Connecting With the Student

Student Assignment

At the beginning of the quarter, the FCA will be assigned a student(s) based on faculty load or availability.  The primary Clinical Practicum Faculty will provide the FCA with:  

  • The student’s name and contact information 
  • The preceptor’s name, contact information, and clinical site information

Meeting with the Student

The FCA will communicate with their assigned student(s) every two week via e-mail or phone.  In these communications, the FCA will:  

  • Coach the student regarding NP and DNP competencies as outlined by the DNP Essentials and NONPF Core Competencies. 
  • Coach the student regarding role expectations in advanced practice, practice inquiry, leadership, healthcare systems, and population health. See "Clinical Teaching" for examples. 
  • Provide consistent support/encouragement as students learn new skills. 
  • Provide opportunities for collegial sharing and analysis of clinical experiences. 
  • Assist the student in maximizing use of the clinical site. 
  • Help the student negotiate issues or problems in the site. 
  • Assist the student with setting realistic and specific personal goals within the framework of the course objectives. 
  • Refer the student to special resources, references, or learning aids to improve weak areas of practice, as needed. 

Example email

Hello, Student. 

I will be your Faculty Clinical Assessor (FCA) this quarter.  My plan is to connect with you every two weeks throughout this quarter to provide support and encouragement as you set goals and learn new skills in your clinical practicum site. 

How are things going in clinical practicum so far? What do you see as your strengths?  What are areas that are challenging for you? 

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 

I look forward to working with you this quarter. 

Your Name, Credentials 
Clinical Faculty 
School of Health Sciences

SEATTLE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY | SPU.EDU 


*Please use SPU email and the SPU signature above when sending emails to students. 

School of Health Sciences, Seattle Pacific University