Student Nurse Academic Practicum (SNAP)

Happy nursesFollowing the IOM and ANCC's call for nurses to achieve higher levels of education and training, UK HealthCare is committed to being a BSN preferred institution.

Getting great experience and a career... it's a SNAP!

You've chosen nursing as your career and excelled in the classroom, and now you're ready to get that hands-on experience. Take the fast track from the classroom to your career with the Student Nurse Academic Practicum (SNAP).

UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital, UK Good Samaritan Hospital and the UK College of Nursing have collaborated to create SNAP to give you the real-life tools you need to succeed and the opportunity to experience life as a nurse with UK HealthCare. In this program you will increase clinical skill proficiency, work with an interdisciplinary health care team in an academic medical center and develop knowledge of evidence-based nursing practice. The SNAP program will be the gateway to establish a long-term professional relationship with UK HealthCare.

The program (what you get)

  • 10 weeks (May – Aug.) with pay
  • Three college credit hours
  • Hands-on clinical experience
  • Opportunity for future employment

The requirements (what you need)

  • Application will be available December 27, 2022 through January 24, 2023. Apply online at https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/441414 (requisition number DU10229) between December 27 and January 24.
  • Enrollment in an accredited school of nursing, such as UK College of Nursing.
  • Satisfactory completion of junior year of BSN program and first year of ADN program nursing courses with expected graduation in December 2023 or May 2024.
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA in nursing courses and 2.75 cumulative GPA.
  • Complete online SNAP application and resume. Deadline January 24, 2023.
  • Must commit to 300 working hours during the 10-week program.
  • Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification.
  • Meet UK guidelines for employment (pre-employment drug screen and national background check).

SNAP selection will be based on the following criteria: GPA, work history, application questions, interview, and volunteer activities.

**Due to the high demand for this program, it is important that your application be entirely complete and submitted by the deadline. If your application is not complete, it will not be considered for SNAP.

If you have questions regarding this matter, please contact Graig Casada at gdcasa2@uky.edu.

Details and frequently asked questions

OVERVIEW: UK HealthCare invites nursing students who have completed their junior year in a BSN program or first year in an ADN program to participate in a hands-on clinical learning experience during our 10-week summer academic practicum, the Student Nurse Academic Practicum (SNAP) program. Students will work alongside a nurse preceptor in a clinical setting at UK HealthCare.

PROGRAM DETAILS: The UK SNAP program offers nursing students the opportunity to work with a UK College of Nursing faculty advisor and a clinical preceptor providing patient care in the following areas: acute care, intensive care, progressive care, operating rooms and the emergency department. The SNAP program includes an orientation period, which combines classroom and training on a designated unit.

EDUCATIONAL CREDITS: The SNAP program provides each participant with three credit hours upon completion of 300 clinical hours over a 10 week period. Kentucky in-state and out-of-state students receive these credits at no tuition cost.

SALARY: The SNAP program is a paid program. There are no shift differentials for nights or weekends for SNAP participants. It will be full-time hours, 36-40 hours/week depending on unit staffing needs. Day, evenings, and/or nights with some weekends and holidays.

 

PARKING: During the first week of classroom orientation, students are provided with a temporary sticker. Once classroom orientation is completed, SNAP participants will need to obtain scratch-off parking tickets from UK Parking Services.

UNIFORMS: SNAP participants will wear royal blue scrubs that are neat and clean. Shoes must be leather. You will be provided with a uniform policy upon acceptance into the program.

QUALIFICATIONS: To be eligible for the UK SNAP Program, potential participants must meet the following criteria: completion of the junior year in a BSN program or first year in an ADN program by summer 2023, completion of two semesters of clinical nursing experience (including Peds/OB) prior to the start of the program, a GPA of 2.75 or above in nursing and cumulative, and have American Heart Association BLS and CPR certification.

APPLICATION MATERIALS: An unofficial transcript from the Registrar's Office containing academic record through fall 2022 must be submitted with application, resume and optional cover letter. 

IF SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW: Submit the following documents: official transcript  You must have two completed reference letters submitted to https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/medical-professionals/nursing/snap/reference-form. References should come from at least one clinical instructor plus a supervisor (if you currently employed or recently had a job). 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 24, 2023.

Frequently asked questions 

 • What is my role as a SNAP participant? You will shadow a nurse preceptor during this unique opportunity to expand your nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills. Please note: the SNAP program follows practice guidelines set forth by the Kentucky Board of Nursing Advisory Statement for Nurse Externs.

 • What will my uniform be? Uniforms must be royal blue, neat and clean, and project a professional image. Leather, closed toe shoes.

 • Where will I be working? What shift? If you are selected to participate in the SNAP program, specific information regarding your placement will be sent to you in early March.

 • When will I hear if I have been accepted into the SNAP program? You will receive notification in late February or early March.

 • What is the selection process? The selection process consists of the combined scores in several areas: work history, GPA, SNAP application packet, references, SNAP interview essay and student/volunteer participation.

 • If I am not selected as a SNAP participant, can I still work at UK over the summer? Applicants who are not selected for the SNAP program may apply to on-call nursing care tech positions on the online employment system and may work as an NCT over the summer and during school. On-call requirements consist of working at least 36 hours per month and you may work as many hours up to 40 per week depending on the needs of the unit. 

 • What are the work requirements for the SNAP program? Can I take time off for vacation? You must attend the mandatory seminar sessions (TBD) and complete 300 hours between the start and end of the program. It is possible to take time off for vacation if that time does not interfere with the mandatory seminar sessions. You will need to work out that type of request with your UK College of Nursing faculty advisor and Patient Care Manager. 

Get on the fast track today. You'll get real experience and kick start your career! Find out more by contacting Graig Casada at gdcasa2@uky.edu

Additional Links

The University of Kentucky is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from minorities and women.