Chamberlain FNP Clinical Experience

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Ok, I'm starting my 3rd and 4th class in September (doubling this time). I need to begin looking for preceptors but I have a concern. The clinical manual states that clinicals are to be observation only. Is this true?? I think I even read that we're not supposed to teach patients either. This doesn't make sense. I work in an acute care setting in Central Florida and I've asked several nurse practitioner friends that attended University of Florida and University of South Florida. They state they were able to examine patients, perform H & Ps and etc. How are we supposed to learn if we can't have an active role in the clinical process?? I hope someone can set me straight if this isn't true.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I thought hands-on was the whole point of clinicals. Hmmmm. Is the manual available online, or is it only available for enrolled students?

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Yeah, that's what I thought as well. I know I didn't start a lot of IVs or place many foley caths in school, but we did do them. We were also allowed to interact with patients as well. I hope I'm completely wrong-- seeing I'm enrolled in this program. I did e-mail a clinical advisor the other day and just received a blanket type reply. I'm going to call her tomorrow and ask for sure.

In answer to your question, as far as I know the manual is not available online. It was e-mailed to me after a session with an advisor. I just recently started planning for clinicals and took the time to read it. I will re-post after my conversation with my advisor.

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I can't imagine a clinical experience without supervised hands on patient care.

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Ok, I was completely wrong. I finally was able to speak with a clinical advisor; she informed me that clinicals for all NP degrees at Chamberlain are hands on. I informed her that the clinical manual that they give to students in misleading because it clearly states that clinicals are observation only. She stated that clinicals that are observation only are managerial type clinicals. So now I feel much better!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Thanks for the update, that's great info! :)

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