The coordinator role for a nursing online graduate practicum
Dee McGonigle1, Jennifer Alestock, Valda Upenieks
1Author Affiliations: Professor (Drs McGonigle and Upenieks), Practicum Coordinator (Ms Alestock), Associate Professor (Drs Sisk and Meeks-Sjostrom), MSN Online Program, Chamberlain College of Nursing, Downers Grove, Illinois; Program Director RN-BSN (Dr Hine), Department of Nursing, Eagle Gate College, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Coordinating distant practicum experiences for online nursing graduate students presents unique challenges. This study details the creation and implementation of a dedicated practicum coordinator role to bridge this gap.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Online Learning
- Graduate Studies
Background:
- Graduate nursing students, while expert clinicians, are often new to advanced practice roles.
- Practicum experiences are crucial for transitioning from academic theory to master's-level practice.
- Securing distant practicum placements for online nursing graduate students is a significant logistical hurdle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the design and implementation of a practicum coordinator position.
- To address the challenges of coordinating distant practicum experiences for online graduate nursing programs.
Main Methods:
- The authors discuss the establishment of a practicum coordinator role within a graduate online nursing program.
- Focus on the operational aspects and strategies for managing geographically dispersed practicum placements.
Main Results:
- The implementation of a dedicated practicum coordinator facilitates the management of distant practicum experiences.
- This role helps bridge the gap between coursework and practical application for online students.
Conclusions:
- A practicum coordinator is essential for effectively managing and supporting distant practicum experiences in online graduate nursing programs.
- This role enhances the educational value and logistical feasibility of practicum components in distance learning.
Related Concept Videos
National Nursing Organizations II
The AACN emphasizes a healthy work environment through six standards to achieve an optimal patient outcome. The standards are appropriate staffing, meaningful recognition, collaboration, authentic leadership, effective communication, and decision-making. In addition, AACN provides certification programs, webinars, journals, and...
Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution...
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching II: Planning and Implementation
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process II: Planning and Implementation
Planning Nursing Care II
Accountability and Responsibility of a Nurse II
For example, a nurse demonstrating respect and compassion might listen attentively to a patient's concerns, provide...


