Critical thinking at clinicals

Vsummer1 · Mar 13, 2004

I was wondering if anyone had any "cheatsheet" ideas for clinicals,invaraibly I come out of a patients room and there is my clinical instructor and she will ask me a question regarding pt and I usually always get it.......but I would like to come out better prepared for her questions any suggestions to put on a cheat sheet that I can develop to help guide me.
Thanks

I made my own. Basically it has all the pertinent pt info from the chart, then a space for me to write up my assessment, then a section for labs. Below that I made boxes for the meds (time, action, sides, nursing considerations and page number in case instructor asks me other questions). The bottom 1/3rd was empty for notes from report. I use one sheet per patient and if they have more meds than fits in my boxes (I think I made 10) then I staple a 2nd sheet just for the meds. I rarely get caught off guard!

Mariannsi · Mar 13, 2004

Sounds like you're definately on the right track. I too have something similar. I have even came up with an index card to use as a guide for writing my Head to Toe assessment...I've been using it for since I started school -- the funny thing is that now I really don't need it..but still carry it.

suzy253, RN · Mar 13, 2004

Do you pick up the patient info before your clinical day? We get assigned our pts the day before clinical and we have to go to hospital to get all the pertinent info on the patient, writing down everything we can and then that afternoon/evening I look up all info on the pt including labs and read up on their diagnoses, nursing interventions, etc. so I feel prepared for clinical the next day....much more knowledgeable than going in there cold. One of our assigned texts is Med-Surg Nursing by Black et al. which is a great book. And like the other poster mentioned, making yourself a sheet with boxes, etc. is a great idea as well. Our pre-clinical package in the beginning of school contained such a form and I have even modified it to better suit my needs as well.

nursegirl62 · Mar 13, 2004

Do you pick up the patient info before your clinical day?

No we dont get to know who we have untill the end of report.So I have the info from report......anyone mind emailing their cheatsheet that I could use as a start and then tweak??I always have my vs,current diagnosis,labs,meds ect......its the "critical thinking" triggers that I don't always feel prepared for.

mitchsmom · Mar 13, 2004

I would also love to have a copy of someone's cheat sheet if you are willing! [email protected]

Vsummer1 · Mar 13, 2004

In previous semesters we were allowed to come in the day before, but I am in my last semester so we go in just as the RN's do, not knowing. We either get 5 patients as team leader, 2 as total care, or 10 if med nurse. We do get an hour or so to organize though.