[Caseyrnbsn]

I am teaching Pediatric Clinical Next Week. Funny thing though in the Summer time there usually isn't alot or any kids. Please give me some suggestions as to what other instructors do with the students that they have when census is low or none. PLEASE. I usually teach in the later end of fall . But not this year. ANY aand ALL suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

[bergren]

Casey

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Does this clinical have a community componant? Having student help at immunizations clinics, asthma or camps for chronic health problems, going with home care nurses who work with medically fragile childdren in the home. Most school district offer year round services for the special ed population and a school nurse is on site for school hours.

Low census solutions:

1. Observe in ER or Same Day Surgery for the day focusing on peds patients.
2. 2:1 - two students to one patient (not my favorite solution).
3. Make one student be "in charge" each week. They help make out assignments, they schedule breaks, check to see if students need assistance, are notified if any need to leave the floor with a patient.
4. Have students follow the discharge nurse, the child life/play therapists.
5. If census is really really low, have the students go to hospital library and put together a floor inservice for students and staff on a needed/requested topic later that day.
6. Conduct quality care audits on each others bedsides - see the QA coordinator for forms.

Originally posted by Caseyrnbsn:
I am teaching Pediatric Clinical Next Week. Funny thing though in the Summer time there usually isn't alot or any kids. Please give me some suggestions as to what other instructors do with the students that they have when census is low or none. PLEASE. I usually teach in the later end of fall . But not this year. ANY aand ALL suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

------------------
Martha Dewey Bergren
bergren@usinternet.com
http://www.usinternet.com/users/bergren