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MSN Handbook

Practicum Facilities

Specific Policies for Students in Practicum Facilities

  • Students must adhere to requirements stipulated in the practicum contact or Memorandum of Understanding from the practicum site.
  • Professional apparel that meets agency guidelines is expected. Conservative and professional dress clothing and a lab coat are the norm. No jeans or shorts or running shoes or bare midriff or low-cut clothing are allowed in an agency or agency library.
  • The student will work within the policies of the agency and maintain a constructive relationship with the agency.
  • The student is required to supply health information to Practicum sites/facilities as requested.
  • If requested by the practicum site/facility, the student should wear a student ID which identifies her or his status as an Aspen University graduate nursing student. To obtain a student ID, please contact your Academic Advisor.

General Guidelines Regarding Practicum, Practicum Site and Preceptor

  • Participation in approved practicum experiences at the required number of hours for each specific course; student must be prepared, active, informed, accountable, and professional.
  • Demonstration of effective and appropriate communication skills.
  • Demonstration of effective and appropriate documentation on client’s records, dictation, and practicum logs, including correct spelling.
  • Completion of practicum hours logs documenting variety of experiences using the required system.
  • Attendance at required practicum conferences with preceptor and instructor.
  • Completion of personal/professional objectives along with self-evaluation of progress.

Attendance at Practicum Experiences


Students are to negotiate acceptable hours with the preceptor prior to starting practicum. The student is expected to accommodate the preceptor's availability and schedule. Students are expected to treat the agreed upon practicum hours as they would a place of employment. If the student is to be absent for a scheduled practicum day due to illness or emergency, the preceptor should be notified prior to the beginning of the practicum day. The student should negotiate the procedure for contacting the preceptor in case of absence prior to starting practicum. Make-up hours are then to be negotiated. Students also must contact the faculty member promptly.

Students will document practicum hours in ProjectConcert. The student will run an audit report of hours logged and present this to the preceptor for signature during the course. If the student is not attending practicum as scheduled, the faculty member needs to be notified promptly.