Successful nursing student practicum in an ambulatory surgery center.

ALTHOUGH MOST ACADEMIC programs use hospital-based sites for perioperative clinical experiences, the exponential growth in the number of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and the increased variety of procedures performed in these settings make ASCs excellent venues for student learning experiences. NURSING STUDENTS in one program in Florida have the opportunity to take a perioperative practicum designed to allow them to learn about all aspects of patient care and administrative functions in ASCs. THE ASC PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE is popular with students and staff members alike, and ASC administrators are seeking ways to increase the number of students in the program in an effort to attract new graduates to ASCs.