FAQs for potential and current ARNP students

ARNP clinicals and projects:  MSN or DNP leadership students and projects

Why is ARNP clinical placement being limited to UI College of Nursing students?

Increased demand. The number of ARNP students requesting placement exceeds UI Health Care’s capacity. This means that UI Health Care staff who request placement are at risk of not getting a placement. As a result, they may have to go elsewhere, drop courses, or extend their education, which ends up being more costly and time-consuming.

Does this mean I should not go back to school to be an ARNP? 

No. We need ARNPs. But there are implications for school and patient population and role selection. We want to employ our nurses who go back to school. This change helps us better align our openings with the education goals of our staff.

Do I have to go to the UI College of Nursing to be an ARNP? 

No. You can choose where you go for your NP education. But it’s important to remember when choosing your program that UI Health Care ARNP clinical placement is only available to students enrolled in UI College of Nursing programs.

What if I’m enrolled in a program that is not offered by the UI College of Nursing?

We will make exceptions for students enrolled in some programs not offered by the UI College of Nursing. These include neonatal nurse practitioner and women’s health nurse practitioner. Before an affiliation agreement is put in place for these exceptions, your school must be approved, and the department chair must agree to allow the clinical hours required. Be sure to request your approval for these programs as soon as possible. This paperwork requires a few months to complete before clinical hours can be arranged.

I’m enrolled at a different school. Why can’t I just find my own preceptors? 

There are legal ramifications and safety issues involved in clinical placement. Many programs lack adequate instructor oversight. That puts our ARNP/PA employees under the additional stress of having to teach critical skills and be exceptionally aware of patient safety. The Iowa Board of Nursing also has new administrative rules addressing this issue.

What if I am in school for an MSN/DNP nursing leadership role and not an ARNP student? 

This change does not apply to you. The Department of Nursing will continue affiliation agreements with programs that support MSN and DNP nursing leadership roles if placements for the program are with other nursing leaders and not ARNPs.

What about my ARNP project? 

All UI College of Nursing students will follow the same pathway as is currently in place and complete form 3. Projects from outside schools will be only be accepted in the master’s or DNP leadership tracks. No outside school ARNP projects will be accepted.

What if I want to attend the UI College of Nursing for an MSN leadership track but not a DNP leadership track?

The College of Nursing has an MSN and a DNP track for nursing leadership. These are treated the same with practicum placement and project approval.

Who can I talk to for career counseling to understand the various options of ARNPs or nursing leadership tracks? 

You can reach out to Maria Lofgren, director of APPs, or Mary Dirks, clinical professor and assistant dean for graduate practice programs in the UI College of Nursing. We also offer virtual sessions, bag lunch Q&As, and tables at UI Hospitals & Clinics where faculty are available to answer your questions.

We want to support our star nursing staff who have goals for higher education. We need you, and we want to help you find a school that fits your needs, clinical placements that you will love and enjoy, and increase your chances of finding a job with UI Health Care.

If you have any other questions, contact Maria Lofgren at [email protected]