Clayton State University

School of Nursing
NURS 4503RN Practicum Syllabus
Course Number: NURS 4503 (0-6-3)
Title: RN Practicum
Pre-requisite: NURS 3201 and NURS 3201L
Co-requisite: NURS 4400/4300
Course Description: This clinical practicum course requires RN students to
accomplish individual learning objectives negotiated with their faculty facilitator
and chosen preceptor(s) at the onset of the course. Individualized objectives
allow students to achieve the course outcomes in a unique and satisfying way.
The practicum will enable RN students to expand clinical expertise, broaden
exposure to specialty areas, explore arenas with which they are unfamiliar, and
apply theory learned throughout the BSN curriculum to meet the needs of
clients. The practicum will specifically enable the RN student to implement the
professional roles of a BSN registered nurse in the areas of
leadership/management, education, and community practice.
Time Allotment: 90 hours of clinical experience for 3-semester hour credits
Faculty:
Sue E. Bingham, RN, PhD, CNE
Office: CE 315
Hours: by appointments
Phone: (678) 466-4959
Home: (770) 252-3384
Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the learner should be able to
(numbers in parentheses indicate related program outcomes):
1. Develop and achieve individualized objectives in association with faculty
facilitator (8).
2. Demonstrate effective communication styles and problem solving
behaviors when working with professionals from a variety of disciplines (2,
3, 6).

3. Demonstrate professional behavior in nursing practice (1, 2, 4, 8).

4. Analyze and integrate the varied roles of the professional nurse in diverse
health care settings (7).
5. Utilize nursing therapeutics based on a synthesis of critical thinking
strategies and a theoretical knowledge base with a variety of client
populations (3, 7, 9).
6. Demonstrate evidence of commitment to the advancement of the nursing
profession through clinical excellence and professional involvement (7, 8).
7. Critically analyze ones own strengths and weaknesses in professional
development; identifying particular talents and areas for further growth (8).
8. Integrate nursing research into practice (1, 3, 6, 7, 9).
9. Incorporate legal and ethical considerations into the implementation of
nursing therapeutics in the provision of care of individuals with acute
health illness transitions (1, 4, 7, 8, 9).
10. Demonstrate achievement of all the CSU School of Nursings program
outcomes.
Teaching/Learning Activities: The primary learning activities for NURS
4503 will be clinical experiences that focus on activities that address the role of
the professional RN. These activities will include experiences in education,
leadership and management, and community clinical practice. Individualized
objectives will be developed by the student in collaboration with preceptor(s)
and faculty facilitator to address each of these roles.
Methods of Evaluation: Student performance will be evaluated as either
satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U). A satisfactory grade is required in order to
progress in the nursing program.
In order to receive a satisfactory grade in NURS 4503 practicum, the student
must complete the following:
1. Submit documentation for clinical placement.
2. Develop learning objectives focused on the areas of community,
leadership, and education.
3. Get approval from course faculty on clinical site and preceptor selection.

4. Submit completed preceptor packet information to faculty.

5. Submit clinical logs for each week that you are in clinical.
6. Submit clinical experience summary information and evaluations to
faculty.
Course Policies:
Students cannot participate in practicum experiences until health and safety
files are complete. This includes health records and immunizations, a current
American Heart Association CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers),
liability insurance, and health insurance. Please contact University Health
Service (UHS) for completion of health and immunization records. UHS is
located at: University Health Services, Student Center, Room 211; telephone:
678-466-4942.
Communication:
D2L offers an internal email feature. Use this feature as your course email.
This is the best access to your course professors. Be certain to check your
email often (at least daily). If D2L is down, you can email us on our CSU
email. When you email using the CSU email, use your CSU email account
only. Due to the Schools privacy policies, we will not respond to any email
that comes through a commercial ISP (e.g., Hotmail, EarthLink, AOL, etc.).
Textbooks and Learning Aids: No required textbook. Readings will be
related to the specific clinical practicum.
Practicum Settings: Practicum experiences will be in diverse health agencies
that have CSU clinical contracts with the School of Nursing.
Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should
contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center, Room 255, 678466-5445, disabilityservices@.clayton.edu.
SB 8/15