Grand Canyon University RN to BSN Capstone new format

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Specializes in Case management/ MDS.

Hi! I am wondering if there is anyone here that has completed the GCU new capstone that requires 100 hours of onsite clinical with a preceptor? I am having a very difficult time wrapping my head around the requirements and am thinking of switching programs before I get too deep into GCU . Any experience would be so wonderful. Thank you!

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I started GCU's program May 2019, and I am currently in the process of applying to transfer to other schools. I have spend countless hours calling hospital systems, applying for internships through hospitals and clinics online, contacting my local health department for clinical spots, contacting dialysis centers and...after all that, I am at the point I am done. I originally was referred to GCU by a charge nurse at my job who said she actually completed her capstone at our facility, which is a rehabilitation center that's 3/4ths short-term care involving IVs, G and J-tubes, wound care, PT/OT, etc and 1 unit that has a longterm memory care which I am not on. I was so excited to know that she had completed her clinical at our job which would make it so much easier considering I work full time and have two girls under age 7. By early November I had my paperwork turned in for my clinical site and my preceptor, which was going to be my DON from my facility. After all that, I heard back that they denied the site because they didn't consider it "outpatient". I asked if I could speak with the individual who okays these sites and preceptors and I was told by my counselor that students cannot speak with them. I asked if I could appeal and I was then told once that site is applied for, you cannot resubmit. Fabulous.

Long story short, I have spoken to my clinical site counselor way too many times than I want to even think about - her attitude has remained disinterested it always feels, even back in November when I was panicking about finding a site. I have spoken with her supervisor who claimed he was from my area previously, and then proceeded to put in a "site request" with a hospital that's located two hours away in Aurora, IL. I wasn't surprised when my clinical site counselor told me they were denied that request - considering that's what I've heard myself more than 20 times thus far with all sites saying they're already filled with their own internships and local schools that get first dibs. At this point, I am actualizing that no place is going to take an independent student and magically hook them up with an RN with a BSN that's been working in the field for 3 years or more that has a leadership position. I have honestly thought of applying to a hospital earlier than expected just to get my foot in the door and hope they can magically drum up someone I can follow considering then I would be an employee - but all of that could be a longshot.

Anyone I have spoken to regarding this situation is shocked by this level of requirement expected from a student who's working already as a nurse. I have a 3.86 GPA and I find it irritating I continue to be congratulated on a good GPA whilst I likely would never be able to complete their capstone course because they have no true agreements with any facility. I have already put in transfer applications with two other schools.

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Specializes in Psychiatric.

Did you find a site for clincal yet? Where do you live? I'm wondering if I'll have same problem. I live in so california and there are so many nursing schools flooding the preceptors.

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Specializes in Psychiatric.

I'm in same boat

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Hi guys! I know it's been almost a month since the last post. I'm currently taking my last class before my Capstone which is scheduled to start April 6th. I too was frustrated at the beginning when I was trying to find a preceptor. I was told at the beginning that I would have help with placement but my original clinical site coordinator sent me an email with the requirements for placement and had to find my own preceptor. I had given her my zip code and areas of interest and so she was able to give me some phone numbers I needed to call and inquire. I ended up getting a preceptor at the VA hospital, it was a really long process for me, but my preceptor got approved sometime in January.

But before the VA I was turned down by other hospitals as they weren't taking outside students or one hospital said they would but I would have to wait 4 weeks before the start date to apply and then it's not guaranteed ill get a spot!

There are other forums that talk about the Capstone course, and a lot doesn't seem positive but others said it wasn't a bad experience. I'm worried about working, doing clinical and writing papers at the same time.

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Hi.. I am also in the same boat, having hard time to get clinical sites. I reside at SOCAL. Due to corona virus I could not get any clinical sites. Does anyone have referal or contact with facility that willing to precept

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Specializes in CVICU.

I'm actually a little relieved reading all these posts.  I am super confused about the Capstone and I'm really glad to know it's not just me.  I got an email during my first class that I need to line up a mentor and facility by April  '21 for my Capstone class at the end of next year.  It sounds like it might take me that long to find placement, no wonder they wanted me to start so early!  I'm finding it really difficult to wrap my head around what I need to do to even begin to select a site and try to find a mentor since I'm in my second class right now.  I guess I should start calling my field experience coordinator now.  Ugh.

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Specializes in ER/ICU.
51 minutes ago, HGeorge said:

I'm actually a little relieved reading all these posts.  I am super confused about the Capstone and I'm really glad to know it's not just me.  I got an email during my first class that I need to line up a mentor and facility by April  '21 for my Capstone class at the end of next year.  It sounds like it might take me that long to find placement, no wonder they wanted me to start so early!  I'm finding it really difficult to wrap my head around what I need to do to even begin to select a site and try to find a mentor since I'm in my second class right now.  I guess I should start calling my field experience coordinator now.  Ugh.

Hi! How's your experience so far? I'm planning to enroll since they have a class that will start next week. Do you like it? How are the classes? Also, they didn't mention about this Capstone class. Any input will help. Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in Case Manager/UM Specialist.

Wow.  I can't believe they are requiring a precept for the RN-BSN program now.  I must have just missed this requirement as I graduated in 2017 from GCU.  Just curious if anyone knows why they made this requirement?

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I just started the capstone and I am on week 2. I was lucky that my hospital was affiliated with the school but the actually clinical part is confusing. We are to do 100 hours it seems like it has to be patient care. I don’t know if our work hours count towards it.. and my preceptor is confused what she is supposed to as I am already working here and they required we pick a preceptor that is a case manger or infection control nurse. Which doesn’t seem like it has anything to do with them. I saw other posts saying they just had their preceptor sign off hours and I thought that too but mine seems reluctant that she’s not doing any preceptor things… 

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Specializes in ER NURSE.

I start my capstone next week. Now I am nervous for what is to come!

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Struggling to find site and preceptor as well. I'm not sure why they even have this course for "clinical placement" for already licensed and working  RN. This is supposed to be my last class and I'm wondering if I can/ should transfer to other universities just to get my 6 credit. 

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