Learning By Doing
Nursing programs at York College feature a strong hands-on component, great clinical sites, and cooperative hospitals that welcome our student nurses. York College nursing students take five semesters of clinical rotations, starting the second semester of sophomore year. These clinical experiences gradually increase in time from a half day per week to two full days per week
Capstone Course
During your final semester in NUR 450 Nursing Practicum, you will work with a nurse mentor in an area of your choice, for example, neonatal ICU or open heart ICU. You work the shift of your nurse mentor and gradually take over the care of his patients. By the end of this rotation, you will feel like "a real nurse."
Nurse Managed Centers
Nursing students have opportunities to learn and work in nurse managed centers that serve economically disadvantaged and medically under-served residents of various housing complexes in York. The wellness centers represent a collaboration between York College Department of Nursing and the York Housing Authority. There are three centers:
Study Abroad in Nursing
The senior course NUR 417/418 Community Health Nursing offers students the opportunity to choose global experience as part of their clinical experience. Currently two experiences are offered: a trip to Guatemala and a trip to Uganda. Under the supervision of qualified faculty, students spend time working with clients in unusual and challenging environments.
Simulation
Simulation does not replace clinical experience in our curriculum - nothing beats the real thing! We offer simulation in addition to clinical experience to help our students practice "thinking on their feet."
Evidence Based Practice “Real World” Project
During nursing research class, our students collaborate with York Hospital nurses. The nurses identify significant questions in their clinical practice. Our students meet with the real nurses several times during the semester to explore what is “best practice” based on a review of research articles. Often, research done by our students results in a change in hospital policy.
Externships
During the summer between junior and senior year, nursing students have the opportunity to “earn while they learn.” To help with the transition from classroom to career, nurse externs work as patient care technicians in a hospital setting under the guidance of a nurse preceptor. They experience clinical practice in a variety of units and attend educational programs such as nursing grand rounds. Two hospitals in York offer this program. Ask the hospitals in your area if they offer this valuable experience.
Tuition Forgiveness
Check the hospitals in your area for programs that will help you with education costs. Two local hospitals in the York area, York Hospital and Memorial Hospital, offer loan repayment or tuition forgiveness programs. Students who work part-time at these institutions earn spending money, gain health care experience, and receive help with tuition costs.