Preparedness for Clinical: Evaluation of the Core Elements of the Clinical Immersion Curriculum Model

• Clinical immersion is a novel baccalaureate nursing education model.
• Three core components prepare senior students for clinical immersion.
• Field experiences expose students to the nurses and the health care system.
• Clinical work experience provides skills experience in a real-world context.
• Simulation resource lab builds critical thinking, confidence, and practical skills.

The Clinical Immersion Model is an innovative baccalaureate nursing curriculum that has demonstrated successful outcomes over the past 10 years. For those intending to adopt the model, individual components in isolation may prove ineffective. This article describes three core components of the curriculum that form the foundation of preparation for the senior-year clinical immersion. Detailed student-centered outcomes evaluation of these critical components is shared. Results of a mixed-methods evaluation, including surveys and focus groups, are presented. Implications of this curricular evaluation and future directions are explored.