A centralized, computerized, and relational data base for student clinical placements

Quality clinical experiences are a critical component of advanced practice nursing (APN) curricula. Historically, nursing instructors coordinated both the didactic and clinical components of a course. Increasingly, course coordinators organize the didactic component, and external preceptors working in the clinical setting function as practicum teachers. Both scenarios involve labor-intensive processes, and neither facilitate the scheduling of clinical experiences that build on progressive learning across the student's curriculum. A centralized, computerized, relational data base for efficient management of APN preceptors and students across the curriculum was designed. One master's-prepared clinical coordinator maintains the data base and performs all related functions. This system offers numerous benefits to students, preceptors, ] faculty, and nursing school, including balanced and progressively complex clinical learning experiences for students from competent preceptors: consistent interface with students and preceptors; faculty relief from time-consuming tasks; rapid generation of a variety of tables, rosters, and reports; consistent tracking of preceptor evaluations; timely acknowledgment of preceptor assistance; and efficient communication among students, preceptors, faculty, and school administration.