Section

  • General

    Welcome to Marian University MSN Program!


    We are excited that you are a member of our nursing team!  On this page you will find resources to help navigate your progression through the program.  

    Please be sure to read all modules and information provided to you.

    All efforts are made to keep this information up to date.  

    If you find information that is inaccurate, out of date, or links that do not work, please email nursing@marianuniversity.edu to report the problem.  


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      We are excited to welcome you to the renovated nursing space at the Stayer Center.  Please use the included maps to help you navigate campus.

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      Handbook
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      Orientation for Family Nurse Practitioner students will be delivered as a series of throughout your time in the program.  These virtual sessions will be scheduled by the Graduate Program Director, Dean of Nursing, or Clinical Placement Coordinator as they are relevant.  Sessions are mandatory and ample notice will be given to allow students time to accommodate the session.  The time frame provided below is a general outline and may be adjusted when necessary.

      General Orientation to the Program First Year, First Semester

        • Welcome!  Meet the Graduate Program Director, Dean of Nursing and Clinical Placement Coordinator.  
        • Virtual session, 1 hour long
        • Starting the FNP program in:
          •  Fall - orientation will be in August
          • Spring - orientation will be in January

      Practicum Placement Policies & Procedures Orientation - Second Year, First Semester 

      *DO NOT contact a potential preceptor until you have completed this orientation.*

        • The Graduate Program Director and Clinical Placement Coordinator will share detailed information regarding practicum and how to find a preceptor. 
        • Virtual session, 1 hour long
        • First practicum is:
          • Fall semester - orientation will be January of the same year (if your first practicum is Fall 2024, your orientation is January 2024)
          • Spring semester - orientation will be April of the year prior (if your first practicum is Spring 2025, your orientation is April 2024)

      Health, Safety & Compliance Workshop - Second Year, First Semester

        • The Clinical Placement Coordinator will discuss information you need to know to be in compliance with the health care systems.  You will create your ViewPoint account and start uploading documents.  These sessions will be in groups of 1 or 2 students.  
        • Virtual or in-person session, 90 minutes long
        • First practicum is: 
          • Fall semester - workshop will be March of the same year (if your first practicum is Fall 2024, your workshop is March 2024)
          • Spring semester - workshop will be October of the year prior (if your first practicum is Spring 2025, your workshop is October 2024)

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        The Graduate Nursing Student Handbook has full details on the health and safety requirements.  The information provided on this page is meant to highlight important points regarding health and safety and the CastleBranch account.  Please refer to the handbook for further information.

        Marian University is a member of the Fox Valley Health Care Alliance (FVHCA), a partnership of educational institutions, health care agencies, and other community stakeholders who developed a series of uniform standards regarding health, safety and training requirements.  These standards serve as the basis of Marian's minimum requirements.  Some health care agencies may have additional and/or more stringent requirements beyond those outlined here.  Students must meet Marian's (FVHCA) requirements AND the agency's requirements to be in compliance and cleared for participation in practicum.  

        CASTLEBRANCH

        Marian University utilizes web-based third-party record management software called CastleBranch, to manage and maintain health and safety documentation for clinical placement.  CastleBranch has the capacity to run a caregiver and criminal background check, order drug tests, and serve as a record repository for immunization and compliance records.  Each student is required to have a CastleBranch account in order to participate in practicum activities.  There is a one time fee for the initial background check and compliance tracker, paid for by the student.   Additional fees will be incurred by the student for 10 panel drug tests and repeat background checks as they are needed.

        WORKSHOPS

        Virtual workshops will be held the semester before a student's first clinical.  Students starting clinical in the fall will complete their workshop in January (deadline to have all requirements met is 6/1).  Students starting clinical in the spring will complete their workshop in August (deadline to have all requirements met is 12/1).  Watch your email for invitations to the workshops.  Participation in a workshop is mandatory.

        DUE DATES

        Students WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to begin a practicum course until all health and safety documents have been satisfied by the due dates specified.  Requirements requiring renewal are not allowed to become due during the semester; therefore, default renewal dates of 6/1 or 12/1 are used.  Requirements that come due for renewal in December-April will be due 12/1, May-November will be due 6/1.  For example, if your CPR certification is valid until 8/31/2024, the renewal date will be 6/1/2024.  CastleBranch generates email reminders to assist students with renewals when needed.  The Clinical Placement Coordinator will also work with students to make sure requirements are renewed in a timely manner.  It is important to remember that 6/1 and 12/1 are deadlines, not the date students should start thinking about renewal.  DO NOT wait until the last minute! 

        CASTLEBRANCH HINTS

        All documentation entered into CastleBranch must contain three pieces of information 1) the student's first and last name 2) the date of the test/vaccine 3) the name of the test/vaccine.  Screen shots from electronic medical records portals such as MyChart (i.e. MyThedaCare, MyBellin, MyAurora, etc.) are great sources of documentation.  However, taking a screen shot from your phone will not show your first and last name.  You will need to access the portal through a computer and download a PDF of the document to ensure all necessary information is captured. Documentation that does not clearly show this information will be rejected and need to be resubmitted.  If you need help finding documentation, you may try these resources:

        1. Wisconsin Immunization Registry - for your vaccine information 
        2. Wisconsin Credential/License Search - for your RN license
        3. American Heart Association - for your CPR card

        CastleBranch can be "fussy" sometimes.  It is not uncommon for the program to take a long time to load a page.  Additionally, the program also has a tendency to frequently error out.  Hitting the refresh button on your browser can help resolve this issue.  Hint! It is best to try to upload PDF or word documents, rather than .jpg.  Photo files tend to be too big and can't be uploaded.  Try scanning the document rather than taking a picture of it.

        Did you know you can use the camera on your smart phone as a scanner?  

        If you continue to have issues with your CastleBranch account, use CastleBranch Student Support for technical assistance.  You can reach them by on-line chat, 1-800 number listed on the home page, or using the library videos in myCB resources within your account.   

        HEADSHOT

        You are required to submit a headshot to CastleBranch annually as part of your health and safety requirements.  Here's an example of a good headshot.  Submitted photos that do not follow the guidelines below will be rejected.



        If you have any questions reach out to the Clinical Placement Coordinator (clinicalpaperwork@marianuniversity.edu)


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        WHAT ARE PRIMARY CARE SITES FOR PRACTICUM?

        Marian University’s MSN/FNP program prepares students for the role of the Family Nurse Practitioner in the primary care setting. FNP competencies include caring for patients across the lifespan with a wide variety of presentations, and as such, all direct patient care practicum hours must be within a primary care outpatient setting.  These settings including the primary care practices of family medicine, pediatrics and internal medicine or adult/gerontology. Primary care includes the aspects of health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education, and diagnosis and ongoing treatment of acute and chronic illnesses in the outpatient setting.

        Practices such as employer health, occupational health, urgent care, home-based care or retail clinic settings may provide a portion of primary care as their focus may be narrower, depending on their policies (i.e. only see certain patient presentations or have limited management capabilities).

        Other outpatient settings are considered specialty practices as they focus on one particular problem origin, organ system or diagnosis. These would include the practices of cardiology, endocrinology, dermatology, etc. While these practices may support an aspect of primary care competencies, they are considered consultative or referral from primary care to address specific needs.

        Inpatient and/or acute care settings require a set of different competencies and skills than primary care FNP competencies in order to deliver safe and competent patient care. Caring for patients in the acute care setting is not the focus of the Marian University MSN/FNP program. These settings cannot be used for the required direct patient care hours for any practicum course. If students wish to observe the role of the provider in the acute care setting, they my request this placement and will be required to submit the necessary health forms/background checks etc. for placement. However, those hours will not count toward their required minimum clinical hours. All surgical practices, dialysis, anesthesia, etc. would be considered acute care. Emergency room settings may be considered within the practicum placement policy. 

        PRECEPTOR AND SITE SELECTION POLICIES

        When selecting potential preceptors and sites, FNP I students should focus on finding a practitioner in Family or Internal Medicine. FNP II and III students should review their skills within the Typhon database and ensure adequate experiences and achieve competencies across the lifespan and across a variety of health promotion/maintenance and common acute and chronic patient presentations.

        Clinical instructors, the Graduate Program Director and the Clinical Placement Coordinator can assist you at any time.

        All requests for placements within a specialty practice will be reviewed by the Graduate Program Director for approval.  If there is concern regarding how how this placement will support the attainment of the FNP competencies the student will be expected to submit rational for the specialty placement in writing. If approved, a maximum of 90 hours over the course of study may be spent within a specialty practice. 

        Inpatient and/or acute care settings require a set of different competencies and skills than primary care FNP competencies in order to deliver safe and competent patient care. Caring for patients in the acute care setting is not the focus of the Marian University MSN/FNP program. These settings (i.e hospitalists) cannot be used for the required direct patient care hours for any practicum course. If students wish to observe the role of the provider in the acute care setting, they may request this placement and will be required to submit the necessary health forms/background checks etc. for placement. However, those hours will not count toward their required minimum clinical hours. All surgical practices, dialysis, anesthesia, etc. would be considered acute care. Emergency room settings may be considered within the practicum placement policy. 

        PRECEPTOR ELIGIBILITY

        The course faculty or the Graduate Program Director approves the use of any clinical preceptor. The following criteria are utilized in selecting clinical preceptors specific to the emphasis of the student:

          1. Current licensure to practice in Wisconsin.
          2. Master’s in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with clinical preparation as an advanced practice registered nurse or an advanced degree in the appropriate field, or a physician. Physician Assistants may be considered with approval of supervising physician. Certification in appropriate area is strongly preferred.
          3. At least two years of experience in the clinician role in germane settings.
          4. Interest in assuming the responsibilities of the preceptor role.
          5. Preceptors may only be used for one practicum.  Graduate Program Director approval required for unique situations requiring the same preceptor to be used twice.

        PRACTICUM GUIDELINES

        NUR 623 Practicum I 

            • Family or Internal Medicine: full hours
            • Internal medicine/pediatric combined practice: full hours
            • Retail clinic: max 60 hours (with approval from Graduate Program Director)
            • Employer health: max 60 hours (with approval from Graduate Program Director)

           NUR 632 Practicum II

              • Family or Internal Medicine: full hours
              • Internal medicine/pediatric combined practice (1 provider that practices in both IM and Peds): full hours
              • All placements within primary care practices that focus on a restricted age group (Geriatrics/Nursing Home, Pediatrics, Women’s Health, Internal Medicine) require a plan to assure adequate experiences all age groups (with approval from Graduate Program Director).
              • Urgent care/*Emergency Department: max 90 hours
              • Retail clinical: max 60 hours
              • Specialty placement (with approval by Graduate Program Director): max 90 hours (Endocrinology, Cardiology, Dermatology, Orthopedics)

          NUR 643 Practicum III

              • Family or Internal Medicine: full hours
              • Internal medicine/pediatric combined practice (1 provider that practices in both IM and Peds): full hours
              • All placements within primary care practices that focus on a restricted age group (Geriatrics/Nursing Home, Pediatrics, Women’s Health, Internal Medicine) require a plan to assure adequate experiences all age groups (with approval from Graduate Program Director).
              • Urgent care/*Emergency Department: max 90 hours

          * Student requesting placement with an Emergency Department setting must adhere to the following restrictions:

            1. Students may not actively participate in the care of highly acute patients (e.g. acute coronary syndrome, CVA, resuscitation, trauma, etc.). Observation only is permitted.
            2. Students are to focus on the types of ED presentations that are commonly seen in primary care (e.g. headache, orthopedic complaints, fever) that represent commonly seen and treated acute presentations in primary care.
            3. Students may engage in various procedures that are within their MSN program training and competency area.  Prior RN ED work experience cannot be used to determine advanced practice competency.

          Due to requirement changes by AACN/CCNE clinical hours will increase from 209 to 234 starting with the Fall 2023 semester for FNP 1 and FNP 2   FNP 3 students are grandfathered in and will complete 209 hours for the Fall 2023 semester.

          Practicum

          FNP I

          Practicum

          FNP II

          Practicum

          FNP III

          Family Medicine234234234
          Internal Medicine234234234
          Internal Med/Peds Combo234234234
          Pediatric909090
          Employer Health 60*00
          Women's Health090*90*
          Urgent Care090*90*
          Emergency Medicine090*90*
          Retail Clinic60*60*0
          Palliative/Geriatrics090*90*
          Endocrinology090*90*
          Cardiology090*90*
          Dermatology090*90*
          Orthopedics090*90*

          * Requires Graduate Program Director Approval- CONSIDERED A SPECIALTY ROTATION
          You may only have one 90 hour specialty rotation throughout your practicums.  You cannot have a specialty rotation each semester.
          Pediatric rotation is strongly encouraged.  This would not count as a specialty rotation.
          If completing 60 or 90 hours in specialty, the remaining hours must be in Family or Internal Medicine
           
          PRACTICUM APPROVAL PROCESS

            • Review "Important Dates & Deadlines" on right hand column of MO2 home page.  If an agency is not listed check the agency's website and submit the Preceptor Request Form (PRF) at least 15 days before the deadline.   
            • Review the "Clinical Placement Information" section of MO2 for details on the request process for the most commonly used health care systems and agencies.  Do not reach out to a health care system or possible preceptor before reviewing this information.  Some health care systems only accept employees or they may not want students reaching out directly to preceptors.  You will find guidelines for each agency in their link on this page.
            • Submit the Preceptor Request Form for all clinical placements.  Your preceptor request will be reviewed and submitted to the requested agency by the Clinical Placement Coordinator.  Do not submit any requests on your own.  All formal requests must be submitted by the Clinical Placement Coordinator following each agency's process.  If a student does need to submit a request, the Clinical Placement coordinator will work with that student to ensure the request is proper and complete.
            • A placement is not approved until a student receives a confirmation email from the Clinical Placement Coordinator.  If an agency reaches out directly to the student, the student is expected to forward the confirmation email to the Clinical Placement Coordinator at clinicalpaperwork@marianuniversity.edu
            • Once placement is approved, complete all university and agency-specific compliance modules and forms for orientation and onboarding.  This will be sent to you from the Clinical Placement Coordinator, an agency staff member, or a third party program such as MyClinicalExchange.  
            • Four weeks prior to the start of practicum, your preceptor will receive a letter welcoming them as your preceptor and providing them with program and course information.
            • Two weeks before the start of practicum, your preceptor will receive a Typhon username and password via email. 
            • Students may begin practicum at the start of the semester of the practicum course and only after confirmed schedule approval from preceptor.  

          DELAYED APPROVAL

          Failure to adhere to the due dates, timely submission of Preceptor Request Form, health and safety documentation and agency specific requirements will result in the delay of the approval process and may delay the start of student practicum experiences.  It is important that all deadlines are met and if issues occur, communication is prompt.

          FAQs
            • 234/250 hours – the total hours completed in the clinical setting is 234 per semester. In addition to the 16 hours spent in practicum course this will equal 250 hours of clinical time per semester.  
            • Clinical instructors may be requested as preceptors
            • Maximum of 2 preceptors/practicum (unless approved by Graduate Program Director)
            • If your preceptor has vacation or is unavailable for a time during the semester, you may ask another provider WITHIN THAT CLINIC, if they would accept precepting you for a limited time (typically, this is only for 2-3 clinic days – anymore requires approval)
            • All practicum hours are to be distributed evenly across the entire semester. Students are expected to have practicum hours weeks 1-15. Student may complete hours early with approval of their Clinical Instructor
            • Use of current employment site is acceptable
            • Use of immediate family members as preceptors is not allowed
            • Students should consider the pros and cons of using a personal friend as a preceptor.

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          The information provided on these pages is subject to change.  If you discover inaccurate information or broken links please inform the Clinical Placement Coordinator at clinicalpaperwork@marianuniversity.edu so updates/corrections can be made.

          Clinical sites frequently used by Marian University are are listed below.  This is not an exclusive list of agencies.  We have 100+ affiliation agreements on file, so if there is an agency you are interested in working with that is not listed below, contact the Clinical Placement Coordinator.  The Coordinator will review if there is an agreement on file, and if not inquire with the agency if it is possible to execute an agreement.

          Please review the steps outlined in the link for the agency you wish to use for practicum.  Preceptor Request Form is needed for every request.  Remember, a request is not confirmed until you have received an email confirmation from the Clinical Placement Coordinator.

          You may notice that placement deadlines on agency websites are generally 15 days later than the deadline on the right hand column of the MO2 page.  The Clinical Placement Coordinator needs time to prepare and submit requests to the agency.  This buffer allows time to make sure all required information, such as CV/resume and agency specific paperwork is complete and ready to go by the submission deadline.  Failure to submit the Preceptor Request form by the MO2 date may result in a missed opportunity with an agency.


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          Upon registering for the last semester of Health Care Administration coursework, students will notify the Nursing Department clinical placement coordinator  and program director via email (clinicalpaperwork@marianuniveristy.edu) that they plan to enroll in NUR 662 Nursing Administration Practicum the following semester (fall or spring).  


          The course faculty or the Graduate Program Director approves the use of any preceptor. The following criteria are utilized in selecting NA practicum preceptors: 

          1.      Nursing administrators (manager, director, CNO, etc.). BSN required.  MSN is preferred, but Master’s degree may be in another field  (i.e. MBA, MHA).

          2.      At least 2 years of experience in an advanced leadership role.

          Nursing Administration Placement Request Form

          *Note: Please refer to the Health and Safety section for the needed ordering, requirements, and related details. Also, the COVID-19 section to make sure you are aware of any policy and procedure required by the organization you will have clinical hours. 

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