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University of Washington

Undergrad Clinical Rotations: Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get to pick where I want to go for my clinicals?

You are assigned to your clinical sites for the first four (ABSN) or five (BSN) quarters. For the last quarter of your program, you will be able to express one preference for the type of clinical placement, which will be taken into consideration as one of several factors in making your senior practicum assignment.

Will I be able to set up my own clinical experience?

No. All clinical placements are arranged through the School of Nursing.

Will I be assigned a clinical placement close to my home?

Clinical placements are made to ensure that all students receive the appropriate variety of experiences. Your home addresses cannot be considered in this process. In all likelihood the majority of your clinicals will be accessible by public transportation or by carpooling with other students.

Can I switch clinical placements with another student?

Switches can be made as long as experience variety is still maintained. Students cannot switch to ensure that they receive a string of med-surg clinicals vs. mental health, or remain in settings that care for children without experiencing care for other age groups. For courses with attached labs (NCLIN 302 & NCLIN 306) the labs and clinicals must be switched. Requests to switch clinical sections must be sent to Jenn Rathe (jrathe@uw.edu) in Academic Services for approval by the course coordinator. For NCLIN 411, please refer to the policy below.

How will I know where to go and what to wear for my first clinical day?

Course and site orientations are arranged during the first week of the quarter during your regular clinical time. Your clinical instructor will meet with your clinical group and discuss details including:

  • clinical hours
  • unit
  • dress code
  • parking
  • specifics to the agency
  • course objectives

Almost all clinical sites have a mandatory student orientation during the first couple of weeks of the quarter.

How large is my clinical group?

Hospital sections generally have a ratio of 8 to 9 students and one instructor. Mental health, outpatient and community settings vary in size from 4:1 to 9:1. A clinical instructor from the School of Nursing will be with you at the site at all times during the first year of the program.

What will be required of me while I am on site?

Faculty will inform you of the objectives for your clinical experience each quarter. Additionally, you are required to adhere to the standards, policies, and regulations of clinical training sites during their clinical education program. These standards include:

  • participating in site orientation
  • wearing appropriate attire, including nametags
  • conforming to the standards and practices of the site

What if I can't make it to my site orientation?

All clinical site orientations are mandatory. Mastery of the content knowledge provided in your clinical site orientation by the posted deadline is a requirement for meeting your clinical course objectives. Failure to meet this requirement will result in failure of the course and your subsequent inability to begin/continue in your program for one calendar year.

What if I am going to be late or can't make it to clinical?

Call your clinical instructor prior to the start of clinical to determine how to proceed. All absences must be communicated with the instructor prior to the assigned clinical shift.

How can I maximize my experience in my last quarter of clinical?

The last clinical course in the BSN curriculum is NCLIN 411: Transition to Professional Practice. The course allows you to immerse yourself into the role of the Registered Nurse and helps you transition into the profession. Detailed information about the course will assist you in maximizing your experience.