Just as internship programs are highly recommended for non-medical students, every healthcare student is required to complete a quality clinical placement as a key part of their education program. But what is a clinical placement, and what do you need for a clinical placement? Keep reading to find out.
What is a clinical placement?
A clinical placement is a mandatory requirement for the completion of any healthcare program, accreditation or certification. It involves gaining practice-based work experience in various clinical, healthcare or hospital settings under the supervision of an experienced, licensed healthcare professional.
Clinical placement is the bread and butter of your nursing education as it allows you to apply what you learn in the classroom to situations and experiences within various real-world settings.
As it forms part of your nursing degree, you will be evaluated on every placement. For instance, you will continually be assessed by an individual working on behalf of your university or college.
Clinical placements can take place in various healthcare settings, including:
● Community healthcare centers
● Private clinics and hospitals
● Teaching hospitals
The benefits of a clinical placement for nursing students include:
It hones your nursing skills and techniques
Practicing nursing techniques and skills learned through coursework and labs is best when performed with real patients and a real healthcare environment. Practicing nursing skills and techniques, such as administering medications and assisting with procedures, will expose you to tasks you will perform as a registered nurse.
Becoming accustomed to interacting with patients through clinical placement will also prepare you for a more successful career in nursing.
Clinical variety
Clinical placement will allow you to learn to embrace and encounter a variety of healthcare scenarios and specializations, such as pediatrics, obstetrics and the intensive care unit.
Additionally, practicing nursing skills and techniques within various healthcare settings will help you choose where you wish to start your nursing career.
Network for your future
You will be able to gain first-hand experience communicating, collaborating, partnering and working alongside experienced RNs and physicians. If you perform well during your clinical placement, the healthcare professionals you work with may play a vital role in assisting you in getting a job in the future.
What do you need for a clinical placement?
Clinical placement is attached to the core subject in the distance ABSN program, including those offered by the University of Indianapolis. To qualify for clinical placement, you must complete or pass all the core placement subjects, including practical and written assessments, during your study. This may include health assessment, care of the aged and people with chronic conditions, and sub-acute and primary healthcare, along with complex care, mental healthcare, clinical practice and first-line intervention.
How does clinical placement work?
You will work with your lecturer in class to thoroughly prepare for your clinical placement, including studying the clinical placement core subject in advance. At the placement facility, you will be placed under the guidance and supervision of an experienced healthcare worker or nurse throughout your experience. They will guide you every step along the way and answer all your questions.
