DNP Practicum Experience Requirements

There are four Project and Practicum courses in Chamberlain's DNP degree program. The Project and Practicum courses allow the DNP student an opportunity to integrate course content and practice experiences. Rather than a knowledge-generating research effort, the student in a practice-focused program carries out a practice-application-oriented final DNP project that is an integral part of the integrative practice experience. Each practicum provides an opportunity to foster and expand the learner’s advanced nursing practice knowledge through both practice and the development of a culminating project. The Project and Practicum courses offer doctoral students an opportunity to apply newly developed skills and relate theoretical content to advanced nursing practice situations. This professional experiential learning helps to further prepare students for the highest level of either direct or indirect practice. On a larger scale, it allows students to enhance skills in communication, teamwork, critical thinking and professionalism.

Students are responsible for specifying their own practicum site and qualified mentor that meet the criteria established by Chamberlain. If students are unable to secure their own practicum site and qualified preceptor, Chamberlain will assist in identifying site/preceptor upon the student providing documentation of at least five potential sites that have not been able to accommodate the student, and must submit the request three sessions in advance of the need. Students using Chamberlain's preceptor matching service will be provided with one preceptor option within a 100-mile radius of their home address. Students must have an active and unrestricted nursing license in the state where they will complete their practicum. Students must secure an acceptable site and qualified preceptor a minimum of 120 days prior to the beginning of the first Project and Practicum course. Students must select a practicum site that will be available for support and learning in all four Project and Practicum courses. Planning ahead enhances the ability of the student to identify a practice issue and design, implement and evaluate an evidence-based practice-change project. If the preceptor, mentor and/or field instructor you are submitting for Chamberlain University's review and approval was found using a third-party preceptor matching service, be advised that Chamberlain University will not reimburse any fees you may have incurred. 

Students must identify a preceptor for each of the four Project and Practicum courses in advance of starting the first Project and Practicum course. Although having the same preceptor for all Project and Practicum courses is not required, it is highly encouraged as this promotes continuity of learning and the development of a professional and collegial relationship for the student. DNP preceptors must be nurses who hold a doctorate such as a DNP, PhD, DNS, EdD, etc.

Before entering any practicum courses, students must provide proof of a current, active, unrestricted RN license in the state where the student will conduct the practicum(s). During the practicum, students will advise their preceptors of course requirements and personal learning goals. Students are also responsible for including reports of the practicum experiences including accurate reflections on activities and attainment of course outcomes and specialty competencies in their professional portfolio. Each assigned faculty member is responsible for evaluating the student’s performance and all associated assignments completed during the practicum experience. Students are responsible for making travel arrangements and paying for all related practicum expenses.

Project Navigation

(Students enrolled prior to July 2021 only)

One session prior to beginning your first practicum course, NR-702A DNP Project & Practicum I, NR-702B DNP Project & Practicum I, or NR-702C DNP Project & Practicum I you will be required to work with a project navigator (a DNP faculty member) in Project Navigation. This will take place via one-on-one phone calls or video conferencing with the Project Navigator who will provide you with guidance on the completion of section 2A of the DNP Practicum form, which will prepare you for your practicum.

Completion of all Project Navigation requirements is mandatory prior to enrolling in NR-702A DNP Project & Practicum I, NR-702B DNP Project & Practicum I, or NR-702C DNP Project & Practicum I.

DNP Practicum Compliance Documentation

Health and integrity are of the utmost importance among students charged with professional nursing care. DNP students must submit copies of personal health records as requested to the National Healthcare Compliance Office and must maintain originals for future use. Complete documentation must be provided by students to the National Healthcare Compliance Office prior to enrollment in any practicum course.

Note: All programs are subject to additional requirements including the following examples: background check, fingerprint scan, drug screen clearance, immunizations, vaccines, additional forms and trainings, and other site requirements as requested, as based on state requirements. Additional out of pocket fees may apply due to state Board of Nursing and site requirements; see your admission representative for additional information.

Insurance

Group injury and sickness insurance plans are available to all Chamberlain students. Coverage is effective 24 hours per day during the period for which the premium has been paid and eligibility has been met. Optional coverage for students’ spouses and/or children is available when signing up for coverage. Rates and policy periods are subject to change each new policy term. Insurance is not mandatory for post-licensure graduate students in the DNP program unless required by a practicum site.

Detailed enrollment information is available on the Chamberlain website at chamberlain.edu/studentinsurance.

More information is available from the National Healthcare Compliance Department: [email protected]

Students residing outside the U.S. are not eligible for this insurance. The student assumes all financial responsibility associated with their own healthcare.

Practicum/Experiential Learning Evaluation-DNP

In Chamberlain post-licensure programs students in clinical/experiential practicum settings will be evaluated regularly on meeting clinical objectives throughout each course. This evaluation is completed by both the preceptor/mentor and the course faculty. Students must successfully meet clinical objectives specific to each course by the end of that course. The faculty of record is responsible for all evaluation of student performance and makes the final determination of grades regarding student evaluation. Students will have an opportunity to evaluate their preceptor and clinical site once each term.