My Role during clinicals

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Hi all!

I'm an LPN and I currently hold the position of both instructor and institutional director of a CNA school. I'm very excited about my new role and I truly enjoy teaching. My question is, what is my role during clinical? During my orientation it appeared that I simply patrol the hall and check in on my students from time to time, but I truly want to be more involved. 8 hours is a long time to stand around. I want my students to get the best out of their clinical experience so I don't want to be a mother hen, but I also don't want to just be a hall monitor. Am I looking at this the wrong way?

BSN16

389 Posts

Specializes in ICU, trauma.

Where are you doing your clinicals at, a nursing home or hospital? I know that when i was getting my CNA in highschool our instructor would diligently try and find procedures for us to see. For example, i got to watch a PICC line as a cna student. I'm not sure if that is recommended because it's not exactly part of their scope of practice, but i really enjoyed whenever i was able to see a procedure like that

Escott83

2 Posts

It's being held in an LTC. Clinical itself only lasts 2 days in our program because it's accelerated. Your comment actually gives me an idea. I'm thinking of making a check off list for clinical separate from regular class check offs. Kind of similar to a scavenger hunt but for skill performance. We don't have very much time in clinical so I don't know that I can fit in the extras, but it would be nice.

JaxJax5423

209 Posts

it's your role to facilitate learning. the staff at the LTC may or may not be receptive to students. If not, you step in and guide them in the room. I spent a lot of time networking and introducing myself to the staff because schools seem to expect a lot from the staff these days. I wanted them to meet me, and know I was present and there to assist...etc. Also, as PP said try to find them things to see (codes, dressing changes...)

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