RN-to-BSN

RN-to-BSN Practicum

Practical experience is a valuable part of the RN-to-BSN curriculum. Hands-on practice is required for all students in the RN-to-BSN program by New York State Education Department and by our national nursing accreditor. The practicum courses offer both new and experienced nurses opportunities to apply the knowledge acquired in our program, enhance professional skills, gain expertise in the field, and provide meaningful networking opportunities.

BSN practicum placement is a collaborative process. BSN Practicum Coordinators will provide guidance and direct assistance on how to select and secure a preceptor at an appropriate site. Their contact information is listed below.

There are two practicum courses in the RN-to-BSN program:

• NURS 406: Population and Community Health
• NURS 407: Senior Practicum

Each practicum course consists of 45 hours engaged in practicum-related activities.  Of the 45 hours, 20 hours are completed at a hospital or healthcare agency that is convenient to the student's hometown. Thus, a total of 40 hours during the program will be spent in agencies that align with the practicum course learning outcomes.

SUNY Delhi must be affiliated with the agency or hospital and the preceptor must also be approved by the Practicum Coordinator. We are able to create new affiliations with sites upon request. Students are permitted to complete their practicum hours in their places of employment if there is an existing or new affiliation agreement, a qualified preceptor is approved, the hours are not at the same time as the student’s employment, and the experience is appropriate for the practicum course requirements.

The list of available  BSN affiliated agencies can be accessed upon enrollent in our program. The sites we are currently affiliated with are not obligated to take SUNY Delhi RN to BSN students for practicum courses, thus they are approached each time for assurance of a preceptor and acceptance of students. A contract will be initiated with a new site by the BSN practicum coordinator upon receipt of the necessary information required by the student.

SUNY Delhi's School of Nursing uses Castle Branch to manage practicum requirements of the program (health, background check, CPR, immunizations, etc.). All students accepted into SUNY Delhi's RN to BSN program will be required to create a profile and complete a background check at the time of acceptance.

 Cost

• Document Manager one-time fee of $50+tax
• Castle Branch Background Check: $65 +tax
• Based on site requirements, some students may require a drug screen at an additional cost of $45 (no longer 10 panel).

The BSN Practicum Coordinator is available to offer guidance on how to select and secure a preceptor at an appropriate site. Please don't hesitate to contact the BSN Practicum Coordinator, Laura Ziemba, for any further questions at 607-746-4427 or ziembalf@delhi.edu.