The Clinical with Distinction designation is awarded to students each semester who meet the stated criteria. Course faculty will determine if a student meets the criteria. Students are not permitted to contract or negotiate for Clinical with Distinction. If awarded Clinical with Distinction, a 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:
• Organized in his/her nursing care and requires little direction
• Independently seeks and takes advantage of learning opportunities
• Able to think critically and prioritize needs
• Frequently recognized by the staff and/or family members 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 research in the planning and implementation of his/her 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 impacts the quality of patient outcomes
• Contributes to the unit or agency in a manner that positively impacts patient care or nursing practice
• Frequently recognized by the staff and/or family members 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 research in the development and implementation of his/her 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.