Preceptor/Site Approval and Verification of Current Contracts
Students may be asked to submit preceptor requests to the APRN Clinical Coordinator or designee utilizing the appropriate forms. All preceptors and clinical sites must be approved by the coordinator or designee prior to a final agreement with the preceptor. A preceptor agreement, preceptor profile and the clinical agency contract must be in place prior to the student being on site for clinical experience.
Communication with Preceptors
Faculty provide written communication regarding course requirements; level of prospective student; time and method of regular communication; expectations of the preceptor; and methods of student performance evaluation. Faculty will also communicate with the preceptor at the time of the site visit. Additional communications as necessary will occur as needed. Communication between faculty and preceptor can be initiated by either party.
Student professional behavior is expected both in and outside the classroom. This includes all interactions with colleagues, faculty, CON staff, preceptors, clinic staff and patients in person, via email or telephone. Patient confidentiality and adherence to the HIPAA guidelines are assumed and will be expected both in class and at clinical sites.
Cell phones may not be turned on during clinical time unless approved by clinic preceptor. Cell phones must be on vibrating if approved. If the student abuses the use of the cell phone at the clinic site, they can be asked to leave the clinical site. Students are not allowed to utilize social media websites or personal texting during clinical hours. Cell phones need to be sanitized per facility requirements. Students are to comply with HIPAA regulations.
Use of Social Media
The College of Nursing recognizes that social media websites such as, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube are important means of communication and learning. However, students who use these web sites and applications must be aware of the critical importance of who has access to these sites. Additionally, students must recognize that posting certain information may be illegal. Students should review the South Dakota State University College of Nursing Social Media Policy prior to utilizing these sites and applications. Students are also encouraged to review the American Nurses Association Social Media Fact Sheet and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing white paper on the use of social media.
Clinical Objectives
The preceptor coordinator or their designee will provide the preceptor with a copy of the course objectives and content.
Students are also responsible for developing clinical objectives for each clinical course. These objectives should align with course content, areas identified for improvement in skill, knowledge or experience, program outcomes or essentials. Students may seek preceptor input into the development of the objectives but must approve the objectives. Students will be evaluated by faculty on their progress toward meeting their objective midway through their clinical hours and at completion of the clinical hours.
Preparation of Student
Faculty are responsible for verifying that students meet pre-clinical requirements prior to entering the clinical setting. This includes verifying the student has completed prerequisite course work, holds a current state RN license, has passed all required background checks, has immunizations that are up-to-date, has current liability insurance and is appropriately certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) as required by the course level. Methods to orient the student to their responsibilities include, but are not limited to, verbal and written communication.
Facilitation of Clinical Activities / Site Visits
The faculty member will make scheduled visits to the clinic site. The date and time are confirmed with the student. It is the student's responsibility to inform the preceptor and faculty of the date/time of the visit. Purposes of the site visit include observation, evaluation and instruction of the student in actual patient care situations as well as student's interaction with staff and preceptor. Additionally, the site visit provides the faculty member, the preceptor and the student an opportunity to discuss the student's progress.
Communication with Students
Faculty will have regularly scheduled meetings with students to discuss their progress. Clinical logs will be reviewed on a regular basis.
Evaluation of Student
The course syllabus and clinical evaluation forms include the requirements and evaluation criteria for successful student performance. Evaluations by the faculty member with input from the preceptor are important components of the student performance. Open communication between the faculty, preceptor and student is essential. Faculty assume the ultimate responsibility for the evaluation of the student. Faculty employ several evaluation methods including making site visits to observe the student in actual patient care situations as well as interactions with staff and preceptor. Additionally, regular review of student's clinical logs documenting the student's clinical experiences, patient-based learning assignments and supportive evidence from the clinical preceptor are utilized.
Evaluation of Clinical Site and Preceptor
Faculty will complete a regular review of each preceptor using information from the faculty and student evaluations. These documents will be used for continued approval as a preceptor.