At the University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing, clinical experience is an important aspect of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). You have clinicals in hospitals, clinics, and communities, giving you an idea of what it’s like to be a nurse. It’s also an opportunity to learn from other nurses and understand the role and responsibilities of a registered nurse.
In the last semester of the BSN program, students take a clinical immersion, also known as a capstone or practicum course. It’s a more comprehensive clinical that truly immerses you in the day-to-day workflows of nurses and the healthcare team. Lamandra Kuck, a recent BSN graduate, gives an overview of what students should know before starting the clinical immersion course.
What is a clinical immersion?
May 2026 BSN graduate Lamandra Kuck. |
Clinical immersion is an end-of-program course in the undergraduate nursing program in the final semester of nursing school. At CU Anschutz Nursing, immersion is split into two blocks (I or II), so you’ll either do them in the first or second half of the semester. It’s 180 clinical hours, equivalent to 15, 12-hour shifts.
Can you pick where you do your immersion?
In the fall semester, we received emails from the Experiential Learning Team that showed which hospitals were accepting immersion applications for the spring semester [Kuck was a student in the college's two-year BSN pathway]. In my cohort, we were only allowed to apply to one hospital, and all applications don’t come out at the same time, so you have to know ahead of time where you want to apply. When you apply, you tell them the top three floors you’d like to be placed on. It is a competitive process, and other nursing schools are also applying for the end-of-program immersive rotations.
Students should keep in mind that they may not get their first choice. I applied to Children’s Hospital Colorado’s hematology-oncology floor, which is competitive, and I wasn’t accepted. I was accepted to the medical oncology floor at UCHealth, so that’s where I did my clinical immersion rotation.
How is this different than your clinicals in previous semesters?
In your other clinical shifts, you’re following your preceptor around and focusing only on one (maybe two) patient. With clinical immersion, you’re following your preceptor everywhere when she sees all her patients, so it gives you a better idea of what it’s like working as a nurse. Also, unlike other clinical courses, which assign specific dates for the clinical rotation, in clinical immersion, you follow your assigned preceptor's schedule. It could be days, nights, weekends, or holidays; you work the nurse's schedule.
What is a typical clinical immersion shift like?
On my first day, I mostly shadowed my preceptor because she wanted me to get a sense of what she was doing, understand the floor layout, and know where everything was.
As time went on, my preceptor had me administer some medication, assess patients, and do as much as I could. She would watch me and offer guidance. It’s great getting a good idea of what she does and what it’s like to work on the floor.
What is it like working with a preceptor?
It was great. My preceptor is a relatively new nurse with just over a year of experience, which is nice because she gave me an idea of what the first year of nursing looks like.
When you enter a patient’s room, the preceptor will usually introduce you as a student if they don’t take the time to introduce themselves to the patient. I’ve never had a patient say they didn’t want a student to give them medication or things like that, but it could happen.
Did you do anything to prepare for your clinical immersion?
I refreshed my clinical skills. I found that looking in my notes or watching videos was really helpful because it made me more comfortable. I had about six weeks off, from my last clinical to my clinical immersion, since it was the end of the fall semester. I wanted to do a quick refresher on what I might be doing during my immersion.
What are some essentials students should bring?
Definitely have water and make sure the bottle has a lid or screw cap. Bring your stethoscope, a pen, and paper to fold in your pocket. Pack some snacks. You’re running around all day, and you may not have time to eat a full lunch or dinner, so put something in your locker that you can eat quickly. Wear a long-sleeved shirt under your scrubs because it can get cold. Bring your credit card if you want something from the vending machine. And bring your badge!
What should students know as they start their clinical immersion?
I was very intimidated during my first clinical in 2024. I was hesitant to jump in and help because I didn’t feel comfortable. So, it’s important to step in, ask questions, and try new things; be part of the team!
