Students General Students
Published Jul 24, 2016
Hello! The nursing program I am in does not offer a "senior practicum" to its student during their final semester. We will just have a regular didactic/clinical schedule like past semesters. The question existing is will this hinder me in my job searches/applications after graduation? I am currently working as a PNA in an Emergency Department so I am gaining experience, but the hospitals I am looking into wants mentioning of where your practicum was, etc., so I will have to put N/A. If there's anything I can do in its place that would be just as fulfilling as a practicum, please let me know. Thanks a million!!
Xlorgguss
203 Posts
Some programs just don't have them. I am currently in one that doesn't offer a senior practicum. The hospital system I work for has a nursing intern program independent of any school that they do during the summer. Unfortunately I didn't know this until applications were already due for this year's cycle. There is no point in doing it for next year because I should be graduated by then. I am assuming that a PNA is like a PCT/PCA/Tech/Nursing Assistant? That alone is great PAID experience and should open doors at your current facility if not elsewhere.
phiaflyy
119 Posts
Okay, good to know I'm not alone in this (: & yes PNA is a "professional nursing assistant". Thanks so much for your advice!!
TheCommuter, BSN, RN
102 Articles; 27,612 Posts
Senior practicum? I've never completed one, nor did I need the experience. Keep in mind I've completed three different nursing programs (LVN, ASN, and BSN).
Okay! It's something nursing schools are doing now to help students get experience on a floor of their choosing/interests. Hopefully, I'm just panicking for no reason Thanks for responding!
bugya90, ASN, BSN, LVN, RN
565 Posts
The local program where I live stopped doing theirs. Our two local hospitals didn't want to do it anymore, I'm betting a student screwed up somewhere and it became too much of a liability because they pulled the plug on it out of nowhere. A practicum is not required (at least in my state) to sit for boards.
pixiestudent2
993 Posts
Really? That's a shame. That's where I feel I learned the most in nursing school.
I think your experience as an aide will help you to find a position after graduation.
Really? That's a shame. That's where I feel I learned the most in nursing school. I think your experience as an aide will help you to find a position after graduation.
Yes, that's what I'm hoping.
LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN
541 Posts
We do 40 hrs one on one with a med surg nurse but that's the extent of it and I got to one of the top programs in my geographical area. I know the other school in the area does the same as us as well.
cracklingkraken, ASN, RN
1,855 Posts
My program didn't offer a senior practicum either. None of us who graduated were hindered by our lack of a senior practicum.