Senior practicum...not eligible for an independent practicum

[adamczykk13]

Hello!

I am a senior nursing student. For our last semester, we have a practicum where we are with either one-on-one with a nurse, or in a small group in clinical for 90 hours. In order to be eligible for an independent practicum, you must not have less than a C+ in any nursing classes or get below a 70% on an online (ATI) test. Only 15 out of 80 students have this practicum.

I currently work in a Cardiac ICU. I am planning to email my clinical coordinator and nursing director to ask for a chance to do my practicum on the unit despite not meeting the requirements.

Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to get this practicum? I feel like if I can't have my practicum in the CICU, my odds of being hired on the unit I absolutely love will decrease greatly. Thank you!!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I doubt you'll be successful, but it doesn't hurt to ask. The thing is, if they make an exception for you, then everyone will want an exception. There has to be a cutoff somewhere.

Honestly, if you apply to your current unit for an RN position, your work history is going to be much more influential than a practicum. Plus, there may also be rules against completing a practicum where you work- it can lead to a lot of confusion of what you're allowed to do when.

[carti, BSN, RN]

It doesn't hurt to ask. If you do a good job at whatever clinical you end up at, and you also work at your unit (assuming a CNA) doing a good job, you have a good shot at your unit.