New clinical instructor......need suggestions!

New CCU RN · Oct 8, 2002

Our post conferences that seemed to be the best learning experiences we either would have to take turns presenting a small thing...such as PTT vs PT vs INR something like that. Or our instructor would talk briefly about some major meds. Don;t make it tooo long just b/c you will loose the attention of your students....suggesting like 30 min top. Or we'd pick a disease process to all talk about. If there was something about our experience we wanted to share that day we would, be she had us do journals in order to reflect. Good luck to you. :)

semstr · Oct 9, 2002

What are your goals? Set the goals and then see how you can reach them with the students. I always put 1 goal in there, that can't be reached! Whatever for and we discuss that afterwards.

I agree, 30 minutes is more then enough!!

Good luck, Renee

mark_LD_RN · Oct 10, 2002

I usually let each student discuss something the found interesting with one of their patients from the day. I also give each student a topic each week that they have to write a very short paper on and present in either pre or post conference.I have also made afew different contest. where I would asked them about a specific disease or procedure. the person that could explain it correctly got a small prize.

hope this helps some:)

oilinmylamp · Feb 23, 2003

I agree that letting them explain something interesting from the day is good.A lot of times they just need to vent some of their student frustations as well. Helping them with care plans and other paper work is sometimes helpful.Give them lots of encouragement and point out the really good things they have accomplished that day especially giving them these positives in front of their peers helps build their confidence.

kittyw · Feb 23, 2003

A couple of suggestions ...

1.) Give them a really good orientation the first day of clinical. Don't blow off orientation to the floor!!!!

2.) Tell them clearly your expectations of them and give them a way to do this - ie During this clinical rotation you are to do a, b, c for your patients (give bath, give meds, chart, whatever) so they know what they are supposed to do and what they can't do. If they are supposed to get you to give meds - then be where they can find you. Don't want accountability from them without giving them authority to do it.

3.) Offer hints and tips that you have learned. Quick or simple ways to do this or that. But don't talk down to them while teaching it.

4.) Work on change of shift reporting, get them to present their patient and his/her major problems (pressure ulcers, respiratory status, etc), when to notify the doc, etc.

These are things my best instructors have done that have really benefited our clinical group.

Good luck!

Kitty

Sarah, RNBScN · Mar 30, 2003

Prior to starting clinical...

- have the school give you a heads up on the students you will be working with. Progress report so you know who and what requires different learning objectives

- have the students make a wish list of their learning objectives

- schedule observation days to other units, health discipline areas (lab, RT, PT, OPT, Dx. imaging)

- give them samples of units chartings, flow sheets, med, Dr. orders, etc...

- provide inservice in pre or post conference depending on time length, (ie: PCA pumps, IV pumps, etc...)

- PREP is the key to successful clinical rotation

- best of luck....I think this might be a really old thread but OH WELL

Disablednurse · Mar 30, 2003

Like the others said, let them know what you expect from them up front. If you have a gripe with one of the students, please do not address it in front of the other students. I have seen instructors do that and it is so demeaning. Encourage them to ask questions and let them know that you will answer them and not put them down.