If you’re preparing for nursing clinicals, it’s normal to feel both excited and nervous. This is the stage where you’ll finally apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings. This guide explains what to expect during clinicals, offers practical tips for preparation, and provides you with the knowledge needed to approach clinicals confidently.  

What Are Nursing Clinicals? 

After mastering the fundamentals of patient care, nursing students begin their clinical rotations, where they gain hands-on experience in different healthcare environments. During clinicals, students get the chance to perform real nursing tasks such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and conducting patient assessments. Clinical rotations also introduce students to various specialties, including pediatrics, mental health, and medical-surgical nursing.  

When Do Nursing Students Start Clinicals? 

The timing of nursing school clinicals varies. Most schools require students to complete specific nursing courses and demonstrate readiness before beginning supervised practice. Some schools, including WGU, offer flexible or accelerated options that allow qualified students to transition into clinical settings sooner than those in traditional four-year degree programs.  

How Do Clinicals Work? 

During clinical rotations, students are assigned to designated healthcare units for a set number of hours each week. These rotations mirror actual nursing shifts in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Depending on the program, shifts typically last 4 to 6 hours or 8 to 12 hours. Each shift is led by an experienced registered nurse (RN), known as a preceptor. Initially, students observe how nurses coordinate care, communicate with healthcare teams, and perform care tasks. Over time, they gradually take on more active responsibilities under their preceptor’s guidance. 

How Many Clinical Hours Are Required?  

Clinical requirements differ by school, state, and type of degree. Associate degree nursing programs typically require approximately 500 clinical hours for graduation, averaging 120 to 140 hours per semester. For a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), students typically complete between 700 and over 1,000 clinical hours in total, with approximately 120 to 180 hours per semester. The exact total can vary significantly depending on the program and state requirements, especially for accelerated degrees. 

How to Prepare for Clinicals 

Beginning clinicals is a significant and exciting milestone. This is the point when you finally get to apply what you’ve learned in class to real patients. Consider the following tips as you prepare for your clinical experience:

• Confirm the location, start time, and the name of your clinical instructor.
• Arrange reliable transportation and backup options.
• Gather your ID badge, stethoscope, penlight, and any necessary paperwork.
• Set out clothing that meets the dress code, including comfortable, closed-toe shoes.  
• Review assigned patient charts and safety materials.
• Get enough rest and make your mental health a priority.

What to Expect During Nursing Clinicals 

Although each clinical site functions differently, most nursing students follow a similar routine during their clinical rotations. The day typically begins with a pre-conference meeting, where students meet with their clinical instructor or preceptor to review patient assignments and nursing care plans. Students spend the majority of their day assisting with patient care tasks. 

Before Clinicals  

Before starting clinical rotations, nursing students often need to complete certain prerequisite courses, obtain CPR certification or other training, review hospital policies and state laws, and demonstrate proficiency in basic nursing skills. Many nursing programs also require students to participate in simulation labs where they practice clinical skills with digital tools or mannequins before engaging with actual patients.

First Day of Clinicals 

On the first day of clinicals, students review organizational policies and procedures while learning about the expectations for professionalism, communication, and patient care. They usually take a tour of the facility and meet the healthcare team they’ll work with. This day is designed to help students transition from the classroom to the clinical setting, and it is often spent observing how the care team operates and learning from their practices.

During Clinicals  

On a typical clinical day, nursing students participate in a variety of patient care activities. They may observe, assist with, or perform the following tasks: 

• Taking and recording vital signs
• Updating electronic health records
• Conducting patient assessments
• Collaborating with the care team
• Providing wound care
• Helping patients with daily living activities, such as eating and bathing  

After Clinicals 

At the end of each shift, students attend a post-conference meeting with their instructor. They discuss patients, review what they learned, and reflect on the day. They can also ask questions and receive feedback on their performance. Some programs may require students to complete written assignments, such as nursing care plans or reflective journals.   

How You Will Be Graded 

Unlike most classroom assignments, nursing clinicals are graded on a pass/fail basis. Students are evaluated based on their attendance, preparation, and participation. To pass the clinicals portion of a nursing program, students must show proficiency in technical nursing skills such as accurately measuring vital signs and conducting assessments. They also need to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills such as professional communication, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity. 

Why Clinical Experience Is Essential in Prelicensure Programs 

Clinicals turn theory into practice, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world nursing. In a prelicensure program, clinicals provide students with their very first experience caring for patients in actual healthcare settings. Through hands-on training, students develop essential technical skills while also enhancing their communication, empathy, critical thinking, teamwork, and decision-making abilities. 

Clinical experiences offer students valuable insights into the realities of nursing and help them discover specialties that align with their unique strengths and passions. The fast-paced and unpredictable nature of clinicals prepares future nurses to remain calm under pressure and confidently manage the demands of a nursing career.   

Begin Your Nursing Education Journey

WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Prelicensure) degree combines online coursework, learning lab experiences, and seven in-person clinical rotations. The curriculum helps you develop the essential skills needed to take the NCLEX exam and embark on a fulfilling nursing career. With WGU’s competency-based model, you can move forward as soon as you prove your mastery—allowing for a faster, more flexible path to graduation. If you’re ready to take the next step toward your dream career, apply to WGU or speak with an Enrollment Counselor today.