Get ready for clinicals in UL Lafayette's BSN program: NURS 208 application deadlines, required forms, what you'll need, and what to expect each week.
NURS 208 is your first clinical nursing course, taken with NURS 209 in your sophomore year. Here's what to know as you apply, register, and prepare.
Apply for NURS 208
- Application deadline: November 1 if you're applying for the spring semester, or April 1 if you're applying for the fall semester.
- Eligibility: Review the progression requirements for NURS 208, including the minimum GPA and required science courses.
- Licensure questions: If you answer "yes" to the questions about licensure and grounds for disciplinary action on your application, provide all required documentation with your Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) application. You'll need LSBN clearance before you can enroll in a clinical nursing course.
Register While You Wait
- Register for the holding course. While you wait for a decision, register for NURS 000, section 001 (7 credit hours). This placeholder course is for students waiting for acceptance into NURS 208 and 209.
- Watch your university email. You'll be notified no later than the week before classes begin.
- Register for NURS 208 and 209. When you receive your acceptance letter by email, register by carefully following the instructions in the letter.
Check ULink for your appointed time to schedule classes.
Complete Your Clinical Requirements
Your information packet lists the due dates for all clinical requirements. Evidence of your health, CPR certification, and insurance is due by August 1 for fall or January 5 for spring clinical courses. Students who don't provide it can't remain enrolled in clinical nursing courses.
What You'll Need
To participate fully in NURS 208 and every clinical course after it, you'll need:
- Bandage scissors, a watch with a second hand, a penlight, a stethoscope, a sphygmomanometer, and a disposable mouth protector for CPR
- Your own transportation to hospitals, nursing homes, public agencies, and other assigned clinical sites
- The full School of Nursing uniform, purchased at the beginning of NURS 208
- Yearly evidence of sound health
- Current CPR certification
- Proof of health insurance
Background Checks and Drug Testing
Before admission to NURS 208, you'll complete a Level I background investigation, or a Level II investigation if you're a licensed or certified caregiver. Clearance includes an LSBN-approved Louisiana State Police and FBI check. You'll also follow the policies of each clinical agency, which may include random drug screening or drug screening for cause. Background checks and drug testing are at your expense.
What to Expect
- One clinical day a week. Your Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday lab becomes your clinical day.
- Lab days are assigned. Semester coordinators assign lab days, so you can't choose yours.
- Keep mornings open. Don't schedule any classes before noon on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, and don't lock in a particular day with your childcare provider.
As you move through the program, you'll provide hands-on patient care under the supervision of clinical faculty in local hospitals, community settings, psychiatric and mental health settings, homeless shelters, and health fairs. On campus, you'll also help run Wellness Wednesday, a free health screening clinic for the UL Lafayette community.
Questions? Contact Nursing Student Services at 337-482-5604 or nursing_student_services@louisiana.edu.