This practicum in an acute care environment provides students with direct experience on development of a systematic methodology of identifying patients' needs for health care. The focus of the practicum is on assessment, on risk
isk development and on the subsequent management of selected health problems for a caseload of hospitalized patients. Critical thinking, clinical reasoning and problem solving are emphasized. Practice and mastery of these skills will occur in preceptor clinical settings and will reflect progressive competency of students. Working directly with experienced Nurse Practitioner preceptor will allow for role transition into the 2nd year of specialization. Clinical conferences will focus on cases presented by the students as well as specific topics that relate to management of common health problems in acute care settings. Required for all Nurse Practitioner students in the first year of specialization with nine clinical hours per week (3 credit hours).