Practicum VIII
Code: 108303Credits: 12
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing | PR | 4 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Raúl Lopez Salas
- Email :
- raul.lopez.salas@uab.cat
Teaching staff
- Mireia Balza Bielsa
- Carolina Watson Badia
- David Téllez Velasco
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
Practicum 8 is the final course of the clinical placement period of the Nursing Degree and its main objective is the consolidation of professional competencies and the transition to autonomous professional practice.
At this level, students are expected to integrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired throughout the degree in order to act with a high level of autonomy in complex healthcare settings. This involves developing clinical judgment, decision-making abilities, prioritization of care, and interdisciplinary collaboration, while ensuring patient safety and quality of care at all times.
Academic recommendations
To facilitate progression in competency development, it is recommended that students have previously passed Practicums VI and VII.
Simultaneous enrollment in two practicums is not allowed.
Student commitments
Students must comply with confidentiality, professional secrecy, and their professional responsibilities (regulations available at www.uab.cat/medicina → Nursing Degree → Practicum).
To undertake the clinical placement, it is mandatory to provide a negative certificate from the Central Registry of Sex Offenders. This certificate must be submitted to the assigned center, hospital, or service when requested, usually at the beginning of the placement, although this may vary depending on the teaching unit.
Requirements of clinical placement centers
Students must comply with the requirements established by the placement centers, including:
- Occupational risk prevention and preventive medicine regulations
- Accreditation and uniform requirements
- Any additional required documentation
Some institutions may require signing a confidentiality agreement, carrying an identification card, or formalizing a placement agreement.
Students are advised to consult the Virtual Campus for specific regulations applicable in each case, as well as the specific calendar of the assigned teaching unit.
Important note
It is the responsibility of each student to verify and fulfill all requirements before the start of the clinical placement.
Objectives
General Objective
To develop autonomous, safe, and evidence-based nursing practice, capable of managing complex clinical situations and leading the care process, providing comprehensive care centered on the needs of the individual from a biopsychosocial perspective.
Specific Objectives
- To develop the nursing role with progressive autonomy and professional responsibility
- To apply clinical judgment in decision-making in complex situations
- To plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care based on quality and safety criteria
- To prioritize problems and manage workload effectively
- To actively integrate and collaborate within interdisciplinary teams
- To coordinate and ensure continuity of care
- To apply scientific evidence in clinical decision-making
- To develop advanced clinical communication skills
- To resolve conflicts assertively
- To critically reflect on professional practice and one’s own learning
Learning outcomes
- CM11 (Promote the right to information, participation and promotion of autonomy in the decision-making of the people served, according to their way they experience their health and disease process.) Promote the right to information, participation and promotion of autonomy in the decision-making of the people served, according to their way they experience their health and disease process.
- CM21 (Apply palliative measures and health technologies in the final stage of life of people in home, healthcare and social settings.) Apply palliative measures and health technologies in the final stage of life of people in home, healthcare and social settings.
- CM25 (Act in life-threatening situations according to clinical practice guidelines.) Act in life-threatening situations according to clinical practice guidelines.
- CM26 (Establish respectful, assertive and effective communication with people, their families and teams of health professionals.) Establish respectful, assertive and effective communication with people, their families and teams of health professionals.
- CM27 (Work in health and social settings in collaboration with other professionals, forming multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams to improve the health and care of individuals, groups or the community.) Work in health and social settings in collaboration with other professionals, forming multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams to improve the health and care of individuals, groups or the community.
- CM28 (Apply comprehensive and continuous nursing care in healthcare and social settings which guarantees the health and well-being of individuals, their families or the community, based on available scientific evidence, clinical practice guidelines and current legislation, to guarantee well-being, quality and safety.) Apply comprehensive and continuous nursing care in healthcare and social settings which guarantees the health and well-being of individuals, their families or the community, based on available scientific evidence, clinical practice guidelines and current legislation, to guarantee well-being, quality and safety.
- CM29 (Establish a non-judgmental relationship with people considering physical, psychological and sociocultural factors to ensure respect for their opinions, beliefs and values and guarantee their right to privacy through confidentiality and professional discretion.) Establish a non-judgmental relationship with people considering physical, psychological and sociocultural factors to ensure respect for their opinions, beliefs and values and guarantee their right to privacy through confidentiality and professional discretion.
- CM30 (Use health promotion and education strategies in health and social settings that encourage self-care and preventive and therapeutic behaviours, favouring the health and well-being of community members and minimising suffering, risks and disabilities.) Use health promotion and education strategies in health and social settings that encourage self-care and preventive and therapeutic behaviours, favouring the health and well-being of community members and minimising suffering, risks and disabilities.
- CM31 (Develop nursing leadership in care and on teams within the health and social system.) Develop nursing leadership in care and on teams within the health and social system.
- SM01 (Use scientific evidence in professional practice.) Use scientific evidence in professional practice.
- SM04 (Choose the uses, indication and mechanisms of action of drugs and medical devices that may be prescribed or indicated by the nurse in accordance with current legislation.) Choose the uses, indication and mechanisms of action of drugs and medical devices that may be prescribed or indicated by the nurse in accordance with current legislation.
- SM06 (Analyse people's interactive behaviour based on gender and other social determinants, taking into account their implications for health and disease processes in a social and multicultural context.) Analyse people's interactive behaviour based on gender and other social determinants, taking into account their implications for health and disease processes in a social and multicultural context.
- SM11 (Design care organisation systems for individuals, their families or the community.) Design care organisation systems for individuals, their families or the community.
- SM19 (Design nursing care by exchanging information, resolving difficulties, taking on responsibilities and contributing to the integration of processes and continuity of care.) Design nursing care by exchanging information, resolving difficulties, taking on responsibilities and contributing to the integration of processes and continuity of care.
- SM36 (Plan nursing care aimed at individuals, their families or the community and oriented towards health outcomes.) Plan nursing care aimed at individuals, their families or the community and oriented towards health outcomes.
- SM37 (Develop clinical judgments based on clinical and care practice guidelines and applying diagnostic and therapeutic reasoning in the provision of care.) Develop clinical judgments based on clinical and care practice guidelines and applying diagnostic and therapeutic reasoning in the provision of care.
- SM38 (Identify physical, psychological and social problems derived from abuse throughout the life cycle, especially in childhood and old age, and act in favour of prevention and early detection for both care and rehabilitation.) Identify physical, psychological and social problems derived from abuse throughout the life cycle, especially in childhood and old age, and act in favour of prevention and early detection for both care and rehabilitation.
- SM39 (Identify physical, psychological and social problems stemming from gender-based violence, and act in favour of prevention and early detection for the care and rehabilitation of women victims of gender-based violence.) Identify physical, psychological and social problems stemming from gender-based violence, and act in favour of prevention and early detection for the care and rehabilitation of women victims of gender-based violence.
- SM40 (Use the technologies and information systems available in the health and social system to obtain relevant data and information to implement quality nursing care.) Use the technologies and information systems available in the health and social system to obtain relevant data and information to implement quality nursing care.
Contents
The contents of this practicum integrate, at an advanced level, the knowledge acquired throughout the degree and focus on its application in complex healthcare settings. During the placement, students must demonstrate the ability to select, integrate, and apply autonomously the necessary knowledge to identify needs and solve health problems of individuals, families, and communities, considering their diversity and social determinants, under clinical supervision.
The following contents are highlighted:
- Advanced application of nursing models (including Virginia Henderson’s model), aimed at the comprehensive management of care in complex clinical situations, from a biopsychosocial and gender perspective centered on the individual, family, and community.
- Nursing clinical judgment and decision-making, integrating scientific evidence, clinical practice guidelines, and diagnostic and therapeutic reasoning in complex healthcare contexts.
- Planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care focused on health outcomes, including prioritization of problems and workload management.
- Case management and continuity of care, ensuring coordination between levels of care and integration of processes across health and social settings.
- Clinical leadership and organization of care, including decision-making, task supervision, and active participation within interdisciplinary teams.
- Application of the teaching–learning process in real clinical situations, adapted to cultural, social, and gender diversity, promoting autonomy, self-care, and shared responsibility for health.
- Care for complexity and risk situations, including management of life-threatening conditions, care for individuals with multiple needs, and safety incident management.
- End-of-life care and palliative care, incorporating comfort measures, emotional support, and respect for values, beliefs, and decisions.
- Advanced therapeutic communication, assertive and free from prejudice, adapted to complex situations, including breaking bad news and conflict management.
- Ethics, deontology, and legal framework, with special attention to patients’ rights, confidentiality, informed consent, and shared decision-making.
- Health promotion and advanced health education, integrating strategies adapted to social and gender determinants, with a community and equity-based approach.
- Pharmacology applied to clinical practice, including decision-making in the use of medications and health products, and consideration of sex/gender differences in therapeutic response.
- Patient safety and risk management, identifying, preventing, and addressing risk situations based on quality care standards.
- Use of health technologies and information systems to support decision-making, continuity of care, and quality improvement.
- Identification of vulnerability and violence situations, including abuse and gender-based violence, with actions oriented toward early detection and intervention.
- Health and social care system, with a critical understanding of its functioning, accessibility, inequalities, and impact on population health.
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation of assignments / Independent study / Reading of scientific literature | 9 | 0.36 | CM30, SM36, SM39 |
| Clinical practice placements | 291 | 11.64 | CM11, CM21, CM25, CM26, CM27, CM28, CM29, CM30, CM31, SM01, SM04, SM06, SM11, SM19, SM36, SM37, SM38, SM39, SM40 |
Clinical placements
Clinical placements have an approximate duration of 8 weeks. The assigned healthcare unit and schedule will be determined according to the selection system established in SIA.
During this period, students will be integrated into hospital care units where they will develop knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values in a real and complex professional environment, under the guidance of clinical nursing staff (clinical mentorship). This staff will be responsible for guiding and supervising the learning process in an individualized and continuous manner, as well as for carrying out the evaluation of the placement period.
The clinical associate faculty will ensure the proper development of the placement period through regular visits to the healthcare units. They will also coordinate assessment activities, when required, and manage any incidents that may arise and have a direct or indirect impact on the learning process.
Clinical placements represent a key opportunity to adapt to real healthcare dynamics, acquire professional competencies, and strengthen autonomy with the support of mentoring staff.
Healthcare institutions are dynamic and constantly evolving environments. The allocation of clinical units and schedules will follow the selection system established in SIA. However, due to organizational reasons beyond the university’s control, the availability and distribution of placements may change without prior notice, which may result in student reassignment to a different healthcare unit.
Reflective journal
The reflective journal is a compilation of situations experienced during the clinical placement that have generated some type of emotional impact, whether positive or negative, and that influence the learning process.
- It must be submitted every two weeks in written format through the Virtual Campus.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evaluation clinical practice placements | 70% | 0 | 0 | CM11, CM21, CM25, CM26, CM27, CM28, CM29, CM30, CM31, SM01, SM04, SM06, SM11, SM19, SM36, SM37, SM38, SM39, SM40 |
| Reflective journals | 30% | 0 | 0 | CM27, CM29, CM30, CM31, SM01, SM06, SM11, SM36, SM37 |
Within the Nursing Degree curriculum, the Practicum courses are part of the External Practice module. The competencies and learning outcomes of this module will be developed and assessed throughout the different practicums, depending on the context and field in which each takes place. During the clinical practice placements from the 2nd to the 4th year, the achievement of all clinical practice competencies of the degree will be ensured, promoting care that respects diversity and incorporates a gender perspective.
Final grade
The final grade for the course is the sum of the Clinical Practice grade and the reflective journals grade, with the following weighting:
- 70% corresponds to the evaluation of clinical practice
- 30% corresponds to the reflective journals
IMPORTANT: To pass the course, all competency groups in clinical practice and the reflective journals must be passed with a minimum grade of 5.
Attendance monitoring
Attendance record sheet: Through the daily signature of this document, the nursing professional responsible for each student confirms the actual hours completed during the practicum. This document serves as proof of the total number of hours completed in the course.
Responsibility for this document lies with the student, who must keep it updated and ensure the accuracy of the recorded information. It must be submitted at the end of the practicum period to the assigned instructor and uploaded digitally (scanned) via Moodle.
This document may be requested at any time for review by those responsible for the practicum and/or teaching staff.
Completion of the entire scheduled clinical practice period is mandatory, regardless of the assigned timetable.
Any interruption in attendance at the service is considered an absence. These may be:
a) Justified absences:
- Death of close relatives
- Visit to a medical specialist
- Acute illness
- Driving license exam
- Official university exams
- Official language exams
- Other situations approved by the course coordination
Supporting documentation must be provided and recorded on the attendance sheet, and missed hours must be rescheduled in agreement with the teaching staff.
b) Unjustified absences:
Absences not included in the above list or not authorized. These must also be recorded and made up.
One point will be deducted from the final grade for each day, even if the hours are recovered.
c) Strikes and demonstrations:
Students’ right to participate is respected. Participation must be communicated in advance. It will be recorded and considered as a completed day.
d) Unjustified and unreported absence:
May result in failure of the course.
e) Lateness:
More than 5 instances of lateness may result in failure.
Absences must be reported as early as possible to minimize the impact on learning and facilitate reorganization.
Clinical Practice
Continuous and formative assessment. Midway through the placement, an interim evaluation will be conducted, including feedback on achievements, strengths, and areas for improvement, incorporating a gender perspective in clinical practice.
Students will also carry out a self-assessment and compare it with the instructor’s evaluation.
Final evaluation:
- Final competency report
- Student self-assessment
Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled hours.
Reflective journals
Reflections derived from clinical practice will be assessed, taking into account:
- Respect for diversity of ideas, identities, genders, and situations
- Critical thinking, including analysis of gender inequalities in the healthcare field
- Identification of improvement strategies
Submission of the journals is mandatory. Failure to submit them will result in a grade of 0.
Expression, writing style, and compliance with the established guidelines will also be evaluated.
Final grading scale
- Fail: < 5
- Pass: 5–6.9
- Good: 7–8.9
- Excellent: > 9
The course will be graded as “Not assessable” if there is insufficient evidence of assessment or requirements have not been met.
Important notes
The use of AI is permitted only as a support tool, and its use must be clearly disclosed.
Lack of transparency will be considered academic dishonesty.
Any discriminatory, disrespectful, or violent behavior (based on gender, orientation, origin, etc.) will be reviewed by the relevant committee.
Professional practice based on equality, inclusion, and respect for diversity is promoted.
Any irregularity in an assessment activity (academic fraud, plagiarism, or misuse of AI) that may lead to a significant change in the grade will result in a score of 0 for that activity. If the course syllabus establishes that passing requires a minimum grade in such an assessment, or if multiple irregularities occur within the same course, the final grade for the course will be 0. Additionally, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against the student involved.
This course does not include a single final assessment or resit opportunities.
Additional information
Since January 2024, students undertaking placements contribute to Social Security; any changes must be reported. Unjustified absences may have legal implications.
Bibliography
Alfaro-LeFevre, R. (2020). Applying nursing process: A step-by-step guide to clinical reasoning (10th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Herdman, T. H., Kamitsuru, S., & Lopes, C. T. (2023). NANDA International nursing diagnoses: Definitions and classification 2021–2023. Thieme.
Moorhead, S., Johnson, M., Maas, M. L., & Swanson, E. (2023). Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) (7th ed.). Elsevier.
Bulechek, G. M., Butcher, H. K., Dochterman, J. M., & Wagner, C. (2023). Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) (8th ed.). Elsevier.
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2022). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Berman, A., Snyder, S., & Frandsen, G. (2021). Kozier & Erb’s Fundamentals of Nursing (11th ed.). Pearson.
Huber, D. L. (2021). Leadership and Nursing Care Management (7th ed.). Elsevier.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Global patient safety action plan 2021–2030.
Arnold, E. C., & Boggs, K. U. (2020). Interpersonal relationships: Professional communication skills for nurses (8th ed.). Elsevier.
Institut Català de la Salut (ICS). Guies clíniques i 3clics. Disponible a: https://www.ics.gencat.cat
Software
During the internship period, students will use various digital tools and platforms necessary for the management and development of training and administrative activities. The main software used will include:
- Moodle: for submitting reflective journals, accessing documents, and communicating with teaching staff.
- Healthcare Information System (SIA): to check assigned shifts and schedules, as well as to record activities related to clinical practice.
- Office applications (Microsoft Word, PDF, etc.): for preparing reports, assignments, and other required documents during the internship.
- Institutional communication tools (institutional email, hospital intranet): to maintain communication with the clinical tutor and the healthcare team.
- Specific software of the training center (HCIS, Gacela, ARES, etc.): depending on the field and service, clinical software may be used for patient documentation and follow-up (e.g., electronic health record management).
It is essential that students become familiar with these software tools before or during their internships to ensure proper development of activities and the achievement of learning objectives.
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (PEXTintern) Pràctiques externes i pràcticum (amb supervisió interna) | 99 | Catalan | third semester | morning-mixed |