Authors

  1. McGonigle, Dee PhD, RN, FAAN, CNE
  2. Alestock, Jennifer BA
  3. Upenieks, Valda PhD, RN
  4. Hine, Lois PhD, RN, CNE
  5. Sisk, Rebecca PhD, RN, CNE
  6. Meeks-Sjostrom, Diana PhD, RN, CS, FNP-BC, CNE

Abstract

Although graduate students in nursing are adult learners and expert clinicians, they are often novices in the roles they seek upon graduation. Practicum experiences help students bridge the gap between theory learned in course work and beginning practice at the master's level. However, finding practica for online nursing graduate students at great distances is often a challenge. The value of having a point person for the coordination of students' practicum experiences in multiple settings is well known. What is less well known is how this coordination occurs across great distances in online courses that include a practicum component. The authors discuss the design and implementation of a practicum coordinator position in a graduate online program.