These are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the University of Indianapolis Online programs. If you don’t find the answers to your questions here, contact your enrollment advisor and schedule a time to talk that’s convenient for you.

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Clinical Placement Services

What are nursing clinicals?

Hands-on patient care in clinical settings is a requisite component of a nursing degree. During your clinicals, with the supervision of a licensed nurse practitioner, you’ll practice what you learned in the online classroom on real patients. (ABSN students will practice under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse with three or more years of experience.)

Clinicals are very similar to an internship or being an apprentice; you provide care for real patients while benefiting from the supervision and guidance of your preceptor and indirect supervision and support from the UIndy faculty.  

How does the clinical placement process work?

You’ll work with a dedicated University placement coordinator who will walk you through the process and be your primary point of contact. Based on the course objectives, competencies, and where you live, your placement coordinator will identify an appropriate site and preceptor for you within a reasonable driving distance.

How should I prepare for clinicals?

You will be in close communication with your placement coordinator all the way through to graduation. He or she will ensure you meet deadlines and complete all health and clerical requirements, answer your questions, and walk you through the nursing clinicals checklist. The checklist details the dress code, clinical tools, and professional expectations to ensure your success in each rotation.

When will I receive my clinical placement details?

You will receive a notification from your placement coordinator prior to each clinical start date. Once the placement has been confirmed and communicated, you are encouraged to begin working directly with your preceptor to establish a schedule.

What can I expect during clinicals?

All clinical nursing experiences are slightly different because nursing and nurse practitioner students work in a variety of health care facility environments. During your clinical rotation, you will be under the close supervision of your preceptor and the indirect supervision of a University clinical faculty supervisor who will direct, support, and evaluate your progress throughout each rotation. You will be given specific instructions to follow while keeping clinical practice guidelines in mind.