A Closer Look at BTC’s Nursing Clinical Partnerships

    In the evolving landscape of nursing education, the significance of clinical partnerships cannot be overstated. They provide nursing students with the opportunity to practice skills learned in the classroom, with real patients, while having oversight and direction. Bolivar Technical College partners with multiple facilities in the area in order to work closely with the potential future employers of our students. Together, our partners provide a safe and consistent environment to train our future nurses. 

    Here’s an exclusive glimpse into the strategic clinical partnerships established by the BTC nursing programs that have led to our nursing students securing jobs and receiving high praises from employers post grad, shedding light on the diverse healthcare settings where students gain practical experience. Additionally, we’ll explore the innovative use of the preceptor model and its impact on shaping the next generation of nursing professionals. 

Practical Nursing (LPN) Students in Action: 

    The fall semester marked the continuation of clinical rotations for LPNs, commencing the first week of September. Their clinical rotations provided comprehensive exposure to various healthcare settings, including Medical-Surgical, Intensive Care Unit, Heart Institute, CMH Pediatrics Clinic, CMH Parkview Wellness and the Endocrinology Clinic. Additionally, LPNs actively contributed to two health fairs this semester, one for the Willard school district and one for the Morrisville school district. This array of diverse patient experiences ensures that LPN students at BTC receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for the multifaceted opportunities within healthcare.       

Professional Nursing (RN) Clinical Journey: 

    The BTC RN graduating class of 2024 has embarked on an eye-opening clinical journey, venturing into the Central Care Cancer Center, CMH Medical-Surgical and CMH Parkview Wellness. These rotations offered specialized insights into cancer care, medical-surgical nursing and wellness initiatives, enriching the knowledge base of future registered nurses and helping them discover their desired path in nursing. 

The Evolution of the Preceptor Model: 

    An innovative shift in BTC’s nursing program’s approach involves the increased utilization of the preceptor model. With this model, LPN and RN students are now able to shadow bedside nurses, immersing themselves in the day-to-day responsibilities of experienced healthcare professionals. This one-on-one experience allows students to witness firsthand how nurses manage a group of patients, make critical decisions, and collaborate with others to ensure consistent and effective care. This type of individualized training aligns with the culture of one-on-one personalized assistance at BTC as the college aims to provide a personalized experience in all areas – education, financial aid, admissions and administrative areas. 

“Feedback from students participating in the preceptor model has been overwhelmingly positive,” states Tasha Detloff, MSN, RN, RN Program Coordinator at Bolivar Technical College.

    The one-on-one time spent with bedside nurses has been described as invaluable, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of patient care. Students appreciate the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of managing patients and working collaboratively with healthcare teams. 

    As our nursing programs continue to evolve, strategic clinical partnerships and the innovative use of the preceptor model represents our commitment to excellence in nursing education. LPN and RN students, through their varied clinical experiences, are not only gaining essential skills but also contributing to the ever-changing field of healthcare. These initiatives ensure that the program remains at the forefront of preparing empathetic, skilled, and adaptable nursing professionals for the challenges of the ever-evolving healthcare field.