Virtual Practicum

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 17, 2020

If I were in your shoes, I would definitely not "pick a project because it sounded good." I would start the practicum by doing a thorough and systematic assessment of your clinical site. I would then share my assessment findings with the management of that area and jointly pick a project that is highly compatible with that department's goals. Choosing a project in conjunction with the existing management ensures that you will have their support and cooperation.

Now ... I realize this is virtual, not actual, and your "environment" may not be real. However, I would do my best to mimic real life as much as possible (assess the fake environment, etc.) as much as possible so that you can demonstrate to your faculty that you know how important that would be in real life.

Do you have any information about your virtual environment? Or do you have to make up your own environment, too? If you have to make it up yourself, I would imagine a unit that is in your desired specialty ... then describe their imaginary strengths and weaknesses ... then pick a weakness or problem to work on that would be the focus of your project.

Assuming you have to make this all up yourself: So what specialty? What are some likely problems that such a unit might have that your program has taught you how to address? What are your main interests? If you tell us a little about those things, we might be able to give you better advice.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 17, 2020

OP: What do you want to learn? Also, unless you have a background in the area you plan to precept and in healthcare administration, you may not understand what you can do or what you will do before you start. With that said, I agree with LLg that you can do some research on the organization you will work with and talk to your preceptor about their current needs.

By the way, when I was working on my preceptorship pre-pandemic, I had a project in mind that I completed that changed from what I had originally thought by the end due to my experience while in practicum... In addition, I performed many other projects for my preceptor that I would not have imagined prior to my preceptorship. So don't worry too much about being detailed about your main project now. Have an idea that is broad enough to adjust to the environment, where you plan to work. Some broad ideas: Improving financial metrics, improving customer service, improving workplace safety or patient safety... etc. Good luck! ?

B52, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 18, 2020

Thank you for your responses. My practicum site is a psychiatric floor, and my professor managed the floor before she started teaching full time. I also worked on the floor before I moved to the psych emergency department. Therefore, I’m all too familiar with the strengths and weaknesses. The percentage of falls is highest on the psych floor as a result of behavioral issues, I.e., patients attempting to sabotage their discharge. Patient engagement is also a problem. Another big problem is readmissions within 30 days. In my current position, I do insurance authorizations, and it can be difficult convincing insurers that patients need to be readmitted. I’m leaning toward a project to reduce readmissions because it’s a broad idea that encompasses patient engagement and includes financial aspects of administration. It’s also an opportunity to focus on nursing theories that align with patient engagement and self-care. I’ll check and see if my preceptor is receptive to this idea.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 18, 2020

12 hours ago, B52 said:
My practicum site is a psychiatric floor, and my professor managed the floor before she started teaching full time. I also worked on the floor before I moved to the psych emergency department. Therefore, I’m all too familiar with the strengths and weaknesses.

You will do just fine. Plus, unlike others, you will be able to go beyond the basics in your experience and learn more because you already have a basic background in the clinical environment in which your practicum takes place. That is why my experience was extraordinary too. So enjoy!

By the way, during your practicum think about being a preceptor in the future. Think about your work environment and look at helping other graduate students get through a practicum in your work setting virtually as well. Good luck! Your practicum sounds like you will learn a lot and have a good impact on patient care.