The Clinical with Distinction designation is awarded to students each semester who meet the stated criteria. Course faculty will identify if and how a student has met the criteria and submit a letter to the Undergraduate Studies Committee for review and approval. Students are not permitted to contract or negotiate for Clinical with Distinction. Upon being awarded Clinical with Distinction designation, the student will receive a congratulatory letter from the Dean of the College.
SOPHOMORE LEVEL
To achieve Clinical with Distinction recognition, a sophomore level student must consistently meet the following four criteria:
- Provides organized nursing care and requires little direction
• Independently seeks and takes advantage of learning opportunities
• Able to think critically and prioritize needs
• Recognized by the staff and/or family for making a significant contribution to the care of the patient or to the activities of the unit/agency that go above and beyond the student role
JUNIOR LEVEL
To achieve the Clinical with Distinction recognition, a junior level student must consistently meet four of the following six criteria:
- Incorporates evidenced-based practice in the planning and implementation of nursing interventions
• Applies assessment and diagnostic skills in patient care in order to positively affect patient outcomes (i.e. Identifying subtle changes in a patient’s condition)
• Demonstrates a high level of critical thinking skills that positively impacts the quality of patient care - Contributes to the unit or agency in a manner that positively impacts patient care or nursing practice
• Recognized by the staff and/or family in making a significant contribution to the care of the patient or to the activities of the unit/agency that go above and beyond the student role
• Actively initiates patient and family education and creatively designs and implements patient teaching activities
SENIOR LEVEL
To achieve Clinical with Distinction recognition, a senior level student must consistently meet three of the following four criteria:
- Incorporate evidenced-based practice in the development and implementation of nursing interventions.
• Contribute to the unit/agency in a manner that positively impacts care/practice.
• Impact the care of patients/families/communities in a way that enhances outcomes.
• Be recognized by the staff as making contributions above and beyond the student role.