[WDWpixieRN]

We didn't have an OB rotation, but from a student's perspective, something that has been bothering me a lot today might be helpful:

My first semester instructor was pretty worthless, which is really sad since that's when a lot of teaching would've been helpful. She had little patience, didn't take the time to really teach us assessments, tips and tricks, etc. My next two CIs were pretty awesome, but VERY laid back and didn't require a lot of extra from us.

Now that I'm in my last semester, I am finding I got shortchanged a hair....while my last two instructors were patient, kind, non-threatening and just wonderful, they had very lax attitudes about paperwork, care plans, post-clinicals, etc. I seldom got quizzed at the Pyxis about the meds I was pulling. That was great at the time, but it has finally come back to haunt me.

My current CI is an old head who believes in good care plans and knowing your meds (imagine that?). She's thorough and I have been petrified she'll figure out I've "skated by". I wish our past groups had been held up to some higher standards in the past.

That being said, I'm actually doing fine 3 weeks in; it's just the abject fear. I don't think we were done a favor in the past overall.

I say, help them learn, do it kindly, and have high expectations at the same time. Don't have favorites; make them know their stuff within the confines of what their classroom learning has consisted of thus far. Have some good pre- and/or post-clinicals assignments, quizzes, or learning exercises (for fun -- not a grade).

And the kindest words I heard during clinicals, a couple of times over while I was beating myself up: "You are still a student; you will be fine!"

Best wishes!!!