Work and Study
Scheduling of clinical practicum time involves varied hours and in-house call in order to offer a wide variety of clinical experiences and to enable the student to correlate theory and practice. Clinical time averages approximately 32 hours per week. Additional time is required for pre-operative and postoperative rounds, case planning, clinical, and independent study. The time committed to study, class, and practice may consume 64 hours per week. Twenty personal days off will be granted each year under strict guidelines to ensure that the student does not miss critical educational opportunities.
Because the program is demanding, part-time work as a registered nurse is virtually impossible, and strongly discouraged. Home responsibilities and extracurricular activities are best minimized, as the student must devote full-time attention to this rigorous training commitment.
Absences and Transfers
Twenty (20) PTO days will be granted each year. This includes vacation (assigned and scheduled), sick time, and any other time off the student requires. Although rare, a leave of absence may be granted by the director in unusual circumstances. Additional time shall be scheduled at the discretion of the director to make up for lost time beyond the permitted days. This may extend the educational period beyond 24 months. Transfers are discouraged and are usually not available.
Evaluation Process
A student must maintain a "B" in both academic and non-credit courses to be eligible for graduation. A "C" in more than 6 semester hours of course work or a "C" in any nursing specialty course is cause for dismissal. Clinical performance is evaluated on a daily basis throughout the 24-month program. Students are required to maintain a "B" or above in the clinical component.