Frequently Asked Questions: BS Work Site Programs at University of Colorado Hospital

How is class time different than clinical time?

Didactic content is delivered via different modalities from online videostreaming to attending lectures.  Didactic content provides the foundation for the associated clinical experience and prepares the student for applying the concepts and theory to practice.  Didactic content also prepares the student for success in passing the NCLEX exam.  Clinical time or clinical rotations are designed to support the theory and concepts taught in the “classroom”.  Each clinical rotation is an opportunity for the student to apply theory and concepts, practice skills, acquire safe practices, build collaboration and communication skills, explore the role of professional nursing and build confidence.  Each course builds upon prior course content.

Can I expect my clinical time to be scheduled on one weekend day?

Please expect clinical schedules to vary.  You may be scheduled for clinical time on both Saturday and Sunday, or you may scheduled for clinical time during weekdays. The practicum course clinical schedule is based on following a RN preceptor schedule (which includes working night shift 1900 to 0730).  Most of the clinical experiences are 12 hour shifts (0700 to 1930); however some may be 8 or 10 hours in length.

How far in advance will I know my clinical schedule?

Many variables are managed to determine clinical schedules for all students.  There is a collaborative effort between UCHSC School of Nursing BS program faculty and UCH nursing leadership to place students for clinical experiences.  Great effort is made to communicate student clinical placements and schedules 6 weeks prior to the start of the clinical rotation. Although rare, clinical placements and schedules may not be known until 1 week in advance of the clinical start date. Communication with students related to clinical schedules and placements is an on-going endeavor.

Will all my clinical time be scheduled at University of Colorado Hospital?

The BS program at UCHSC is designed to provide a comprehensive nursing education from a generalist perspective.  For example, The University of Colorado Hospital does not have specific clinical services for pediatrics.  Clinical placements outside of the UCH system are often utilized for pediatric, mental health, child-bearing families, and community health clinical experiences.

Will I need to have banked PTO prior to entering the Worksite program?

It is advised that students in the program bank their PTO for use throughout the program to complete required clinical hours.  For example, the practicum course and Public Health Nursing course during the final semester require 240 hours of clinical time.  It is also helpful to have PTO available for unexpected personal life situations.

Will I have choices for my clinical placements?

Every effort is made not to place students in the areas or units where they work.  Clinical placements, again are determined by many variables, the goal is to provide students with an experience that supports the didactic content, promote learning, and be beneficial.  Students are queried about their clinical areas of interest for the practicum experience to facilitate placement in those areas.  In general, student choice for clinical placement in the Worksite program is limited as compared to other BS programs due to your work schedules.

Will I have opportunities to change my area of employment while I’m enrolled in the Worksite program?

There are times during your employment with UCH that you will need to the unit you work within or the job title that you are currently in.  If you choose the change to another unit you will need to apply for the unit you would like to work for through UCH online employment and then a recruiter will contact you.  (Note: You will be given the same consideration as every other candidate. There will be no special consideration because you are in the BS Program). If you would like to change your job title to Advanced Care Partner, please contact your Manager to determine if and when this can happen.

Will I be able to change my FTE status while enrolled in the Worksite program?

Yes, you can change your FTE status while you are enrolled in the Worksite Program as long as your FTE status does not fall below a .5FTE (20 hours).  If you would like to change your FTE status, please contact your Manager to discuss the options that would be available.

Who is responsible for and how is my work schedule managed to accommodate for class and clinical time?

You are responsible for meeting with your Manager and discussing scheduling options that will accommodate your class and clinical time. We recommend that you discuss this with your Manager as soon as you know you clinical schedule so that your Manager has time to re-arrange the schedule if needed.

If I leave employment at UCH while enrolled in the Worksite program, will I lose enrollment in the UCHSC School of Nursing program?

If you leave employment at UCH while enrolled in the BS Worksite Program you will lose your spot in the Worksite Program.  Before you leave UCH we recommend that you talk to UCHSC School of Nursing to find out if you can attend the other Nursing Programs that they offer. There are no guarantees that you will be accepted into their other programs.

Am I guaranteed a nursing position, in the clinical area of my choice, at the University of Colorado Hospital?

Every effort is made to match your clinical areas of interest for employment as a Graduate Nurse Resident, as it is for all applicants to the Graduate Nurse Residency program.  It is important to remember that you will be interviewing for open positions along with other candidates.  There is no guarantee, or special consideration for the BS worksite program, that you will be hired into your clinical area of choice.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the UCH BSN Worksite program?

The BSN Work Site Program web page, accessed from the Human Resources Department web page provides an excellent overview about eligibility, candidate requirements, application processes, work agreement and a link to the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, School of Nursing (SON) application and admission processes.
Specific people knowledgeable about the UCH Worksite program:

• Kelley Williamson, Manager, Training/Development, UCH Department of Human Resources.
• Gail Armstrong, ND, RN:  Worksite Program Director, University of Colorado Denver:  School of Nursing can answer questions related to the academic program.
• Kathy Foss, MSN, RN:  Clinical Development Coordinator, UCH can answer questions related to clinical placements and issues related to the clinical learning environment.