Practicum Expectations for Nurse Practitioner Students

Seattle Pacific University Nurse Practitioner (NP) Students complete a minimum of 720 hours of clinical practice in practicum sites in this, the final, year of their program. They are expected to steadily progress in clinical competence and confidence and require less supervision by their preceptor over their time in clinic. *Professional Role performance expectations are 100% at all times.

Summer Quarter	Autumn Quarter	Winter Quarter	Spring Quarter
Advanced Beginner	Competent	Proficient	Transition to Practice Immersion
By the end of the first practicum quarter in Summer, NP students are expected to perform at least 50-65% of the skills listed below at a basic level with close supervision by the preceptor.	By the end of their second practicum quarter in Autumn, NP students are expected to competently perform at least 66-80% of the skills listed below at a proficient level with some supervision by the preceptor.	By the end of their third clinical practicum quarter in Winter, NP students are expected to proficiently perform at least 81-90% of the skills below with standby supervision by the preceptor for complex patients and minimal supervision for more straightforward / less complex patients.	By the end of the final clinical practicum quarter in Spring, NP students are expected to proficiently perform 90% or more of the skills below with standby supervision by the preceptor for complex patients and minimal supervision for more straightforward / less complex patients including a leadership role within an interprofessional team.  Safe, entry level to practice.
By the end of the quarter, the student should be able to complete 4 patient visits from start to finish including documentation in the medical record.	By the end of the quarter, the student should be able to complete 5-6 patient visits from start to finish including documentation in the medical record.	By the end of the quarter, the student should be able to complete 7-8 patient visits from start to finish including documentation in the medical record.	By the end of the quarter, the student should be able to complete 9-10 patient visits from start to finish including documentation in the medical record.

Students are to work toward proficiency in the following tasks:

Assessment	Complete an accurate, thorough history and physical exam Establish good rapport with the patient, preceptor and clinic staff Take into account the patient’s personal and cultural beliefs and preferences regarding their care
Diagnosis	Analyze subjective and objective data Develop a leading diagnosis, two possible diagnoses and a “can’t afford to miss” diagnosis using critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning, and the evidence based literature Report these to the preceptor in an organized, concise manner
Management Plan	Develop a plan that addresses the diagnosis which includes prescribed and otc meds if appropriate Self-care strategies for the condition(s) Diagnostic testing or specialty referrals if needed Health promotion/patient education counseling and what to do/when to return to clinic if the condition does not improve Red flag emergency instructions if the condition worsens Communicate the plan to the preceptor and patient in an organized, concise manner
Evaluation	Assess patient response to treatment Develop a follow up plan to monitor compliance Revise the plan or refer the patient back to specialty care if needed Consult the evidence-based literature and guidelines for plan evaluation
*Professional Role	Model the NP role by communicating and behaving in a professional and ethical manner Develop positive relationships with the preceptor, other providers, staff and patients Display a strong work ethic and willingness to openly engage in all learning opportunities made available in practicum

Summer Quarter

Autumn Quarter

Winter Quarter

Spring Quarter

Advanced Beginner

Competent

Proficient

Transition to Practice Immersion

Assessment

Diagnosis

Management Plan

Evaluation

*Professional Role