[beth38]

Hi all. I think my brain has decided to take a break. I have to come up with goals for my Independent rotation and can't seem to focus to get this done. Anyone out there able to help? Thanks.

[hellonurse36]

Not sure what you are looking for or what type of unit you will be on, but I'll give it a try.

1. Learn how to program and run pumps, including (if they have this), using programable features for different medicines.

2. Learn how to do an effective head to toe assessment in a timely manner.

3. Work on communicating goals of care and plans for the day with pt/family.

4. If you are on a monitored unit, learn how to read basic rhythm strips.

5. Improve or do x # of specific skills - IV sticks, lab draws, NG tubes, Foleys.

6. Improve communications with other health care professionals
(care partners/aids, MDs, OT, PT etc)

7. If you are on a critical care unit or happen to work with an RN caring the code blue pager....go to a code, help with post mortum care, if trained- do CPR. Learn about the paperwork that needs to be done after someone dies - do they have an organ donation program?

8. Learn to read ABGs.

9. Improve understanding of different vent settings/modes.

10. Have someone show you how to use the defibrillator, pacer, look through a code cart.

11. Observe placement of an arterial line, central line, swan line etc.

Hope this helps get the brain started!

Terri

[beth38]

Originally Posted by hellonurse36

Not sure what you are looking for or what type of unit you will be on, but I'll give it a try.

1. Learn how to program and run pumps, including (if they have this), using programable features for different medicines.

2. Learn how to do an effective head to toe assessment in a timely manner.

3. Work on communicating goals of care and plans for the day with pt/family.

4. If you are on a monitored unit, learn how to read basic rhythm strips.

5. Improve or do x # of specific skills - IV sticks, lab draws, NG tubes, Foleys.

6. Improve communications with other health care professionals
(care partners/aids, MDs, OT, PT etc)

7. If you are on a critical care unit or happen to work with an RN caring the code blue pager....go to a code, help with post mortum care, if trained- do CPR. Learn about the paperwork that needs to be done after someone dies - do they have an organ donation program?

8. Learn to read ABGs.

9. Improve understanding of different vent settings/modes.

10. Have someone show you how to use the defibrillator, pacer, look through a code cart.

11. Observe placement of an arterial line, central line, swan line etc.

Hope this helps get the brain started!

Terri

Terri,
Thank you for your reply. Amazingly I wrote a few of those as my goals and my instructor said that I should have accomplished these goals in clinical, and that if I still feel that I need goals such as running the pumps, IV insertion, Wworking on improving communication with other health care professionals that maybe I am not ready to do an Independent and should relook at my goals and if these are the things I need that maybe I should stay on the Med-surg floor for 2 more weeks instead. So now I am really puzzled. I thought I was still wearing the white lab coat with the patch that say's student nurse. If I am expected to know everything already why don't they just change my name badge to read RN, it would sure save me time and money. I am going crazy trying to figure this instructor out. Any ideas on this one?

[hellonurse36]

Originally Posted by beth38

Terri,
Thank you for your reply. Amazingly I wrote a few of those as my goals and my instructor said that I should have accomplished these goals in clinical, and that if I still feel that I need goals such as running the pumps, IV insertion, Wworking on improving communication with other health care professionals that maybe I am not ready to do an Independent and should relook at my goals and if these are the things I need that maybe I should stay on the Med-surg floor for 2 more weeks instead. So now I am really puzzled. I thought I was still wearing the white lab coat with the patch that say's student nurse. If I am expected to know everything already why don't they just change my name badge to read RN, it would sure save me time and money. I am going crazy trying to figure this instructor out. Any ideas on this one?

Hmmmm. Not sure I agree with your instructor. The time spent in clinicals INTRODUCES a student to all of these things, but one can always continue to improve them - in fact....that is what most new nurses are working on during their orientation!

What unit will you be doing your independent experience on? Maybe if I knew what area you will be in I could think of some better examples.

Terri

[beth38]

Terri,
Hi again. I appreciate your input in this dilemma. I am currently finishing up with Med-Surg. And will be doing my Independent on a Med-Surg Unit at a different hospital from where we have been doing our present clinicals. I am just stumped with what she is expecting from me beyond what I have already indicated. Some of the Objectives I sent include.
1. My goal is to provide total care for 2-5 patients in a medical unit. In addition to receiving and providing report for each individual. By May 4, 2007
2. My goal is to complete two focused admission assessments, with concise documentation of pertinent data. If available by may......
3.. My goal during Is to participate in and or independently insert a nasal gastric tube, administer blood products, and care for a patient receiving TPN. if avail. by may.....
4, My goal is to participate in discharge planning and teaching through collaboration with my preceptor and Case Manager. If avail. by.....
5. My goal is to demonstrate appropriate prioritization of medical care and nursing interventions by May.....

She wrote back after this saying these were better and to print off a copy and bring it to school and we will go over them. How much more can she want. I have a couple more like IV insertion independetly. Any ideas?
Thanks again for your help

Originally Posted by hellonurse36

Hmmmm. Not sure I agree with your instructor. The time spent in clinicals INTRODUCES a student to all of these things, but one can always continue to improve them - in fact....that is what most new nurses are working on during their orientation!

What unit will you be doing your independent experience on? Maybe if I knew what area you will be in I could think of some better examples.

Terri

[hellonurse36]

Originally Posted by beth38

1. My goal is to provide total care for 2-5 patients in a medical unit. In addition to receiving and providing report for each individual. By May 4, 2007
2. My goal is to complete two focused admission assessments, with concise documentation of pertinent data. If available by may......
3.. My goal during Is to participate in and or independently insert a nasal gastric tube, administer blood products, and care for a patient receiving TPN. if avail. by may.....
4, My goal is to participate in discharge planning and teaching through collaboration with my preceptor and Case Manager. If avail. by.....
5. My goal is to demonstrate appropriate prioritization of medical care and nursing interventions by May.....

Beth,
These goals look good, I can't think of anything better. I forgot how the "Nursing School Instructor's mind works!!" Boy am I glad those days are over...sounds like you are pretty close to being through with it all to!! YEAH!!!

Good luck.

Terri

[beth38]

Terri,
Thanks for your help. I guess I will find out wednesday what she really is thinking. I am suppost to meet with her with my printed copy. I will let you know how it goes if you would like.
Thanks again