If you’re considering a nursing career, you may be wondering about the training requirements. What are clinicals in nursing school? Clinical rotations are a vital part of a student’s education, offering hands-on experience in real healthcare settings under the supervision of licensed professionals. Faulkner University offers a comprehensive Nursing program at our Montgomery, AL, campus, that helps students prepare for a long-term career in healthcare. Here, we discuss the clinical requirement that is a part of our nursing program.
Understanding Clinicals in Nursing School
Clinicals have structured experiences where nursing students work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. The primary purpose of clinicals is to prepare nursing students for the realities of professional practice. These rotations typically begin after foundational coursework and are supervised by experienced nurses or clinical instructors. Some of the duties of nursing students in clinicals include:
- Reviewing patient charts and receiving handoff reports from nurses
- Performing comprehensive patient assessments to evaluate their conditions and determine care plans
- Administering medications accurately and safely, always under the supervision of licensed professionals
- Documenting all aspects of patient care thoroughly to ensure continuity, legal compliance, and effective communication among the healthcare team
- Engaging in clear and compassionate communication with patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team
- Observing and assisting in a variety of medical procedures, gaining valuable hands-on experience
These experiences help students develop critical thinking, technical skills, and confidence, which are essential qualities for becoming a registered nurse.
Why Are Nursing Clinicals Important?
Clinicals in nursing school are a crucial component of a prospective nurse’s education, as they provide practical, hands-on experience in real healthcare environments. Although classroom instruction is also important, these supervised experiences are designed to expose students to a variety of healthcare specialties and patient populations. They complement in-classroom lessons by allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to actual patient care.
Clinicals also give students a broad understanding of nursing practice across different settings and age groups. Completing clinical rotations in different healthcare settings can also help nursing students determine which area they like working in best, whether it’s emergency medicine, gynecology, or cardiology.
About the Faulkner University Nursing Program
At Faulkner University, our four-year Nursing program has a two-part structure. The first part, called Lower Division, features two years of pre-nursing courses, while the second part, called Upper Division, involves eight semesters of nursing school and hands-on clinical experience.
However, our Nursing program offers students more than just academic excellence. It also provides a nurturing environment where faith, learning, and professional growth come together. Our commitment to Christian values and liberal arts education creates a unique foundation for students pursuing careers in healthcare. The Nursing program is designed not only to prepare students for clinical excellence but also to cultivate compassion, integrity, and service. Features of the program include:
- The curriculum encourages students to view healthcare through a biblical lens, emphasizing the importance of treating every patient with dignity and respect.
- Faculty members incorporate Christian principles into classroom discussions, helping students connect their spiritual beliefs with their professional responsibilities.
- Students are supported in their spiritual growth through campus ministries, chapel services, and faith-based mentorship.
- The university promotes ethical decision-making, empathy, and a commitment to serving others.
- Our liberal arts foundation ensures that students develop strong communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills, which are essential traits for nurses in today’s complex healthcare landscape.
The Nursing program also features small class sizes for personalized attention and provides access to cutting-edge simulation technology to help students prepare before they start clinical rotations.
Earn a Nursing Degree Near You in Alabama
Are you ready to begin your journey toward a rewarding career in nursing? At Faulkner University, you’ll receive the academic support, clinical experience, and spiritual support you need to thrive in today’s healthcare field. Whether you’re just starting or looking to transfer into a Nursing program that aligns with your values, Faulkner University offers the resources and community to help you succeed. We also offer financial aid for qualified students and career services to help you excel. To learn more about what clinicals are in nursing school and about our Nursing program, request more information today.