An Internship Option: Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women

FNP students have frequently identified the need / desire for more clinical hours at the end of their academic programs. With the extensive practice knowledge required for FNP’s, there never seems to be enough time for students to master their skills in the clinical arena. Lagging self-confidence and feelings of overwhelming insecurity are not uncommon after graduation from the FNP program. An Internship option for graduate students was offered for the first time in the summer of 2010. This was a 3 credit course alternative to the Thesis or Capstone projects, providing a means for FNP students to increase their clinical hours, professional confidence, and expertise. Students were required to write their own proposal for the Internship, with specific learning objectives and evaluation methods clearly stated. Additionally, the students were required to present their clinical learning experience to a professional audience. The Internship option incorporates 126 hours of additional clinical practice, in an area of the student’s choosing. The student’s main focus for the course highlighted herein was cardiovascular disease in women. In addition to seeing patients each day, the student reviewed patients’ charts, consulted with her preceptor about various cardiovascular disease management strategies, analyzed costs of different pharmaceutical interventions, and researched the applicable evidence based guidelines. This information was then compiled and presented to an audience of faculty, peers, and Nurse Practitioners during Graduate Scholarship Day. By researching the evidence based guidelines, discussing them with preceptors, and incorporating best practices as a new clinician, the skills for continual learning and professional growth are instilled in these FNP students. This type of active involvement in the critical appraisal of current practice is crucial to improving health care outcomes over time. The Internship option proved to be a valuable learning experience for this student, and will be continued for future students.