Hands-on patient care in clinical settings is a requisite component of a nursing degree. During your clinicals, with the supervision of a licensed RN, you’ll practice what you learned in the online classroom on real patients.

During clinical placements, you’ll have the opportunity to work in various settings and experience an assortment of RN jobs and responsibilities, all while developing your core competencies and expanding your skill set.

Clinicals are very similar to an internship or being an apprentice; you provide care for real patients, but you benefit from the supervision and guidance of an experienced RN.

The clinical placement team identifies and secures quality placement sites as close as possible to your local community. We manage this process for you so that you’ll have time to focus on your coursework and the core competencies you’ll need to succeed and graduate fully prepared.

Your clinical portion of the program will begin after the required clinical clearances, background checks and on-campus residency are successfully completed.

Nursing clinicals can require you to work shifts as long as 12 hours. You’ll work under an experienced RN who will coach you throughout the process. During your clinical placements, you’ll gain practical experience by learning assessment skills, care coordination, patient advocacy and much more.

Throughout your clinicals, licensed RNs will serve as student mentors, supervising and guiding your development as a nurse. They will: 

• Bridge the gap between theory and actual practice 
• Orient you to the practice setting (key personnel, organization and institutional policies) 
• Help you plan clinical assignments 
• Provide supervision and daily feedback 
• Review and co-sign all documentation in the clinical records

Your placement coordinator will be with you through the entire process by answering your questions, verifying your clearance requirements and walking you through the nursing clinicals checklist. The checklist details the dress code, clinical tools and professional expectations to ensure your success throughout each placement. 

What are my responsibilities as a student during my clinical?

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Reviewing outcomes and remaining compliant with your clinical requirements throughout the program 
• Completing daily written outcomes and evaluation forms 
• Reviewing existing clinical protocols and Elmhurst University’s protocols with your faculty
• Documenting using the electronic medical record
• Ensuring you are always under supervision