles and role functions and the achievement of individualized learning objectives. The primary objective of the practi cum is to provide students with the basic skills necessary to serve as midlevel providers of primary care to selected populations and to prepare students to take the appropriate national certification exam. Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP ): Students in the AGACNP specialization engage in clinical experience s in which they focus on the provision of acute and chronic care for young adults (including adolescents and emancipated minors), adults, and older adults (including young -old, old, and old -old adults), including health promotion and assessment and management of acute and chronic health problems. There is a special emphasi s on managing the care of acutely ill adults in a variety of settings including hospital settings . The content in the AGACNP specialization builds on concepts related to acute and chroni c illness and its impact on individuals and families. This program edu cates students to work in an inpatient setting. Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner ( AG PC NP ): Students in the AG PC NP specialization engage in clinical experience s in which they focus on the provision of primary care for young adults (includ ing adolescents and emancipated minors), adults, and older adults (including young -old, old, and old -old adults), including health promotion and assessment and management of acute and chronic health problems in primary care settings and specialty care . The content in the AG PC NP specialization builds on concepts related to the trajectory of chronic illness and its impact on individuals and families. This program educates students to work in an outpatient setting. Family Nurse Practitioner ( FNP ): In this specialization , students are provided with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage health problems of individuals at any age. The management courses address the illnesses across the lifespan that are commonly encountered by advanced practice nurses in primary care settings. This program educates students to work in an outpatient setting. Psychiatric -Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Students in the PMHNP specialization engage in a wide range of mental health services across the lifespan provi ded to patients and families in a variety of settings. The PMHNP content focuses on psychiatric disorders, stress and anxiety disorders, organic brain disorders, and substance abuse issues. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 14 Required Activities Students must satisfactorily complete all th e requirements of the ir practicum courses (Table 1) in accordance with the information provided in the course syllabi. Students complete the didactic portion of the track online. They must receive a grade of Satisfactory (S) for the clinical components in courses that have integrated didactic (theory) and practicum components to successfully pass the course. They earn 5 quarter credits and receive a letter grade on a 4.0 -grading scale for each course. Table 1. NP Practicum Courses by Specialization Course AGACNP AG PC NP FNP PMHNP 1 NURS 6531 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults Across the Lifespan (Didactic —3 cr.; Practicum —2 cr. [144 hours]) NURS 6531 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults Across the Lifespan (Didactic —3 cr.; Practicum —2 cr. [144 hours]) NURS 6531 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults Across the Lifespan (Didactic —3 cr.; Practicum —2 cr. [144 hours]) NURS 6640 - Psychotherapy With Individuals (Didactic —3 cr.; Practicum —2 cr. [144 hours]) 2 NURS 6540 - Advanced Practice Care of Frail Elders (Didactic —3 cr.; Practicum —2 cr. [144 hours]) NURS 6540 - Advanced Practice Care of Frail Elders (Didactic —3 cr.; Practicum —2 cr. [144 hours]) NURS 6541 - Primary Care of Adolescents and Children (Didactic —3 cr.; Practicum —2 cr. [144 hours]) NURS 6650 - Psychotherapy With Groups and Families (Didactic —3 cr.; Practicum —2 cr. [144 hours]) 3 NURS 6550 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings I (Didactic —3 cr.; Practicum —2 cr. [144 hours]) NURS 6551 - Primary Care of Women (Didactic —3 cr.; Practicum —2 cr. [144 hours]) NURS 6551 - Primary Care of Women (Didactic —3 cr.; Practicum —2 cr. [144 hours]) NURS 6660 – Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role I: Child and Adolescent (Didactic —3 cr.; Practicum —2 cr. [144 hours]) MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 15 Course AGACNP AG PC NP FNP PMHNP 4 NURS 6560 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II (Didactic —3 cr.; Practicum —2 cr. [144 hours]) NURS 6565 - Synthesis in Advanced Nursing Practice Care of Complex Patients in Primary Care Settings (Didactic —3 cr.; Practicum —2 cr. [144 hours]) NURS 6565 - Synthesis in Advanced Nursing Practice Care of Complex Patients in Primary Care Settings (Didactic —3 cr.; Practicum —2 cr. [144 hours]) NURS 6670 – Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role II: Adults and Older Adults (Didactic —3 cr.; Practicum —2 cr. [144 hours]) Total Hours Required 576 576 576 576 Prerequisite Notes: Prior to beginning the practicum component, students must have satisfactorily completed NURS 6501 - Advanced Pathophysiology, NURS 651 2 - Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning , and NURS 6521 - Advanced Pharmacology. Students enrolled in NURS 651 2 must have access to or purchase the following tools to complete the course : Otoscope and ophthalmoscope . Stethoscope . Reflex hammer and tuning fork (256 cps) . Penlight, measuring tape, and pocket eye chart. Students must complete a minimum of 576 hours of direct patient care during the four courses. Students may start logging practicum hours within each course on the second da y of the course provided that they have received a practicum approval notice from the field education coordinators and their clinical instructor approves. Students may not log any hours before the start of the course , receive practicum application approval from the Field Experience office, are registered for the practicum course , and receive approval from the clinical instructor. They must complete all 144 practicum hours for each course by the end of Week 10 . Each clinical course has a suggested number of patients that must be seen to complete the course. Please check this number with the faculty member in each clinical course at the beginning of the term . The following activities count toward required practicu m hours: Activities that are directly related to the completion of practicum goals and objectives. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 16 Shadowing the preceptor (no more than 8 hours) . Attendance at meetings while in the clinical setting . The following activities are not included as practi cum hours: Travel time related to and from practicum activities. Requirements mandated by clinical agencies . Communication (e.g., e -mails, phone calls), unless conferencing . Assignments related to the didactic portion of the course. Conferences . Indivi dualized Learning Objectives Walden expects that the practicum experience will allow students to focus on developing and strengthening discrete skills as well as integrat ing a range of skills into a coherent professional identity. Students set specific goa ls for the practicum experience that are consistent with their professional preparation and coursework. These goals inform the evaluation of their competencies at the end of the practicum . In the first week of the practicum, students formulate two to th ree individualized learning objectives that they want to achieve during their practicum experience ; these objectives are based on their previous assignments, practicum experiences, practice setting, and interests. As students approach the practicum, they should reflect on their coursework and identify two to three areas in which they feel the need for further growth or with which they might want application -level experience. Students should discuss the ideas they identify with their preceptor s and de termine if the necessary resources are available at their placement site s. Then they prepare a set of measurable learning objectives, using Bloom’s taxonomy, that specify what they want to achieve . Conference Call Shortly after the initiation of the pract icum course , clinical instructors coordinate a conference call with students and preceptors, which is intended to ensure that the clinical goals of the practicum are being addressed, students and preceptors understand the key points of the clinical experience, an opportunity for questions is provided, and any problems are identified and resolved. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 17 The clinical instructor informs students of the requirements and procedures for settin g up this call. The call is designed to be supportive of students and to monitor the fit of the site for meeting their educational goals and needs. It also offers students and clinical instructors the opportunity to collaborate with preceptors, answer any outstanding questions and, when needed, identify, address, and resolve any difficulties students may be experiencing at the practicum site. Journal and Time Log Journal Students must periodically submit a journal entry showing how theoretical underpinni ngs may apply to a selected practicum experience and how that one aspect of their practicum is consistent with or different from learned theory . The purpose of the journal is to identify activities, issues, or problems that show how theory is or is not applied and supported in the nursing practice specialization. Drawing from theoretical constructs learned in this program and the specialization content, learning outcomes, and competencies, students analyze their practicum experience . In a one -page jou rnal entry (250 –300 words), students reflect on their practicum experiences and discuss how practices they observe or conduct differ from (or are in agreement with ) substantiated theory. Students f ocus on one instance of this similarity or gap for each journal entry . In each journal entry, students do the following: Describe a selected observed activity or situation (no more than half of a page). Analyze observations in the context of a selected theory. State conclusions regarding the fit of the s elected theory to the selected event. Offer recommendations for improving the fit, if needed. Include APA -style citations and references. Students must submit a journal entry when due, even if they are not on -site that week. If they are not on -site for a week in which a journal entry is due, they must reflect on experiences from any of the previous weeks of the practicum. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 18 Daily Time Log Using Meditrek , students keep a log of the time they spend on practicum activities. Each log entry must be linked wi th an individual practicum learning objective or a graduate program objective. Students should track their hours in Meditrek as they are completed. Students submit time logs the same weeks that journal entries are required. Time logs are signed off by prec eptors and clinical instructors at the end of the course after the completion of hours. The time log must include the following: Dates . Course. Clinical Faculty. Be sure to include the clinical instructor, not the didactic faculty member , in Meditrek . Preceptor. Total time for the day . Notes/Comments. Patient Log Using Meditrek, students keep a patient log of the time they spend with each patient. The patient log must include the following: Date. Course. Clinical Faculty. Be sure to include t he clinical instructor, not the didactic faculty member , in Meditrek. Preceptor. Patient Number. Client Information. Visit Information. Practice Management. Diagnosis. Procedure. Treatment Plan and Notes. IV Medication . MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 19 Performance Evaluation During the first week of a practicum course, students develop a set of individualized practicum objectives for the experience that supports the course overall objectives and is approved by the clinical instructor. During the second week, students arrange a conference call between their preceptors and clinical instructors to discuss the practicum objectives and the activities planned during the practicum hours. A second and third conference call with preceptors and clinical instructors occurs at midpoint and at the end of each practicum course. In the 10 weeks that follow, clinical instructors closely follow students’ activities through guided, posted discussions on the engagement of students with their preceptors to accomplish practicum objectives. Additionally, activities are reported to clinical instruc tors through eight journal entries. Also, clinical instructors review the time logs and journal entries to determine student progress three times during the 11 weeks. Preceptors use a formal evaluation to communicate student progress to the clinical inst ructor twice during the practicum —at midterm and at the end of the course. Clinical self -evaluation is required as part of the process at the conclusion of the practicum experience , along with an evaluation of the entire process by the preceptor. Over the length of the course, preceptors and clinical instructors communicate often through e -mail and by phone conferences to meet the needs of students. Faculty members give the final grade, which is based on didactic and clinical grades. The clinical instructor provides the clinical grade to the faculty member teaching the course. Students and preceptors must follow guidelines for submitting evaluations as posted in each course . Formal Preceptor and Student Feedback At the middle and end of each practicum course , students and preceptors are required to complete an online evaluation of their performance and experience. By Week 8, both students and preceptors will receive an e -mail from Meditrek with directions on how to log in and complete an evaluation. Students will use the same user name and password provided to them for the application submission. Preceptors will receive new login information or be reminded of their login information if they had a previous student. Evaluations are due in Week 10. These evaluat ions will not only provide information about the progress of individual students but also help program leadership to continuously work on the course review and improvements. Students receive an Incomplete (I) grade if any of the above evaluations are not r eceived by the posted deadlines. Course -Specific Guidance The following are suggestions, listed by specialization, for students to consider w hen choosing a preceptor and site for each required practicum course . Students can also consult the course descrip tions in the catalog and at the end of this manual as a guide. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 20 Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) NURS 6531 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults Across the Lifespan Possible Preceptor Choices: Primary care ANP, AGNP, FNP, GNP, MD, DO, PA. Family practice ANP, AGNP, FNP, GNP, MD, DO, PA. Internal medicine ANP, AGNP, FNP, GNP, MD, DO, PA. Possible Site Choices: Family practice, internal medicine practice, or primary ca re clinic. Additional sites that may be acceptable include university health services, health departments, community health centers , urgent care or clinics, depending on the services provided. No specialty clinics. Nonacceptable Sites : Cancer Centers of America NURS 6540 - Advanced Practice Care of Frail Elders Possible Preceptor Choices: Primary care ANP, AGNP, FNP, GNP, MD, DO, PA. Family practice ANP, AGNP, FNP, GNP, MD, DO, PA. Internal medicine ANP, AGNP, FNP, GNP, MD, DO, PA. Hospitalist. Possib le Site Choices: Long -term care, hospice, palliative care, or assisted living/Alzheimer’s facility. Hospital or specialty care facility , ACE units (Acute Care for Elderly). Non acceptable Sites: Surgery centers, emergency departments, emergent care clinic , critical care units. NURS 6550 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings I Possible Preceptor Choices: ANP, AGACNP, FNP, MD, DO, PA. Possible Site Choices: Acute care hospital setting. NURS 6560 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II Possible Preceptor Choices: ANP, AGACNP, FNP, MD, DO, PA. Possible Site Choices: Acute care hospital setting. Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) NURS 6531 - Advanced Practi ce Care of Adults Across the Lifespan Possible Preceptor Choices: Primary care ANP, AGNP, FNP, GNP, MD, DO, PA. Family practice ANP, AGNP, FNP, GNP, MD, DO, PA. Internal medicine ANP, AGNP, FNP, GNP, MD, DO, PA. Practice cannot have a specialty. Possible Site Choices: Family practice, internal medicine practice, or primary care clinic. Additional sites that may be acceptable include university health services, and retail clinics. Health departments and community health centers may be appropriate , depending on the services provided. Non acceptable Sites: Surgery centers, emergency departments, emergent care clinics or Long Term Care Facilities . MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 21 Note : Free clinics may be considered as a clinical site, but they are appropriate only for NURS 6531 because the majority of patients seen are adults. The operating hours in these types of clinics may not enable the student to obtain the required minimum of 144 hours. NURS 6540 - Advanced Practice Care of Frail Elders Possible Preceptor Choices: Primary care ANP, AG NP, FNP, GNP, MD, DO, PA. Family practice ANP, AGNP, FNP, GNP, MD, DO, PA. Internal medicine ANP, AGNP, FNP, GNP, MD, DO, PA. Possible Site Choices: Family practice and internal medicine, l ong -term care, hospice, or assisted living/Alzheimer’s facility. Non acceptable Sites: Surgery centers, emergency departments, home health, and emergent care clinics. NURS 6551 - Primary Care of Women (There is no OB component for AGPCNP students) Possible Preceptor Choices: MD, DO, FNP, PA, WHNP, CNM, ANP, AGNP. Poss ible Site Choices: Any family practice, internal medicine practice, primary care clinic, health department clinic or Planned Parenthood that provides a minimum of 50% women’s care, which can include GYN, pap smears, birth control, menopause, STDs. Nonaccep table Sites : Infertility Clinics NURS 6565 - Synthesis in Advanced Practice Care of Complex Patients in a Primary Care Setting Possible Preceptor Choices : Primary care ANP, AGNP, FNP, GNP, MD, DO, PA. Family practice ANP, AGNP, FNP, GNP, MD, DO, PA. Internal medicine ANP, AGNP, FNP, GNP, MD, DO, PA. Specialty sites ANP, AGNP, FNP, GNP, MD, DO, and PA. Possible Site Choices: Family practice, internal medicine practice, or primary care clinic. Additional sites that may be acceptable include specialty c are clinics, urgent care, long -term care facilities, rehabilitation unit , university health services, pain management, hospice, cancer centers, health departments, community health centers, depending on the services provided. Acute care may be appropriate in certain circumstances. Non acceptable Sites: Surgery centers, emergency departments, emergent care clinics , retail clinics . Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) NURS 6531 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults Across the Lifespan Possible Preceptor Choices: Primary care MD, DO, PA, FNP, AGNP. Family practice MD, DO, PA, FNP, AGNP. Internal medicine MD, DO, PA, FNP. The practice cannot have a specialty. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 22 Possible Site Choices: Family practice, internal medicine practice, or primary care clinic. Additional sites that may be acceptable include health departments that provide primary care and retail clinics (e.g., Walgreens Healthcare Clinic) . Non acceptable Sites: Acute care facil ities (hospitals, surgery centers, emergency departments, emergent/urgent care clinics), specialty clinics, long -term care facilities, university health services, hospice care centers, pain management centers, home care and cancer centers. Note : Free clini cs may be considered as a clinical site, but they are appropriate only for NURS 6531 because the majority of patients seen are adults. The operating hours in these types of clinics may not enable the student to obtain the required minimum of 144 hours. NUR S 6541 - Primary Care of Adolescents and Children All patients seen must be children or adolescents in a pediatrics (newborn – 17 years) practice, well and/or sick. Possible Preceptor Choices: Pediatrician MD or DO. FNP, PNP, and PA in pediatrician’s off ice. Possible Site Choices: Pediatrician office, family practice, primary care, or health department clinic. Non acceptable Sites: Acute care facilities (e.g., hospitals, surgery centers, emergency departments, emergent/urgent care clinics), specialty clin ics, long -term care facilities, university health services, hospice care centers, pain management centers, cancer centers. NURS 6551 - Primary Care of Women Note: 40 hours must be related t o prenatal care . Possible Preceptor Choices: OB/GYN MD, DO, Nurse Midwife , FNP, PA , WHNP. Possible Site Choices: OB/GYN practice, f amily practice, internal medicine practice, primary care clinic, or health department clinic that contains a minimum of 50% women’s care, including pre natal and postnatal care. Nonacceptable Sites : Inf ertility Clinics NURS 6565 - Synthesis in Advanced Nursing Practice of Complex Patients in a Primary Care Setting Possible Preceptor Choices: Primary care MD, DO, PA, FNP. Family practice MD, DO, PA, FNP. Internal medicine MD, DO, PA, FNP. The practice cannot have a specialty. Possible Site Choices: Family practice, internal medicine practice, primary care clinic. Additional sites that may be acceptable include health departments that provide primary care and urgent care facilities. Non acce ptable Sites: Acute care facilities (e.g., hospitals, surgery centers, emergency departments, emergent care clinics), specialty clinics, long -term care facilities, university health services, hospice care centers, pain management centers, cancer centers. Psychiatric -Mental H ealth Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 23 Note : Students in the PMHNP program will need to complete 144 hours of practicum in EACH of the four practicum courses. It is acknowledged that a variety of factors will influence the number of clients s een, but students should strive to see as many clients possible each clinical day. Although a minimum number of patients to be seen has not been established, the clinical experience should last for a duration of no less than 8 weeks to increase the likelih ood that students will be exposed to a wide range of clients with different mental health care needs. NURS 6640 - Psychotherapy with Individuals Possible Preceptor Choices: Psychiatric -mental health nurse practitioner (who engages in psychotherapy — not only medication management , if the preceptor is seeing patients for 15 minute medication checks, this is NOT psychotherapy ), psychiatric -mental health clinical nurse specialist, psychiatrists (who engage in psychotherapy — not only medication management , if the preceptor is seeing patients for 15 minute medication checks, this is NOT psychotherapy ), licensed social worker, license mental health counselor/professional counselor [no spiritual counselor unless licensed to provide psychotherapy services in his/he r state], licensed psychologist, other appropriately licensed/certified mental health professional. Possible Site Choices: Private practice, community psychiatric center, college counseling center, employee assistance program (EAP) sites, or assisted liv ing/Alzheimer’s facility; hospital or specialty care facility, drug/alcohol rehabilitation centers, crisis centers, community counseling centers Long - term care, hospice, palliative care , or any other site where individual therapy takes place (to be determi ned on an individual basis). Nonacceptable Sites: Home Health and Tele -Psychiatry . NURS 6650 - Psychotherapy with Groups and Families Possible Preceptor Choices: Psychiatric -mental health nurse practitioner (who engages in psychotherapy — not only medication management , if the preceptor is seeing patients for 15 minute medication checks, this is NOT psychotherapy ), psychiatric -mental health clinical nurse specialist, psychiatrists (who engages in psychotherapy — not only medication management , if the preceptor is seeing patients for 15 minute medication checks, this is NOT psychotherapy ), licensed social worker, license mental health counselor/professional counselor [no spiritual counselor unless licensed to provide psychotherapy services in his/her st ate], licensed psychologist, other appropriately licensed/certified mental health professional. Possible Site Choices: Private practice, community psychiatric center, college counseling center, employee assistance program (EAP) sites, or assisted living/Alzheimer’s facility; hospital or specialty care facility, drug/alcohol rehabilitation centers, crisis centers, community counseling centers, Long - MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 24 term care, hospice, palliative care, or any other site where group and family therapy take s place (to be determined on an individual basis). Nonacceptable Sites: Home Health and Tele -Psychiatry. NURS 6660 - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role I: Child and Adolescent Possible Preceptor Choices: PMHNP, PMHCNS (if they have presc riptive authority in their state of practice and their job includes prescription of medications ; additionally, they must be actively engaged in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients — not occupying an exclusively administrative/educational rol e), child/adolescent psychiatrist. Possible Site Choices: Pediatric hospice/palliative care, hospital or specialty care facility, private practice, community psychiatric center, high school/college counseling center, drug/alcohol rehabilitation centers, crisis centers, community counseling centers, any other site where psychotropic medications are prescribed to children or adolescents (appropriateness of sites to be determined on an individual basis). Nonacceptable Sites : Home Health and Tele -Psychiatry. NURS 6670 - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role II: Adults and Older Adults Possible Preceptor Choices: PMHNP, PMHCNS (if they have prescriptive authority in their state of practice and their job includes prescription of medications ; additionally, they must be actively engaged in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients — not occupying an exclusively administrative/educational role ), adult/geriatric psychiatrist. Possible Site Choices: Private practice, community psychiatr ic center, college counseling center, employee assistance program (EAP) sites, or assisted living/Alzheimer’s facility; hospital or specialty care facility, drug/alcohol rehabilitation centers, crisis centers, community counseling centers, long - term care, hospice, palliative care, or any other site where psychotropic medications are prescribed to adults/older adults (appropriateness of sites to be determined on an individual basis). Nonacceptable Sites: Home Health and Tele -Psychiatry. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 25 MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 26 Sec tion 3 . Getting Started Finding Practicum Site s and Preceptor s Students should read this manual and refer to the practicum application submittal resources to begin the practicum proces s. Walden provides guidelines for how to choose a preceptor as well as a practicum site; however, because Walden students are located around the world, they have the flexibility to secure their own sites based on their region/location. Students will select a practicum site and initiate contact with a potential preceptor who meets the qualifications and may be interested in working with them. It is recommended to start the search process for a field site and preceptor early in the program as it takes time to secure a field site. Most students should have their first preceptor nominee and a practicum site identified by the middle of their second term. Students should keep in mind that they are taking four courses that focus on different populations and may need three to four different preceptors and sites over the course of their program. A completed application must be submitted via Meditrek by the practicum application deadline date (refer to Application Deadlines —Table 2 ). The student must submit the application in Meditrek in order for the application to be reviewed and processed. Applications in i ncomplete status will not be reviewed. Tips for Practicum Site and Preceptor Search Securing a practicum site and preceptor can be as intensive as a job search. The SON Field Experience Offic e recommend s some of the following tips for students when they are beginning the search process . Students should : Review the tutorial, which includes tips to market themselves to potential preceptors and field sites: http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/ld.php?content_id=10419574 . Contact Career Services to update their r ésum é and cover letters with a focus on finding a practicum field site. Career Services can also provide mock interviews to prepare students for speakin g with potential preceptors. The Career Services website can be found at : http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/careerservices/home . Review the field site list on the Field Education website http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son/formsanddocuments . This is a list of field sites that Walden University School of Nursing students have used in t he past. It doesn't MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 27 necessarily mean that the site will be able to accommodate each student or that an active affiliation agreement is on file, but it is a good place to start. Use their professional and personal network to make connections. Develop a pro file on professional networks (e.g. , LinkedIn) to network; research field sites; connect with colleagues, alumni of Walden, and a variety of other professional nursing related groups. Research professional nursing associations and organizations to find p receptor resources. Contact the ir state board of nursing to see if they have a list of available preceptors or resources. Schedule an appointment with the regional nurse field education coordinator or field education coordinator to discuss other tips and ideas for securing a preceptor and field site. An appointment can be schedule d online at: http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son/contactus . Please keep in mind that the field education coordinator can no t place a student at a site, but the coordinator may have further advice for students . Schedule an appointment with the specialization coordinator (contact information listed in Section 6 ). Specialization coordinators cannot place students at a site , but they may be able to offer suggestions or advice on potential preceptors or practicum experiences. Access t he American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AA NP) student resources center , which may be helpful in finding a field site and preceptor ( http://www.aanp.org/education/student - resource -center/connecting -with -nps ). Choosing a Site Students should c onsider their career goals after graduation when they are choosing a practicum site . They must match their practicum setting and the preceptor that they nominate with their goals , within the specific guidelines of the course. To finalize their education, students must have an opportunity to apply their acquired knowledge, concepts, and skills. To do this, students may need to travel to a setting other than their own practice setting . Students may complete the practic um where they work . However , their practicum experience must be in a different setting than their usual assigned employment role or work, and completed outside of their normal working hours . Students should follow the appropriate procedure at the field s ite to secure a practicum rotation and to understand the field site requirements prior to beginning the practicum. Choosing a Preceptor Students must identify a potential preceptor and determine if the individual is interested in working with them . If so, they must find out whether this individual meet s the qualifications to serve as MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 28 preceptor. Instructions on how to nominate a preceptor are provided later in this section in the instructions on how to complete the application . Students can contact their nursing field education coordinator to obtain feedback about whether the chosen preceptor is an acceptable candidate . Nursing field education coordinators can be contacted via e -mail at Nursefieldtraining@mail. waldenu.edu . Preceptor Requirements Prior to approval, the preceptor’s license and certification (if applicable) is verified and the curriculum vitae or r ésum é is evaluated by the nursing field education office, with final approval by the specialization coordinator. Approval is based on the preceptor meeting the following criteria: Holds a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing. Is currently a registered nurse with a n active, unencumbered license to practice as a nurse practitioner (NP) in the particular area of specialization and in the specific state . Has n ational certification in an area of advanced practice nursing specialization (i.e., FNP , AGA CNP, AGNP , PMHNP, certified nurse midwife ( CNM ), adult , women’s health , or pediatric NP . Has a minimum of 1 year of postgraduate experience and a current job role relevant to the MSN specialization. Is able and willing to commit to the preceptor role for the practicum experience. Is employed at the field sit e where the practicum takes place. Must not be a relative or significant other. Must not be the student’s direct or immediate supervisor . IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PRECEPTOR REQUIREMENTS : To learn the role of the nurse practitioner, it is required that at lea st two preceptors be NPs in an area of practice clearly relevant to meeting the objectives of the NP program/specialty . Preceptors may only be used twice during the four practicum courses. Students may only use the same preceptor for two of their four practicum courses. Physicians ( MDs, D Os) and physician assistants ( PAs ) may serve as preceptors but also must be credentialed and licensed to practice in the population -focused and/or speci alty area of practice. In addition, this area of practice should be clearly relevant to meeting the course objectives of the student’s NP program and meet the course specific guidelines . Students are not allowed to use MDs or PAs for all four courses as at least two preceptors must be NPs. (Note : PAs may not serve as preceptors in the PMHNP program) . Physician assistants (PAs) do not count as meeting the requirement of having two NPs as preceptors. Students cannot use the same preceptor at the same field site when they are doubling up practicum courses during the same quarter. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 29 Use of the Same Preceptor for Multiple Practicum Courses Obtaining approval to use the same preceptor for all four practicu m courses is not allowed . Students are able to use the same preceptor for a maximum of two times for all practicum courses . Each practicum course has different requirements. It is unlikely that one preceptor will have the expertise with a sufficient number of all four populations for students to acquire the appropriate training. Remember, this is the students’ opportunity to learn , and selecting a preceptor that meets only the minimum requirements will likely result in an inadequate experience. Note: Approval of the preceptor must occur prior to the student starting the practicum course and logging hours. Students cannot begin logging practicum hours until their practicum application is fully approved and have been registered for the course. Licensure Review of Preceptors: A routine professional license verification will be completed for all candidates for preceptorship. Any negative information, both past and present, that is part of the license verification will be reviewed by the School of Nursing’s Licensure and Compliance department. Some examples of this information are disciplinary orders issued by a professional licensing board, malpractice information and letters of complaint, censure , or reprimand. This information will be reviewed as part of the preceptor approval process. It is recommend ed that all students review their preceptor’s license verification prior to submitting their practicum application. Co -Preceptor Option In some cases, there may be someone who would be an ideal p receptor, but he or she does not meet all the requirements. For instance, an individual may be a nurse but not have a graduate degree in nursing. If students find themselves in this situation, then they have an option to nominate this person as their co -preceptor, provided they also nominate a preceptor who fulfills the requirements of having a master’s or doctorate in nursing . The co -preceptor assists the partner preceptor to ensure that the quality of the practicum work is at the master’s level and releva nt to nursing. When students complete their practicum application, as described later in this section, they must provide a fully completed application for both their pr eceptor and their co -preceptor. C hange of Preceptor Because circumstances change, someti mes students need to change preceptors before their practicum experience begins or during their practicum experience. For Students Who Need to Change Their Preceptor Before the Practi cum Course Begins : Students will need to notify the field education office as soon as possible if a preceptor changes before the practicum begins so that a new application can be opened by the field education office and MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 30 submitted by the student . If the new preceptor involves a new practicum site, then a new affiliation agr eement will also be needed , which may delay the practicum experience until a later term. For Students Who Need to Change Their Preceptor After the Practicum Course Begins: Students will need to notify the field education office and the faculty member wh o is teaching the practicum course so that the faculty member can contact the special ization coordinator. The special ization coordinator will contact the field office to open a new application. Students must submit a new replacement application for the new preceptor to be approved. If the new preceptor involves a new practicum site, then it is likely the practicum experience will be delayed. Affiliation Agreements W ith Practicum Sites Affiliation agreements are a necessary part of giving students the opport unity to solidify their learning through practicum experiences. An affiliation agreement is a legal contract between Walden and a practicum site. The a ffiliation agreement is not the same as the Preceptor Signature Document. Accreditation standards require that an affiliation agreement be in place before students start their practicum. Coming to a mutual agreement about the affiliation agreement can take time, sometimes several weeks or months . In most cases, Walden is able t o reach a mutual agreement with students’ practicum sites. There are times, however, when Walden is unable to do so. If there is reason to believe that the affiliation agreement between Walden and a site will not go through, Walden will notify students. If there is enough time, Walden works with students as they try to find a new preceptor and site, even if the Office of Field Experience is continuing to work with the first site. Students are strongly encouraged to arrange for alternative practicum sites as back -up options . Walden requires that affiliation agreement s are finalized for each and every field site where practica will occur. If students plan to complete practicum hours at multiple sites, an application must be submitted and approved for each and every field site and preceptor. If students plan to complete practicum hours with a contract agency and will be logging hours at multiple sites, an application must be submitted and approved for each physical field site. Student can monitor the progress of the affiliation agreement process on their application checklist in Meditrek. Delays In some cases, the affiliation agreement may fail with a planned practicum site and it may be too late for students to find a new site prior to the start of the term . If this happens, students are delayed a term while they find a new site. Students are allowed a limited extension to apply for the next term so that MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 31 they can prepare a new application. Walden is not able to predict or control delays, but they are avoided if possible. Field Site Administrator — Affiliation Agreement Contact Preceptors may know who m to contact at practicum sites ; o therwise, students should ask if their practicum site has an education or staff -development manager or a risk manager . The affiliation agreement may be handled by a dean, chief nursing officer, director, CEO , or other administrator ; large organizations may have an on -site legal department and an attorney who signs affiliation agreements . The person who signs the agreement must be authorized to do so by the practicum site. The individual authorized to sign the agreement is usually not the preceptor. It is very important to enter the correct contact information in Meditrek for the contact at the field site because inaccurate info rmation will delay processing. Completing and Submitting the Practicum Application The practicum application consists of multiple parts that students must submit via Meditrek. Students must submit their practicum application via Meditrek by the applicat ion deadline. Students will receive Meditrek login and password information approximately 6 months prior to the practicum course start. Application instructions for Meditrek can be found on the field office website . Students are notified in a timely manner when their applications are due via course e -mail and course announcement. Students should be aware of their program of study and anticipate when they will be ready to begin practicum. Students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor with any questions about their program of study. Important note: Each practicum course requires a separate application. This is necessary because each practicum course has distinct requirements. Students must also submit a new and sep arate application each time they wish to change preceptor s and/or practicum site s. If a student is using multiple preceptors for one course, separate applications must be submitted for each preceptor. If students are using multiple field sites to complete practicum hours, separate applications must be submitted for each field site. Policy o n Electronic Signatures Walden manages the clinical application processes in a nearly paperless environment, which requires reliance on verifiable electronic signatures, as regulated by the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
Legally, an electronic signa ture can be the person’s typed name, e -mail address, or any other identifying marker. An electronic signature is just as valid as a written signature as long as both parties have agreed to conduct the transaction electronically. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 32 Verification Documents To consider and approve clinical applications, Walden requires certain documents : Verification of the students’ current nursing license in the state where students plan to complete their clinical practicum experience. Verification of students’ professional li ability insurance for at least $1 million per incident ; $3 million aggregate. Students must submit a memorandum or certificate of insurance coverage for the active policy. Students must have their own professional liability policy even if their employer or practicum site has a policy that cover s students. The liability must cover the student as a nurse practitioner student. This must clearly be stated in the verification documents submitted . Most insurance companies offer this coverage. Information on how t o obtain liability insurance can be found on the field education under the Resources tab at http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son/formsanddocuments . Wal den will work with students to resolve issues with their insurance if students provide early notification and a clear explanation. Students should c ontact the nursing field education coordinators at [email protected] . Verification of preceptors’ unencumbered professional licenses in the state where students plan to complete their practicum . Preceptors’ r ésum és or curricula vitae ( CVs ). If no r ésum é or CV is available, a brief let ter that includes degrees and years awarded, practice specialty, current place of employment, and certifications held will be accepted. A copy of the preceptors’ LinkedIn profile will be accepted. Note: If the preceptor has been a preceptor with Walden recently, students can upload a letter from the preceptor to authorize the field education office to utilize his or her r ésum é on file including the year the preceptor worked with previous Walden students. Onboarding requirements — verification of background check, health screenings, drug test, etc. If the field site requires additional onboarding requirements, students must complete the screening process through Castle Branch .. The field education office will return the student’s appl ication in Meditrek, after the student submits the application and the affiliation agreement is approved. The student will receive an e -mail requiring completion of the onboarding process through CastleBranch . License Review: The School of Nursing Field Education Office will conduct a routine professional license verification search and review as part of the practicum application process. This search and review will be completed for all students applying for practicum and all candidates for preceptorship . Information for this review will be gathered through NURSYS, state boards of nursing, state medical boards , or any other applicable professional credentialing authority. Any information that is attached to a professional license verification will be re viewed by the School of Nursing’s Licensure and Compliance department. The information that will be reviewed includes past and present credentialing information , such as state licensing board orders, consent agreements, letters of reprimand or censure, com plaints, malpractice claims, settlements , and awards or other indication of action taken against the license by the professional credentialing authority. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 33 This information will be reviewed as part of the application and preceptor approval process. Practicu m applications will not be approved until this review has been completed. If a student has a past or present order, consent agreement, letter of reprimand, censure or complaint , or any other information issued by the professional credentialing authority regarding the student’s professional license, the student will be required to inform their field site and preceptor of this information. The field site and preceptor will need to confirm that the student will be able to complete field experience at the sit e prior to the approval of the student’s practicum application. Written documentation from the field site and preceptor , which confirms that (a) the field site is aware of the past or present board issued information (as described previously ) and (b) the field site has agreed to accommodate the practicum placement, must be submitted to the Walden University SON field office. It is recommended that students review their preceptor’s license verification prior to submitting their practicum application. Thi s can be done online through NURSYS or the corresponding state board of nursing website if the preceptor is a nurse, or by reviewing the preceptor’s license verification provided by their professional licensing authority (medical board, Department of Healt h, etc.) Obtaining the R equired I nformation Students need to submit their practicum application via Meditrek by the application deadline (see Table 2). The following information and documents are required to submit a complete application. Meditrek Meditrek will provide the student’s user name and password. Students will receive one user name and password , directly from Meditrek, for the entirety of thei r use with Meditrek . Students should receive this information prior to their first practicum course , approximately 6 months prior to practicum start . If s tudents have not received their password 1 month before their application is due , they should contact nursefieldtraining@ mail. waldenu.edu . Students can utilize Meditrek to monitor the status and progress of their applications each term. Students can access Meditrek here : https://edu.meditrek.com/De fault.html . Preceptor Nominee s Preceptor nominees will provide MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 34 A l icense in the state where the student is completing the practicum ; the license must show the nominee ’s name and the expiration date and m ust be the nominee’s highest licensure . The field education office will accept a copy of an online verification of the license including a screen shot of the verification saved as a PDF, W ord document, or other types of verification document reports from an online source . A CV or résum é, which must show the nominee’s name , all of his or her formal education , and current job description . If the nominee does not have a r ésum é, the field education office will accept a short bio or a LinkedIn profile . A c urrent e -mail address ; this is important becau se t he preceptor signature document is sent via e -mail for nominees to sign , and preceptors will receive communication about evaluations via e -mail . Please double -check the validity of the e -mail address. Credentials . Phone number . The c urrent position and a description of how it will meet the required objectives of the practicum course . Preceptor Signature Document. The preceptor signature document is e -mailed to the preceptor at the time students enter preceptor information on the Medit rek application. The preceptor should review the document, complete it in its entirety , and sign the document. Students must obtain this document from the preceptor to upload the Meditrek application.
The signature document is an official form and requires the signature from the preceptor. This document is different from the affiliation agreement. Practicum Site s Students need to identify, with the help of the preceptor and/or practicum site contact, who the appropriate individual is at the practicum site that can speak to the affiliation agreement. This individual may be the CEO, dean, contracts manager, site director, human resources, owner, or president. Large organizations may have an on -site legal department that reviews such agreements and may have a n attorney who signs affiliation agreements. Once the proper contact ha s been identified , students need to record the person’s name , title , e-mail add ress , and phone number and to let him or her know to expect an e -mail from Walden University regarding the affiliation agreement . Students need to ensure correct contact information is entered in Meditrek as wrong contact information will delay processing. Student Student’s Walden ID number and Walden e -mail address . Proof of student’s p rofessional liability insurance : m ust show coverage dates and coverage amounts (required minimum of $1 million per incident and $3 million per aggregate ). Students must submit a memorandum of certificate of insurance coverage for the a ctive policy. Must show coverage as a “Nurse Practitioner Student” : students may have to contact their insurance company and get this updated on the certificate. Some companies will provide a separate letter indicating that the student is covered as a nur se practitioner student. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 35 Student’s RN license in the state in which the practicum will be completed: m ust show student’s name and the license’s expiration date and m ust be the student’s highest licensure . The field education office prefers a document from an online verification of licenses. Note : If the status of a student’s RN license changes at any point after the student is admitted/enrolled into a nursing program, it is the student’s responsibility to inform the Director of Compliance and Licensure ( nurslicensure@ mail. waldenu.edu ). Status changes , such as actions or restrictions placed on a student’s RN license , can affect the student’s ability to engage in practica . The preceptor signature document , signed by the preceptor : This document is sent directly to the preceptor via e -mail when students submit the preceptor information section in Meditrek. Students ne ed to follow up with the preceptor to obtain the signed document and then upload it in Meditrek to complete their application. Note: Students are responsible for uploading all documents in Meditrek to complete their application. If students have a co -preceptor or mentor, they must complete and submit a separate application for the preceptor and co -preceptor. For the most up -to-date information regarding applications and Meditrek, including webinars, tutorials , and FAQs, refer to the field experience website . Castle Branch for Onboarding Requirements Castle Branch is a secure platform to complete a background check, drug test, health screenings , and other onboarding requirements of the field site . If the field site needs additional onboarding requirements, students must complete a profile package through Castle Branch . The field education office will return the students’ application through Meditr ek, after the students submit their application and the affiliation agreement is approved. Students will receive an e -mail requiring completion of the onboarding process through Castle Branch . Students complet e the screening requirements online at http://walden.castlebranch.com . Students will need to resubmit their practicum application in Meditrek after successful completion of the screening process through Castl eBranch. If screening requirements are needed, students must complete ALL the requirements listed in Castle Branch to begin their practicum. The practicum application will not be approved until ALL the requirements are complete. Application Deadlines Wald en advises students to submit their application via Meditrek early. Experience has shown that the applications that are completed in a hurry and submitted near the deadline are most frequently those that are missing items or have other problems. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 36 The dead line for submitting the NP practicum application is the first day of the quarter before the students wish to begin the practicum , as shown in Table 2. Students must be sure that they understand the deadline. For example, if students plan to enroll in NURS 6531 (the first NP course with a practicum) in the s ummer quarter, their practicum application is due by the first day of the spring quarter. The deadline is firm. Applications received after the deadline will be held for processing until the next quarter . Generally, field education coordinators will begin reviewing applications after the application deadline. Students must submit a separate application for each field site and preceptor every quarter, even if the field site and preceptor remain the same. Students will not be registered for practicum courses if there is not an approved application on file . Note: Because of some state board requirements and approvals, late applications will not be accepted from students who will perform their clinical pr acticum experience in Alabama, Rhode Island , Wyoming, or Tennessee. Table 2a. Deadl ines for Practicum Applications If students plan to enroll in a clinical course in this quarter: Their application is due the FIRST day of this quarter. Fall Summer Winter Fall Spring Winter Summer Spring Table 2b. Deadline for Practicum Applications (201 7–201 8 School Year) Term Term start Dates Application date Fall 2017 8/28/17 to 11/19/17 Application deadline for Fall 2017 is 5/29 /17 Winter 2017 11/27/17 to 2/18/18 Application deadline for Winter 20 17 is 8 /28 /17 MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 37 Field Site Onboarding Requirements Walden University strives to provide the best possible programs and educational experiences for students. The goal in the School of Nursing is to make the practicum placement process as efficient and effective as possible for students. One st ep toward achieving this goal is requesting that students complete onboarding requirements, which will allow students to meet the onboarding requirements of a greater number of healthcare systems and practicum sites. The field site onboarding requirement process is completed through the university’s designated provider, Castle Branch and could include the following screenings: criminal background check, health and immunization screening, drug test, Basic Life Support (BLS), Occupational Safety and Health Adm inistration (OSHA), and/or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) training, and federal excluded provider check. Students are responsible for all expenses incurred through completion of the onboarding process and must submit payment di rectly to CastleBranch . When ordering the background screening , students will be provided a Disclosure and Authorization form by CastleBranch, which all students must sign in advance of obtaining the background check. The Disclosure and Authorization for m is required by federal law. Although the Disclosure and Authorization form references an employment check, it also applies to students applying for field experience. Nursing students who plan to complete field experience may be required to complete a profile with CastleBranch, Walden’s designated vendor, if their field site requires such verification for onboarding. Students planning to engage in field experience whose field site’s onboarding requirements include screenings and/or verifications , WILL NOT be permitted to start their field experience until their Castle Branch profile package is complete. The onboarding requirements for a field site are outlined in the affiliation agreement between the field site and Walden University. Walden must abide but the requirements outlined in the agreement with the field site. This applies to all students, even if the student is an employee of the field site because this practicum course is in a student role and not an employee role. Spring 2018 2/26/18 to 5/20/18 Application deadline for Spring 20 18 is 11 /27 /17 Summer 2018 5/29/18 to 8/19/18 Application deadline for Summer 20 18 is 2 /26 /18 MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 38 When onboarding requirements are outlined in the affiliation agreement, and the field site agreement is finalized, the field education office will contact students via e -mail. Some healthcare systems and field sites mandate screening requirements that may not be included in the affiliation agreement. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that all students complete the Castle Branch screening process in preparation for field site onboarding requirements in case a field site has onboarding requirements that are no t included in the affiliation agreement with Walden. If students choose not to complete a profile in CastleBranch and their field site requires onboarding requirements , those students will not be permitted to begin their field experience until all requirem ents are complete. If students need to complete onboarding requirements and have not complete d a CastleBranch profile , their field experience may be delayed until the next quarter. Students complete requirements online at http://walden.castlebranch.com/ . Any questions regarding the purchase of a screening package can be answered by CastleBranch at 1 -888 -723 -4263 . For questions regarding the field site, onboarding requirements or practicum application regarding this process, please contact sononboarding@ mail. waldenu.edu . Practicum Approval and Start Application Approval The nursing field education coordinators will process the students’ practicum applicatio ns and notify students if applications are incomplete or if changes are needed. Incomplete applications may be delayed until a later term. Late applications will be delayed until a later term. The nursing field education coordinator or a qualified designe e will review the students’ application materials. If an application is denied, students will be notified and, in most cases, they will be given an opportunity to revise their application within a short amount of time. If an application is approved, a Pra cticum Approval Notice will be sent by Meditrek to the preceptor and to the students. Practicum Course Registration Students will be registered upon full approval of their application. Field education coordinators will submit registrations to the Registrar scheduling department after the practicum application is approved.
Registration begins approximately 4 weeks prior to term start and is processed on a weekly basis. Registration for the practicum courses is subject to review, based on whether students meet course prerequisites and have an approved practicum application on file. Students who do not meet the application requirements and deadlines found in this manual will be dropped from the practicum course until all appropriate documents are on file and approved and all course prerequisites are met.
If students believe they have met all the requirements for starting the practicum and do not see the course registration on their myWalden page, they should contact the nursing field education coordinators at nursefieldtra [email protected] . Student s cannot start logging practicum hours MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 39 until their practicum application is fully approved in Meditrek and they have been registered for the practicum course. Application Steps 1. When students successfully submit their applic ation, they will receive an automatic e -mail from Meditrek stating it was submitted and finalized. Applications will not be reviewed until an application is officially submitted in Meditrek . 2. The application and the affiliation agreement are two separate en tities a nd are worked on simultaneously. 3. Students can log in to Meditrek at any time to see the status of their application by clicking on the course on their list of applications. The application status es are listed below. 4. Students will receive an e -mai l with one of the following responses regarding their application: The application has been returned for further work: The e -mail will identify what students need to correct. Students will need to log back into Meditrek, select the application, correct the error, and then re -submit. Students will then get another e -mail that the application has been re -submitted. The application has been approved. Students are approved to complete prac ticum at the approved field site with the approved preceptor during the approved quarter. The practicum course registration will be process ed after the application has been approved. Application Status Students can monitor the progress of their application review and approval in their checklist in Meditrek. The statuses are as follows: Closed: The application is closed due to inability to approve the application. Students are e -mailed with specific details for the closed application. Incomp lete — Started: Students have started the application but haven’t submitted the application in Meditrek. The application will not be reviewed until it is submitted in Meditrek. Incomplete : Students have started the application and submitted the practicum s ite information but have not submitted the application in Meditrek. The application will not be reviewed until it is submitted in Meditrek. Submitted: The application was submitted to Walden and is ready for review by the Field Experience staff. Returned: The application was submitted and reviewed by a field education coordinator and returned to the student for further work due to issues with the application. The application will not be further reviewed until the issues are resolved by the student and resubmitted in Meditrek. Pending : The application has been submitted and being reviewed by the Field Experience staff. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 40 On -Hold : All aspects of the application have been reviewed but is pending approval for the field site affiliation agreement and possible onboarding requirements. No further action is needed by the student. Approved: Everything is approved, including the affiliation agreement. Student is approved for practicum and will be registered for the practicum course. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 41 Section 4 . Practicum Policies This manual contains only select policy information. Students should consult the student handbook for complete information about university policies and procedures. Student Conduct and Responsibilities The following expectations for conduct and behavior apply to all constituents of the university, including students, faculty, and staff. The university supports and expects its members to comply with the principles developed by the International Center for Academic Integrity , as follows: Honesty: An academic community of integrity advances the quest for truth and knowledge by requiring intellectual and personal honesty in learning, teaching, research, and service. Trust: An academic community of integrity fosters a climate of mutual trust, encourages the free exchange of ideas, and enables all to reach their highest potential. Fairness: An academic community of integrity establishes clear s tandards, practices, and procedures and expects fairness in the interactions of students, instructors, and administrators. Respect: An academic community of integrity recognizes the participatory nature of the learning process and honors and respects a wi de range of opinions and ideas. Responsibility: An academic community of integrity upholds personal accountability and depends upon action in the face of wrongdoing. Walden is committed to conducting its affairs in accordance with this code in a socially responsible and ethical manner consistent with the Walden community’s respective educational, research, scholarly, and social change missions. As such, Walden supports a code of conduct that is consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws guaranteeing nondiscrimination for all protected classifications, as well as with the university’s nondiscrimination policies. In addition, members shall not conduct thems elves either inside or outside of the classroom in a manner that is unduly disruptive or unethical or that might lower the status or damage the reputation of the university. Academic Standing All Walden students are expected to remain in good academic st anding throughout their studies, including the practicum, in accordance with university requirements. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 42 Student Professional Competence Policy There can be situations in which students maintain satisfactory academic standing but exhibit behaviors that rais e questions about their capacity as professionals. There are a number of professional skills and characteristics that are important for those who provide services to children, adolescents, and adults, as well as to professional organizations, in a variety of settings. These interpersonal/professional skills include, but are not limited to, adherence to ethical standards published by professional organizations, professional deportment, sensitivity to client issues, and appropriate use of supervision. Situati ons can arise in which faculty members, students, or other professionals observe behaviors by other students that demonstrate a lack of appropriate interpersonal or professional skills. The purpose of this policy is to provide a set of procedures that Wald en faculty members will use to address such issues. For the purposes of this procedure, a distinction is made between different types of behaviors that impede student development. These include (a) problem behaviors, (b) inappropriate and /or unprofessional conduct, and (c) critical behaviors. Problem Behaviors Problem behaviors occur when a student’s attitude and/or behavior is of concern and requires remediation but is not unexpected for professionals in training. These types of behaviors include, but are not limited to, performance anxiety, discomfort with clients of diverse ethnic backgrounds, and lack of appreciation for agency rules and expectations. These types of behaviors can typically be remediated with feedback and further training and supervision, do not result in the potential for physical and/or emotional harm to others, are limited in duration, and will likely not develop into an inappropriate and /or unprofessional conduct situation. Inappropriate and /or Unprofessional Conduc t Inappropriate and /or unprofessional conduct is defined broadly as an interference in professional functioning that is reflected in one or more of the following ways: An inability and/or unwillingness to acquire and integrate professional standards into one’s repertoire of professional behavior. An inability to acquire professional skills to reach an acceptable level of competency. An inability to control personal stress and/or excessive emotional reactions that interfere with professional functioning. Problems typically become identified as inappropriate and /or unprofessional conduct when they include one or more of the following characteristics: MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 43 The student fails to acknowledge, understand, or address the problem when it is identified, resulting in further manifestations signifying a more pervasive problem. The problem is not merely a reflection of a skill deficit that can be remediated by academic or didactic training. In this case, a group of professional experts (e.g., practicum course faculty members and preceptors) determines that the deficit is likely not correctable. The quality of services delivered by the student is sufficiently negatively affected. The problem negatively affects other students’ learning. A disproportionate amount of att ention and intervention by training personnel and /or instructors is required to remediate the problem. The student’s behavior does not change as a function of feedback, remediation efforts, and/or time. Critical Behaviors While critical behaviors can occur in the online learning environment, they are most likely to manifest during face -to-face meetings (e.g., residencies, meetings associated with coursework, practicum settings). Critical behaviors put, or have the potential to put, students or faculty members (including one ’s self) at risk for physical harm or serious emotional distress. These types of behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following: Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Carrying a weapo n. Harassing, s exual or other types . Having thoughts of s uicide. Abusing v erbal ly. Exhibiting psychological problems (e.g., those associated with such things as psychosis or mania). Threats of harm, intimidation, and abusive or threatening postings. These behaviors may result in legal, law enforcement, medical, and/or mental health interventions. The procedures for addressing these behaviors are covered in the Review Process for Code of Conduct Violations section of the student handbook . Nondiscrimination and Sexual Harassment Policies In Walden’s Code of Conduct, the university maintains the following nondiscrimination and nonharassment policies. Nondiscrimination Walden University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination by or against members of the university community on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 44 age, mental or physical disability, veteran status, mar ital status, or other protected characteristics in the admission to, access to, or treatment or employment in any of its programs or activities. Sexual Harassment Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 prohibits sexual discrimination in educationa l settings. Walden’s Sexual Misconduct policy, which includes policies related to sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence may be found in the Walden Student Handbook and by visiting https://www.waldenu.edu/experience/support -services/student -safety -title -ix. If you have been a victim of any form of sexual violence, harassment, or discrimination (or know someone who has), whether at a Walden -sponsored event or at your field experience site, your first priority is your own personal safety. After you are safe, please contact either your field experience coordinator or Walden’s Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for rec eiving and processing, in a timely manner, reports from students, faculty, staff, and administrators regarding rights and responsibilities concerning Sexual Misconduct in violation of Title IX. Any questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referre d to the Walden University Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator or to the Office of Civil Rights. Walden University’s Title IX Coordinator s Title IX Coordinator Gina Dyson, Director, Student Affairs Phone: 443 -220 -7016 E-mail: [email protected] Title IX Deputy Coordinator Julie K. Ogren, Associate Director, Student Affairs Phone: 612 -312 -2376 E-mail: julie.ogren@mai l.waldenu.edu Title IX Deputy Coordinator, Academic Residencies RoChelle Gilbert, EdD, Associate Director, Academic Residencies Phone: 612 -308 -9254 E-mail: rochelle.gilbert@ mail. waldenu.edu MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 45 Problem Resolution and Process During their practicum, students may be vulnerable to any number of difficulties that can pose barriers to a successful learning experience. By the time students reach the end of the program, they are entering the work setting and should demonstrate effect ive problem -solving skills in many difficult situations. However, students are not expected to resolve practicum problems alone. Practicum Site Personnel If a problem develops between students and their practicum preceptor (or other site personnel), they should consult the appropriate individual at Walden to help determine the appropriate strategy to resolve the problem in an informal manner: first, students should consult the practicum course faculty member, and then, if needed, they may consult the spec ialization coordinator. Significant problems that arise in the practicum setting should be addressed using the process available to employees at the site and as officially documented in the site affiliation agreement signed for the practicum experience. The appropriate Walden faculty or staff member will assist students in preparing any necessary documentation and will closely monitor the progress of the problem resolution, including any grievance process. The specialization coordinator and /or program d irector should inform the School of Nursing’s dean about any unresolved issues and must formally document the efforts to resolve the issues presented.
The dean will review the efforts to resolve the problem and inform students of other possible recourse op tions. Walden Faculty or Staff Members Consistent with ethical guidelines, in nearly all situations, students should initially address any concerns directly with the faculty or staff member involved (e.g., practicum course faculty member, specialization coordinator) and attempt to resolve the issue at an informal level, before proceeding to a request for intervention (e.g., from the program director or dean). Failure to address the problem at the program level may delay resolution, as the problem will lik ely be referred back to the program level. There shall be no retaliation against any student who identifies a problem or seeks assistance in resolving a conflict involving a member of Walden’s faculty or staff, including those students who choose to file a formal grievance. Step 1. Consult the Program Director MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 46 If a problem develops between students and their practicum course faculty member (or other faculty or staff member), the program director will help students determine the appropriate strategy to resolve the problem in an informal manner. The faculty or staff member and/or the program director should fully inform the dean about any unresolved issues and document all attempts to resolve the issues students have presented. All parties should receive copies of any documentation after it is submitted to and approved by the appropriate dean. Step 2. Consult the Dean If students are not able to resolve the problem with the support and intervention of the program director, they should approach the dean to seek guidance and/or intervention. The dean should already have copies of all the documentation of the problem and resolution efforts. The dean will initiate further investigation of the concern. Students may be offered counseling or other needed suppor ts at the dean’s discretion. Step 3. Consider Filing a Grievance If the dean is unable to facilitate resolution of the problem, students may consider filing a grievance following Walden University’s grievance procedure, as described below. Note: Filing a grievance may initiate reassignment of one or more of the involved parties for a reasonable period to allow for an appropriate investigation of the situation. The right to confidentiality, both of the complainant and of the accused, will be respe cted to the extent possible insofar as it does not interfere with the institution’s legal obligation or ability to investigate allegations of misconduct brought to the university ’s attention or to take corrective action when it is found that misconduct has occurred. A formal grievance must be identified as such in writing and directed to the chief academic officer, using the electronic Student Academic Appeals form . The grievance normally should originate no more than 30 calendar days following a resolution decision by the dean or designee (refer to Step 2) concerning the complaint or conduct that gave rise to the grievance. The chief academic officer initially re views the case to determine appropriate action, which can include referring the matter to an appropriate university office for review. If the conflict is resolved at this stage, no further action is necessary. Step 4. Hearing Committee If the conflict cannot be resolved at the initial review stage, the chief academic officer appoints a hearing committee to review the allegations. A written decision from the committee will be delivered in as timely a manner as possible, while allowing for appropriate investigation and consideration, not to exceed 60 calendar days from the date the complaint is filed with the chief academic officer, unless the MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 47 committee notifies the parties of the need for an extension to properly complete the process. The written records are confidential but available for on -site review by the person(s) directly involved. In all cases, the decision of the chief academic officer is final and not subject to appeal. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 48 Section 5 . Frequently Asked Questions How long is my pra cticum? There are four courses in the nurse practitioner specialization s with practicum components. Each course is 10 weeks long and requires a total of 144 hours of direct patient care , for a total of 576 hours , completed by the end of week 10 . Can I tak e two practicum courses concurrently? Walden recommend s completing one clinical course at a time because of the number of hours (144) that need to be completed during one 1 1-week quarter. A Fast Track option has been developed for some of the NP specialtie s and is available through Academic Advis ing. You may contact your advisor to determine if you qualify. If you are approved to complete two clinical courses simultaneously , you would be responsible for the 288 hours (144 hours per course) in addition to the didactic coursework. Do I have to finish all the practicum hours during each course? Yes, you must complete the required practicum hours during each course. What if I do not complete all of my practicum hours during a course ? You should not have any problems accumulating enough hours. If you are concerned about this, you should contact your practicum course faculty member immediately. When should I submit my practicum applic ation? You must submit the practicum application via Meditrek no later than the first day of the quarter prior to the quarter in which you plan to start the practicum. (If you live in Alabama or Wyoming , you must submit the practicum application on the f irst day of the quarter two quarters prior to the quarter in which you plan to start the practicum. ) You should review the deadline information in this manual. Application materials received after their respective deadlines are not processed until a later term. What is the earliest I can submit my practicum application? Walden encourages early submission of the practicum application s via Meditrek . My site provides liability insurance coverage for me. Do I still need to have my own? Yes. All Walden studen ts beginning a practicum are required to purchase professional liability insurance. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 49 Who at my practicum site should I designate in Meditrek as the practicum site affiliation agreement contact ? The affiliation agreement contact must be a site administrato r who has the authority to sign legal agreements. Often, this person is the CEO, contracts manager, site director, human resources staff member , owner , or president. Large organizations may have an on -site legal department that reviews such agreements and may have an attorney who signs affiliation agreements. If my potential preceptor does not have a master’s degree in nursing, can I still nominate him or her for my practicum? You should make every attempt to find a preceptor who meets all the requirements outlined in this manual. If you know of someone who you believe is an ideal preceptor but who does not meet these requirements, then you should follow the instructions for using a co -preceptor or mentor. When can I begin my practicum? Yo u may be gin your first practicum experience after they have successfully completed all prerequisite coursework, submitted their practicum application documents, received notification of approval of their practicum application , and been enrolled in the practicum course . You must be in good academic standing to begin the practicum experience. If you are unsure of your academic standing, you should contact the Academic Advising Team at [email protected] . My site wants me to begin practicu m activities before I start the practicum course. Am I allowed to start early? No. You must wait until the second day of the practicum course and after receiving instructor approval of your objectives before beginning their practicum activities. Any hours accumulated prior to the second day of the practicum course are not accepted. Can my practicum experience be virtual? No. Walden does not offer an option for doing the practicum virtually. All clinical hours must be in an approved clinical site in direc t care of patients. Can I be paid for my practicum? No. You cannot engage in a paid practicum experience under any circumstances. How can I obtain professional liability insurance ? Walden does not endorse a particular insurance provider. Students usuall y obtain professional liability insurance coverage through companies such as Mercer, March , or Nurses Service Organization (NSO). How do I know if I have to complete onboarding requirements? Onboarding requirements of the field site will be outlined in the affiliation agreement between Walden and the field site. Once the affiliation agreement is finalized, the field education office will contact you MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 50 via email to complete the screening process through CastleBranch. You must complete all the requirements t hrough C astle Branch in order to begin practicum. Do I need to complete onboarding requirements in CastleBranch if I am an employee of the field site? Yes, even employees must complete the onboarding requirements of the field site because Walden must atte st to these requirements for all students. Students are not in an employee capacity at the field site during practicum so Walden must verify and attest to field site requirements. Will my preceptor be compensated? Although Walden University School of Nursing does not compensate preceptors financially for preceptorships, they are provided with the following benefits: Verification document of hours precepted to utilize for continuing education and licensure renewal requirements. Access to free continu ing education opportunities provided by Walden’s School of Nursing Continuing Education program for nurses. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 51 Section 6 . Contact Information School of Nursing Nursing Field Education Nursing field education website : http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son Practicum application questions : [email protected] Eval uation questions : [email protected] Nursing field e ducation coordinators : [email protected] NP Specialization Coordinators NP Specialization Coordinators Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner AND Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Salma Hernandez, DNP, ACNP -BC: [email protected] Family Nurse Practitioner Phyllis D. Morgan, PhD, FNP -BC, CNE, FAANP : [email protected] Stefanie Gatica, DNP, FNP -BC: [email protected] Psychiatric -Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD(c), PMHNP -BC, CNS -PMH, GNP -BC, CARN -AP, MAC, CASAC, CNE, NEA -BC, APHN -BC, CPH, MCHES, FACHCA: [email protected] MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations Program Director Linda Steele, PhD, ARNP, ANP -BC : [email protected] Dean for the School of Nursing Andrea Lindell, RN, PhD, ANEF : [email protected] MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 52 Student s should begin their inquiry at the level at which their question is most likely to be answered. Delays in obtaining information may result if students inquire first from an administrator and must be referred to a more appropriate resource person. Note: Students should be familiar with the information in this manual , the School of Nursing Handbook, and the nursing field education website before contacting a School of Nursing faculty member or staff member for help. Other Important Resources Field Education Resource Links Quick Answers : http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son/home#s -lg-box -4293425 . Meditrek Webinars : http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son/formsanddocuments Tutorials : http://academicgui des.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son/formsanddocuments How to Submit an Application : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk9OCfNE -cg&feature=youtu.be Schedule an Appointment With Field Education Coordinators From the Region: http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son/contactus Academic Advising Team Academic advisors are available at 1 -800 -WALDENU (1-800 -925 -3368), option 3, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time. Students can also e -mail advisors for the MSN program: [email protected]. Office of Disability Services The director of disability services can b e reached by phone at 1 -612 -312 -1205, or e -mail at [email protected] . For more information, visit the Office of Disability Services . MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 53 Section 7. Programs of Study MSN Core Courses Course Credit Hour(s) NURS 6001 - Foundations for Graduate Study 1 NURS 6050 - Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health 5 NURS 6051 - Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology 5 NURS 6052 - Essentials of Evidence -Based Practice 5 NURS 6053 - Interprofessional Organization and Systems Leadership 5 Total 21 MSN NP Specialty Track Courses FNP Track Courses AGNP Track Courses AGACNP Track Courses PMHNP Track Courses NURS 6501 - Advanced Pathophysiology (Didactic —5 cr .) NURS 6501 - Advanced Pathophysiology (Didactic —5 cr. ) NURS 6501 - Advanced Pathophysiology (Didactic —5 cr. ) NURS 6501 - Advanced Pathophysiology (Didactic —5 cr .) NURS 6512 - Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (Didactic —5 cr. ) NURS 6512 - Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (Didactic —5 cr. ) NURS 6512 - Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (Didactic —5 cr. ) NURS 6512 - Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (Didactic —5 cr. ) NURS 6521 - Advanced Pharmacology (Didactic —5 cr. ) NURS 6521 - Advanced Pharmacology (Didactic —5 cr. ) NURS 6512 - Advanced Pharmacology (Didactic —5 cr. ) NURS 6521 - Advanced Pharmacology (Didacti c—5 cr. ) NURS 6531 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults NURS 6531 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults NURS 6531 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults NURS 6630 - Psychopharmacologic MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 54 Across the Lifespan (Didactic —3 cr. , Practicum —2 cr. ) Across the Lifespan (Didactic —3 cr. , Practicum —2 cr. ) Across the Lifespan (Didactic —3 cr. , Practicum —2 cr. ) Approaches to Treatment of Psychopathology (Didactic —5 cr. ) NURS 6551 - Primary Care of Women (Didactic —3 cr. , Practicum —2 cr. ) NURS 6551 - Primary Care of Women (Dida ctic —3 cr. , Practicum —2 cr. ) NURS 6540 - Primary Care of Frail Elders (Didactic —3 cr. , Practicum —2 cr. ) NURS 6 640 - Psychotherapy with Individuals (Didactic —3 cr. , Practicum —2 cr. ) NURS 6541 - Primary Care of Adolescents and Children (Didactic —3 cr. , Practicum —2 cr. ) NURS 6540 - Primary Care of Frail Elders (Didactic —3 cr. , Practicum —2 cr.) NURS 6550 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings I (Didactic —3 cr. , Practicum —2 cr. ) NURS 6 65 0 - Psychotherapy with Groups and Families (Didactic —3 cr. , Practicum —2 cr. ) NURS 6565 - Synthesis in Advanced Practice of Patients in Primary Care Settings (Didactic —3 cr. , Practicum —2 cr. ) NURS 6565 - Synthesis in Advanced Practice of Patients in Primary Care Settings (Didactic —3 cr. , Practicum —2 cr. ) NURS 6560 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II (Didactic —3 cr. , Practicum —2 cr. ) NURS 6 66 0 - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role I:
Child and Adolescent (Didactic —3 cr. , Practicum —2 cr. ) NURS 6670 - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role II:
Adults and Older Adults (Didactic —3 cr. , Practicum —2 cr. ) 56 cr. (with Core Courses) —576 Practicum Hours 56 cr. (with Core Courses) —576 Practicum Hours 56 cr. (with Core Courses) —576 Practicum Hours 61 cr. (with Core Courses) —576 Practicum Hours MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 55 Note : A Fast Track option is available for certain NP tracks . Students should c ontact their academic advisor for information to see if they qualify. In some circumstances , practicum courses may be taken out of order. Students must file a petition through Academic Advising to do this. However, NURS 6565 must always be the last class . MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 56 Course Descriptions NURS 6501 - Advanced Pathophysiology (5 cr.) Advanced practice nurses must be equipped with an in -depth understanding of pathophysiological disease processes across the lifespan. In this course, students focus on understanding the biophysiological processes, the deviations from these processes, and an in -depth examina tion of the scientific concepts related to the biology of disease processes. Advanced practice nursing students learn how normal organ systems function and how organ systems are interrelated to help the body maintain homeostasis. Through knowledge of patho physiological disease processes, students gain the information needed to develop appropriate treatment plans for patients across the lifespan. Students explore a variety of topics, such as immunity, inflammation, cancer genetics, and cardiovascular disease . They also examine a range of disease processes, including hematologic, renal, neurologic, gastrointestinal, and reproductive disorders. NURS 6512 - Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (5 cr.) The physical and emotional well -being of patients and families can be complex and multifaceted. Advanced practice nurses need to have the knowledge and ability to provide safe, competent, and comprehensive physical health assessments. Students in this cour se focus on concepts and skills to assess patients across the lifespan. They learn to use diagnostic reasoning, advanced communication, and physical assessment skills to identify changes in health patterns. Students also use a systematic approach through w hich they focus on the assessment of patients with acute and chronic health problems. The advanced skills of suturing, reading 12 Lead EKGs, and interpreting X -rays will be covered. Students engage in course assignments that emphasize risk assessment, diag nostic reasoning, and evidence -based assessment across the lifespan. NU RS 6521 - Advanced Pharmacology (5 cr.) A solid foundation in the concepts and principles of drug therapy across the lifespan is essential to the work of advanced practice nurses. St udents in this course apply the advanced principles of pharmacology, including pharmacogenomics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, by analysis of common drug classes prescribed by advanced practice nurses across the lifespan. Factors influencing succe ssful therapy such as effectiveness, safety, acceptability, cost, genetic/environmental influences, complementary regimens, and patient behaviors are considered. Through this course, students prepare to examine complex decisions in the management and treat ment of selected acute and chronic diseases across the lifespan through pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic agents. Advanced practice nursing students will have a more in -depth understanding of drug legislation and regulation for prescribing drugs. MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 57 NURS 6 531 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults Across the Lifespan (5 cr.) In this course, students learn how nurse practitioners master the art and science of clinical decision making among adult populations. Students focus on the diagnosis and management of pri mary healthcare needs and problems of the adult and elderly adult. They engage in a variety of course assignments that focus on physical and behavioral disease processes central to diagnosing illnesses as well as planning, implementing, and evaluating ther apeutic treatment programs for acute illnesses commonly encountered in a primary healthcare setting. Students gain confidence in clinical experiences in a primary healthcare setting where they learn to plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic regimens for adult patients with common acute and chronic illnesses. (Prerequisite(s): NURS 6501, NURS 6512, and NURS 6521.) Note: This course requires a minimum of 144 practicum hours. NURS 6540 - Advanced Practice Care of Frail Elders (5 cr.) The frail elderly are a subpopulation characterized by inactivity and weight loss. In this course, students focus on the complex healthcare and management needs of the frail elderly by advanced nurse practitioners in community settings. Students learn to plan, implement, an d evaluate therapeutic regimens through the analysis of case studies and the actual care of frail elderly in various settings.
Additionally, students examine content related to end -of-life care and caregiver issues to gain the knowledge and sensibilities n eeded to implement positive change for the quality of life available to this vulnerable population. (Prerequisite(s): NURS 6501, NURS 6512, NURS 6521, and NURS 6531). Note: This course requires a minimum of 144 practicum hours. NURS 6541 - Primary Care o f Adolescents and Children (5 cr.) How can a nurse practitioner master the art and science of clinical decision making among pediatric populations? This course provides students with the opportunity to answer this question as they examine content related to the primary healthcare of children and adolescents while focusing on common health problems. Students learn how to identify, diagnose, and manage these problems. They also gain confidence in clinical experience in a primary healthcare setting that provi des opportunities to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic regimens for acute and chronic illnesses commonly found in children and adolescents. (Prerequisite(s): NURS 6501, NURS 6512, NURS 6521, and NURS 6531). Note: This course requires a minimum of 144 practicum hours. NURS 6550 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings I (5 cr.) MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 58 The complex assessment and care of patients in the hospital setting will require advanced practice nurses to obtain the specialized skills necessary to provide quality care for patients in these acute care settings. This course is designed to prepare students to provide care for acutely ill and critically ill patients. Students in this course will be introduced to the role of the advanced practice nurse, while gaining confidence in caring for acutely ill patients. Through course assignments and clinical practice in the acute care setting they will plan, implement, and evaluate care for critically ill patients. Students will also increase their knowledge of pharmacologic management of hospitalized patients, while applying knowledge gained through previous coursework. (Prerequisite(s): NURS 6501, NURS 6 512, NURS 6521, NURS 6531, and NURS 6540). Note: This course requires a mini mum of 144 practicum hours. NURS 6551 - Primary Care of Women (5 cr.) How can a nurse practitioner decide what is important to focus on in a 15 - to 30 -minute appointment with a woman seeking primary care? Students in this course gain opportunities to te ach and promote wellness in women through the process of screening for commonly seen in gynecological disorders.
Students learn to analyze data to interpret results for the benefit of women seeking assistance with planning healthy lifestyle behaviors. They also gain clinical experience in a primary healthcare setting that provides opportunities to increase competence in diagnosis, treatment, referrals, or follow -up care with a concentration on improving patient outcomes. (Prerequisite(s): NURS 6501, NURS 65 12, NURS 6521, NURS 6531, and either NURS 6540 or NURS 6541). Note: This course requires a minimum of 144 practicum hours. NURS 6560 - Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II (5 cr.) Students in this course will advance their clinical competence in the care of patients in acute care settings by building on knowledge and skills gained in the NURS 6550. Through clinical practice, students will build confidence as they begin the transition from student to advanced practice nurse. Classroo m activities and case studies will enable students to explore the complex healthcare system including multiple governmental, social and personal resources available to acutely ill adults across the age continuum. Clinical experiences in hospital settings w ill provide students with the continued opportunity to develop, implement, and evaluate management plans for adults and older adults with complex acute, critical, and chronic illness. The application of knowledge in the management of patients and the colla boration between the advanced practice nurse and the patient, family, and interprofessional healthcare team are emphasized. (Prerequisite(s): NURS 6501, NURS 6512, NURS 6521, NURS 6531, and NURS 6550 ). Note: This course requires a minimum of 144 practicum hours. NURS 656 5 - Synthesis in Advanced Practice Care of Complex Patients in Primary Care Settings (5 cr.) Students in this synthesis course will focus on clinical competence in primary care settings by building on MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 59 knowledge and skills gained in previous courses. Through clinical practice, students will build confidence as they begin the transition from the rol e of registered nurse to advanced practice nurse. Classroom activities and case studies will enable students to explore the salient nurse practitioner practice issues involved in the delivery of safe, competent, quality and cost -effective care of patients in a dynamic healthcare system. Clinical experiences in primary care settings will provide students with the continued opportunity to develop, implement, and evaluate management plans for patients with complex health conditions. The application of knowledg e in the management of clients and collaboration among the advanced practice nurse and the client, family, and interprofessional healthcare team are emphasized.
(Prerequisite(s): NURS 6501, NURS 6512, NURS 6521, NURS 6531, and either NURS 6540 or NURS 6541 , and NURS 6551). Note: This course requires a minimum of 144 practicum hours and must be the last course in the curriculum . NURS 6630 - Psychopharmacologic Approaches to Treatment of Psychopathology (5 cr.) At times, psychotherapy is not enough to allev iate the emotional difficulties that some patients face. To that end, psychopharmacologic approaches are needed. Psychiatric -mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) must have a strong basis in psychopharmacology, extending from a prior education in phar macology, to make appropriate medication choices for their patients. Learners in this course consider psychopharmacologic approaches to major mental health disorders including, but not limited to, major depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety disor ders as well as psychotic disorders. Learners explore key considerations associated with medication selection, monitoring of efficacy, and long -term management. NURS 6640 - Psychotherapy With Individuals (5 cr .) Psychotherapy involves giving more than "good advice." For the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) to be effective, deliberate approaches to therapy must be used that are consistent with evidence -based practices. Learners in this course ar e introduced to a variety of therapeutic techniques that can be used during psychotherapy sessions with individuals across the lifespan.
Emphasis is placed on evidence -based applications of various therapeutic approaches for a wide range of psychiatric iss ues. The focus of the practicum experience is on psychotherapeutic approaches with individuals. (3 cr. didactic, 2 cr. practicum; 144 hrs.) NURS 6650 - Psychotherapy With Groups and Families (5 cr. ) Managed care has ushered in a new era of effective ment al health services. To that end, the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) must know how to optimize not only his or her time, but also the treatment benefits associated with family and group therapy. In this course, the emphasis is on the concept of treatment of the family unit. Group dynamics and benefits associated with group therapy are MSN Practicum Manual: Nurse Practitioner Specializations (April 2017 ) Page 60 also emphasized along with introducing the learner to techniques that can be used in group therapy settings. The focus of the practicum experience is on t he treatment of the family unit as well as the provision of group psychotherapy. (3 cr. didactic, 2 cr. practicum; 144 hrs.) NURS 6660 – Psychiatric -Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role I: Child and Adolescent (5 cr .) Working from a lifespan approach, t his first pract icum course for the psychiatric -mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an introduction for the learner to child and adolescent psychiatry. Emphasis is placed on the psychiatric and/or mental health disorders that begin in childhood and adolescence and topics include psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, application of diagnostic criteria, appropriate diagnostic testing, and diagnostic formulation. The learner will select a combination of psychotherapeutic modalities coupled wit h psychopharmacologic approaches to treat common psychiatric mental health conditions of children and adolescents. The focus of the practicum experience is on application of didactic concepts to actual patient care situations. (3 cr. didactic, 2 cr. practi cum; 144 hrs.) NURS 6670 – Psychiatric -Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role II: Adults and Older Adults (5 cr .) Continuing from the lifespan approach, the learner in this final course for the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) focuses on psychiatric mental health issues that occur in adults and older adults. Selection of assessment approaches for the adult and older adult as well as differential diagnosis, application of diagnostic criteria, appropriate diagnostic testing, and diagnosti c case formulation will be undertaken. The learner will use both psychotherapeutic approaches coupled with psychopharmacologic approaches to treat common psychiatric mental health conditions of adults and older adults. Through these practicum experiences, learners will focus on the application of didactic concepts to patient care situations. (3 cr. didactic, 2 cr. practicum; 144 hrs.)
