What makes a good Practicum objective?
All practica should be based on 2 – 5 objectives linked to the student’s academic program competencies. The preceptor and the student should meet, construct and discuss objectives at the beginning of the practicum. It is recommended to use the 'SMART' guidelines in order to assure that each objective is:
- Specific - A specific objective has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general one. To make an objective specific, make sure to include the Who, What, When, Where and Why (e.g. A general objective would be "Get in shape." A specific objective would be "I will join and attend a health club at least three times per week for three months in order to lose 15 pounds.")
- Measurable - Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each objective. Ask yourself "How much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished?” In the objective above, the 15 pounds is what makes it measurable.
- Attainable -Objectives should be achievable given the resources and time available.
- Realistic - Objectives are realistic when the skills needed to reach the objective are available and the goal fits with the overall strategy and goals of the organization.
- Timely - When setting objectives, you should ensure that there is an understanding of a begin date, end date, and how much time it will take to reach the objective within the timeframe. In the objective above, the 3 months is the time frame for achieving the goal.
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| Organization | Palmetto Health Heart Hospital |
| Department | Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation |
| Website | |
| Street Address | 14 Richland Medical Park Suite 100 |
| City | Columbia |
| State | South Carolina |
| Specify the experiences to be undertaken (including strategy, methods, resources, settings). | Each student should have the basic skills to provide care to cardiovascular and pulmonary rehab patients. This will be completed at the Prisma Health Richland Heart Hospital and the cardiac and pulmonary rehab department |
| Specify the criteria for assessment of learning results and work performances. | Students will be assessed each week by the lead exercise physiologist and the nurse manager of the programs. A case study would be recommended to enhance the student's experience within the department |
| Describe in detail any special conditions, arrangements, or restrictions. | The student is required to work a minimum of 20 hours per week and no more than 40 hours per week. The student must participate in the patient's assessment and evaluation of cardiac rehab |
| Give time sequence for achieving the desired results and how progress will be monitored. | Accurately obtain blood pressure, heart rates, heart rate reserve, and target heart rate. Ability to assess the patient's pain level and tolerance to exercise exertion Prescribe exercise post-acute coronary event. Describe cardiac rehab intervention, EKG interpreation |
| What are the specific deliverables associated with this opportunity (e.g. a needs assessment, a policy analysis, production of public health brochures and handouts)? | The student will be provided with critical feedback each week and new assingments for the following weeks. |
Opportunities
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