Why do the unit nurses treat the students like this?!

[CT Pixie]

I am always reading posts like that and I thought it was time that I make my own!

To the nurses who are the nurse of the patient I have been assigned to for my clinicals on your floor...and even to those I had no direct dealings with your patient...

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

For taking the time to hunt me down and bringing me into a room where something was being done that I had never seen, or to perform a skill I had never done or even if I've done numerous times but thought I'd like another opportunity to hone my skill/perfection of it!

For listening to me when I give you info on the patient that just doesn't sit right with me.

For honestly taking into consideration my opinion or thoughts on something that should be done.

For treating me as an adult.

For letting me bounce ideas off of you..even if it were just the babbling of a 2nd yr student.

For answering my questions, albeit they might have been silly or odd.

For taking me under your wing and showing me ways to do things easier, more proficiently.

For speaking those kind words and the gently hug you gave me I had reached my breaking point when my instructor was in a foul mood and took it out on the closest person (unfortunatly that would be me).

For praising me for doing well, and giving me constructive criticism when I needed it.

For bringing me a cup of coffee when you say I was running out of steam.

For having my back when my instructor insisted I did not do something per hospital protocol and you knew I had.

and most especially for telling my instructor that you thought I was very bright, had so much potential and that you'd love to see me working the floor when I graduate in May!

Thank you!

[reagansm]

I have had good experiences and bad in clinical. This my last semester and I was really scared about getting my preceptor for this semester. My preceptor had never precepted before but rose to the challenge. The first night was rough because of computer problems and no orientation to the unit prior to the first night, but the second was really good. I am looking forward to a semester of learning with supportive nurses to work with. (All of the nurses on this unit are great!) My experience in nursing school has made me want to be a teacher, even if it is just on my unit with students. But maybe even to teach nursing as my profession.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

Thank you for pointing out the good things those gals do for us, students!

Not all of them are gals, just sayin ...

[CheesePotato, BSN, RN]

Thank you for seeing that there is heart, soul, and art in teaching. Thank you for being the type of student that I will make time to teach--the type of student that I know has a true desire to learn, to grow, to change, to dig deep, to dig in.

Know that I, and many preceptors like me, will never run you ragged as an exhausted student does not learn, will never sharpen my tone or alter my voice unless true harm could result from an action and it is imperative that you stop and stop now, and, no matter how cranky or fatigued we may seem, want nothing but your success.

It takes a sharp eye and an open mind to see the positives where so many find negative. Remember every act of kindness a preceptor brings to you and pay it forward when it is your turn to teach.

Good luck, my friend. We are lucky to have you.

[DLStango, BSN, RN]

Great points. How I wish some of the seasoned nurses I worked with could understand. Why drive people away? These folks will be our coworkers and maybe one day our own nurse. The golden rule still applies...

[rosi1009]

That is great! Very motivating! Thank you for sharing :)