Nursing (NURS) 696

Overview

NURS 696: Clinical Practicum is reserved for non-program MN–NP and PMD–NP learners and requires prior approval from the NP Program Director or NP Clinical Leader. 

This course is designed for nurse practitioners who are: 

• Completing clinical education to add a Family/All Ages designation to an existing NP license, or 

• Meeting regulatory clinical-hour requirements for NP licensure or re-entry to practice. 

Learners complete a supervised clinical practicum focused on the management of clients in primary health care and related settings. The course may also fulfill requirements for jurisdictions where a Post-Master’s Diploma: Nurse Practitioner (PMD–NP) is required for NP licensure. 

Clinical Practicum 

The population focus of the practicum is determined by each learner’s individualized learning plan and applicable regulatory requirements.  

Practice Change and Regulatory Pathways: 

For learners adding a Family/All Ages NP designation: A learning plan is developed to ensure exposure to populations not included in the learner’s previous NP program (e.g., pediatrics, gender health, adults, or older adults). Learners must complete a pre-determined number of clinical hours aligned with this plan to achieve competence across the lifespan. 

For learners completing regulatory or re-entry requirements: A customized learning plan guides exposure to competencies identified by the regulatory body. Learners complete a pre-determined minimum number of hours focused on re-establishing clinical competence and confidence in NP practice. 

Learners provide direct client care under the supervision of licensed NP faculty and approved preceptors, developing competence in: 

• Comprehensive assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-informed decision-making 

• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing treatments, and documenting care 

• Professional leadership, collaboration, and accountability within interprofessional practice 

Clinical seminars and reflective activities reinforce the integration of theory, research, and clinical experience, supporting continued growth in the nurse-practitioner role. 

Outline

NURS 696 is a supervised clinical practicum of up to 300 hours, completed within a single academic term. Learners are expected to: 

• Develop and implement an individualized Clinical Learning Plan aligned with their regulatory and professional objectives. 

• Engage in direct patient care experiences under the supervision of approved preceptors. 

• Participate in clinical seminars and reflective activities that promote integration of theory and practice. 

• Demonstrate ongoing growth in clinical competence, autonomy, and role development as a nurse practitioner. 

Further details are provided in the NP Clinical Practicum Guide in Brightspace. 

Learning outcomes

By the end of NURS 696, learners will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate clinical decision-making and diagnostic reasoning in managing clients across the lifespan. 
2. Integrate medical and nursing management through evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic health concerns. 
3. Apply therapeutic communication and collaborative approaches with clients, families, and interprofessional teams. 
4. Document clinical encounters accurately, including assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans, and follow-up.
5. Exhibit professional accountability, leadership, and ethical practice consistent with the nurse practitioner role.

Evaluation

The course is graded on a pass/fail basis. Evaluation is based on satisfactory performance in all required components: 

Activity	Weight
Clinical Learning Plan	Pass/Fail
Progressive Clinical Evaluation(s)	Pass/Fail
Final Clinical Evaluation	Pass/Fail

All components must be successfully completed to achieve a passing grade. 

Materials

Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course: 

There are no required textbooks for MHST/NURS 695-696NURS 696. It is expected that students will consult reference materials—including textbooks, journals, and Internet resources—for information directly related to their learning proposal. 

Additional Information 

• Learners are expected to maintain active registration and meet provincial NP regulatory requirements for practice. 

• Practicum details, documentation forms, and evaluation criteria are available in the NP Clinical Practicum Guide in Brightspace. 

• Reliable Internet access is required for participation in course communications and seminar sessions. 

Important links

• Student services in FHD
• Support services at AU
• Faculty of Graduate Studies
• Faculty of Health Disciplines
• Graduate Calendar