The Nursing Profession - Practicum, 22.5 Credits

Contents

The course includes internships (VFU) with subsequent professional supervision in nursing (YHiO). The National Clinical Final Examination (NKSE) is performed during the last VFU period. The course content focuses on the nurse's leadership based on the core competencies related to current research as well as applicable laws and regulations. Person-centeredness, ethics, priorities and in-depth study of diseases and their consequences in relation to the patient's daily life, relevant to the current internship, are included. 

The course is divided into five parts:
Part 1 - VFU in somatic hospital care or municipal or private elderly care, including auscultation in home care, 9.0 credits.
Part 2 - Evidence for change based on an area/problem in nursing in clinical practice, 1.5 credits.
Part 3 - VFU in somatic hospital care or municipal or private elderly care, including auscultation within home care, 8.5 credits. The student completes VFU in a different form of care than during phase 1.
Part 4 - Ethical considerations where different values conflict with each other and alternative approaches with the well-being of patients and relatives in focus, 1.5 credits.
Part 5 - NKSE, 2.0 credits

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student shall be able to

Knowledge and understanding

• based on current laws, statutes and competence descriptions, describe the areas of knowledge and responsibilities of various professions and how these can contribute to the team's overall competence in different contexts
• based on applicable laws and regulations, show knowledge of delegation, how it is applied and its consequences in different contexts

Skills and Abilities

• based on available evidence and proven experience, independently critically review and evaluate own assessments and those of other professions, with the well-being and safety of the patient and the patient's relatives in focus
• manage drugs, inform about side-effects and assess risks in drug interactions so that safe care is provided
• based on the nursing process as well as applicable laws and regulations, with a professional approach, lead the nursing work in different contexts as well as supervise students and staff in collaboration with other professions so that safe care is provided

Evaluation ability and approach

• identify an area/problem in nursing in clinical practice that can be developed or improved and present an evidence-based basis for implementing the change
• identify own strengths and weaknesses and self-critically reflect on own professional development during the education, focusing on the future responsibility as a nurse
• conduct ethical reasoning based on a problematic nursing situation where different values are in conflict and on the basis of different ethical principles argue for alternative approaches, with the well-being of patients and their relatives in focus

Required Knowledge

Admission requirements are, pass in all courses in semesters 1-4 and conducted (mandatory parts) of the courses in semester 5.

Form of instruction

The studies are characterized by active knowledge-seeking, problem-solving and reflection. A problematizing approach permeates the course. The work methods vary and include individual work, study group work, seminars and lectures. VFU is conducted in somatic hospital care as well as in municipal or private elderly care, including auscultation within home care. VFU is conducted within the department/faculty contract area, where an internship can be guaranteed. A mandatory in-depth study is presented orally to the staff group during the second VFU period. Subsequent YHiO and simulation where team work is practiced is also mandatory.
 
Some teaching and literature may be in English. The course will offer international exchange opportunities.

The online elements require access to a computer with an Internet connection of 2.0 Mbit/s or higher in both directions, a USB headset with a microphone and a web camera. A fixed connection is preferred. Internet access can be via networks in a campus, local learning centre or library.

For distance students, there will be gatherings in the study location.

Examination modes

A two-grade grading scale applies: pass (G) and fail (U). The examination for the course is held individually during the two VFU periods, where separate grades are given based on knowledge, skills and attitudes (G-U). Examinations also take place through individual written in-depth work (G-U) and at group ethics seminars where the student's individual performance is assessed based on established criteria (G-U). A pass in the first VFU period is required to conduct the second VFU period in the course. The National Clinical Final Examination, consits of two parts - an individual written examination (G-U) and an individual practical examination (G-U).

To pass (G) the whole course, a pass must be obtained in all examinations, and mandatory parts must be conducted.

A student who has failed twice has the right to request that the Programme Council provide a different examiner. A student who has failed an internship will be offered one (1) new internship equivalent to the failed internship in terms of duration and content. A student who discontinues his or her internship by his or her own initiative in advance can be given the grade fail (U).

During internship, there are requirements for a professional approach, including clothing and hygiene, which must be complied in accordance with the directives of the receiving unit.

The responsible examiner may, in consultation with the relevant supervisor, decide to fail a student during an internship in case the student exhibits such deficiencies regarding knowledge, skills or attitudes that these, individually or in combination, entail a significant risk that the student may, in practice, harm another person physically or mentally. The student will then prematurely interrupt his or her internship and fail the relevant course. The internship period is thereby expended.

In connection with such a decision, an individual development plan must be drawn up by the examiner in consultation with the student. The development plan must identify knowledge, skills and approach that the student needs to acquire the resume the internship and a time when this will be checked. The student is entitled to two such checks per year. However, the total number of checks should not exceed four, unless there are special reasons. If the student shows, when such checks are conducted, that he or she has acquired the knowledge, skills and attitudes identified in the development plan, the student shall have a right to complete a new internship period, provided that the student has not expended his or her internship opportunities. If the syllabus states a limited number of examinations and the student has expended these, the student has no right to additional examinations.

Deviations from the syllabus examination format are possible for a student who has been granted a teaching support decision due to a disability. An individual adaptation of the examination format should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination format is adapted within the framework of the expected syllabus study result. At the request of the student, the teacher in charge of the course must, in consultation with the examiner, decide promptly on the adapted examination format. The decision must then be communicated to the student.

Credits transfer
Students can apply for a credit transfer in respect of the entire or a part of the course based on previously completed education or professional activities. Rejections of credit transfer applications in whole or in part must be justified in writing. Appeals against rejections of credit transfer applications should be submitted to the Higher Education Appeals Board. For more information, please contact Studentcentrum/Examina.

Other regulations

For further information, please see the regulations at Umeå University.