University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307)-766-1121
The last semester of the Basic BSN program contains the Capstone Practicum, a precepted final clinical course that assists students in synthesizing basic concepts of professional nursing. Students gain confidence, practice clinical reasoning and leadership skills, communicate effectively with the interprofessional team, apply ethical decision-making skills and develop evidence-based practice. Check out five students' experiences below:
At first, I felt nervous but prepared for the skills I have been using here. Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing has prepared me well with essential nursing skills. The skills I’ve used have included physical patient assessments, IV starting skills, port accessing and de-accessing, infusions, blood transfusions, and so much more. Throughout the experience, I’ve been able to take my own patients from start to finish. It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m able to care for patients on my own and that the other nurses trust me with these tasks. [Click on Bethany's name above to read specifics about her capstone experience.]
My capstone placement in Loveland, Colorado has given me the confidence, teaching, and knowledge to one day become a competent, independent practicing RN. The environment here has been like none other and the staff are always eager to teach. Working in the ED has really opened my eyes to the world around us and the health issues that people are facing every day. From running codes to inserting nasogastric tubes to starting peripheral IV after peripheral IV, I have felt abundantly blessed with my experiences. This department really supports their students and wants you to succeed. [Click on Lu's name above to read specifics about her capstone experience.]
I have learned so much from my time spent here! I’ve been able to go from helping a mom in labor, to welcoming a newborn into the world, to then caring for a toddler with respiratory problems all in the same day. I’ve been able to practice assessments, administer medications, and provide a lot of teaching and education to patients. I have learned how to work with a multi-disciplinary team and how important it is to have good communication and a positive attitude... I have been able to see how the coursework and clinical sites throughout the program have prepared me for this experience. It has reinforced my passion and motivation for becoming the best nurse I can be and helping as many people as possible. [Click on Muchmore's name above to read specifics about her capstone experience.]
My capstone experience in the ICU at Cheyenne VA Medical Center gave me the the opportunity to get my feet wet working with acute care patients, but still seeing some higher-level acuity. I have seen a wide spectrum of patients from malignant hyperthermia to cardioversions and everything in between... I have had the opportunity to learn and grow as a nurse and develop some independence, still having structure and guidance from a very experienced ICU nurse. I have had opportunity to focus on studying EKG’s and becoming proficient at reading telemetry strips... I have performed as a first responder to code blues and rapid responses throughout the hospital as well. [Click on Paulson's name for more.]
The small size of the hospital at my capstone in Worland is a major benefit to my nursing career. I have obtained knowledge and experiences in many different areas of nursing, which not only make me a more well rounded nurse, but also allow me to consider what area of nursing I’d like to pursue in the future. In addition, the entire hospital is supportive of my education. My preceptor--mainly a medical-surgical nurse--also gets called whenever anything interesting comes into the ER so I can assist and learn. Doctors, surgeons, x-ray techs, and anesthesiologists have taken time to explain procedures so that I fully understand what they are doing. I had opportunity to go to OR for surgeries, follow the chemotherapy nurse, and even help manage ICU patients' care. [Click on Taylor's name for more.]
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307)-766-1121
