Nursing students begin their clinical practicum in the first semester in the program and continue until the last semester. Supervised clinical experiences are provided in hospital departments such as pediatrics, psychiatry, maternity and surgery, but can also occur in nursing care facilities, public health departments, home health agencies and ambulatory clinics.
 
Students also receive hands-on training using the Human Patient Simulator which helps students practice technical skills by simulating real life emergencies in a controlled lab setting. The simulators look and act like an actual real-life patient providing students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, technical ability and critical thinking skills. Community health fairs and other service learning efforts help student gain further real world experience and put the skills students have learned in the classroom into practice.
 
Nursing students also have the opportunity to learn as part of Gateway’s study abroad program. In the past they have traveled to other countries to provide health care services to communities in need. Gateway’s Student Nurse Association and Nurse’s Christian Fellowship are two student organizations students can join. These groups provide students with opportunities for networking and professional development. Students are also encouraged to join one of the several organizations available for career advancement and professional development. These organizations and career resource include:

• American Nursing Association, A.N.A.
• Nursing Career Resources
• Department of Safety and Professional Services (access to the Wisconsin Board of Nursing and Licensure Applications)
• National Association of Black Nurses
• National Association of Hispanic Nurses
• Nurse Practice Act
• National Student Nurse Association
• Wisconsin Nurses Association