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 a few of the senior's experiences below:
I was lucky enough to have my clinical rotation split into two locations and two very different levels of acuity. The first half of the semester was spent in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado...After spending half the semester in a very busy ICU, I was able to move to rural Cody, Wyoming to continue my Capstone in Park County Public Health...I couldn't be more grateful for my Capstone clinical experience. [Click on Ruth's name above to read specifics about her placements.]
I have been on the Medical floor at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center since the beginning of the semester, and have had a great experience so far. I Have had the opportunity to care for patients with a wide variety of conditions, as well as observe many fascinating procedures, including ultrasound IVs, echo-cardiograms, as well as placing splints in physical therapy. The capstone program is an excellent conclusion to the nursing program. [Read more by clicking on Lucas' name above.]
I chose to complete my senior capstone at West Park Hospital in Cody, Wyoming. I have participated or observed nursing skills like ostomy care, port access, PICC line dressing changes, catheter insertion, j-tubes, g-tubes, hemavac drains, and so much more. My time here has been fantastic, and I would not change my capstone experience for anything! [Click on Amanda's name above to read more about her experience.]
My first rotation took place at Powell Valley Healthcare, where I was able to work on the intensive care unit as well as the medical-surgical floor...My second rotation is taking place in Laramie at Albany County Public Health, where I am greatly enjoying the continuity of care, being able to establish a high level of rapport, and being able to utilize my nutritional background to help promote healthy lifestyles. I have greatly enjoyed my clinical experience and have particularly enjoyed getting out and giving back to the community. [Click on Samantha's name to read specifics about her placements.]