Advice about Clinical

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Hi Everyone,

I am at the end of my first semester of nursing school and I just finished up clinicals. During my evaluation my nursing instructor talked to me about my communication skills because she said she's very concerned. I'm a quiet type of person but I feel I have improved throughout the semester in talking with my patients and just being able to walk in their room and introduce myself. I feel I have to work on confidence and communication, but I felt terrible after talking with her. She hasn't decided what to do yet...she might not pass me and I am really worried! I want to move on to the next semester in the fall. I loved clinicals and I really truly want to be a nurse! Has anyone else experienced this before? What can I do?

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I'm sad that a student can be failed for being "too quiet". That's on the subjective side.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I assume there is more to this scenario. Timidity is not a character flaw. You need to approach the instructor again and ask what does your shyness have to do with passing.

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Thanks for your replies. My instructor said she's concerned that I won't ask questions when I have them and that when I'm a nurse I won't be able to talk to doctors or pharmacy if I have questions about an order. She's afraid my shyness will interfere with leadership skills. I just don't know what to do and we're done with clinicals so I don't have anymore time to show her I can be assertive.

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Yes I don't agree with that at all. I too am on the quiet side but that doesn't mean I'll be a bad nurse. Plus, confidence comes with experience and time. You are only in your first semester! As long as you have shown some form of improvement you shouldn't be failed. And did your instructor tell you this before or is this the only time? If she didn't let you know in time for you to show her improvement then that's not your fault, you didn't know you needed work in that area according to her. Shyness shouldn't be considered a bad thing in a nurse, not every patient nor fellow nurses want everyone to be assertive. A mix is a good thing.

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I would challenge it with the dean. Doesn't she realize that over-confidence is dangerous also?

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

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Specializes in n/a.

That comes with time! Im a cna and I used to get butterflies and be soft spoken every time I walked into a patient's room. Now it's second nature and I don't think twice. You'll overcome this!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

That's a pretty big judgement for her to be making in your first semester.Most students are nervous wrecks during clinicals. This does not mean you will be a bad nurse.Yes right now you would be hesitant to communicate with a doctor or another member of the health care team.That's normal. With time and experience you will become more confident dealing with patients and coworkers.Even as a new grad I was nauseous at the thought of walking into the room of a patient I didn't know.Now I never give it a second thought.

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Yes I don't agree with that at all. I too am on the quiet side but that doesn't mean I'll be a bad nurse. Plus, confidence comes with experience and time. You are only in your first semester! As long as you have shown some form of improvement you shouldn't be failed. And did your instructor tell you this before or is this the only time? If she didn't let you know in time for you to show her improvement then that's not your fault, you didn't know you needed work in that area according to her. Shyness shouldn't be considered a bad thing in a nurse, not every patient nor fellow nurses want everyone to be assertive. A mix is a good thing.

My instructor asked me a week ago how it was going for me. I told her I thought it was going good and I felt more comfortable. I do feel much more comfortable than I did the very first weeks, so that should count for something! She didn't say anything about needing to improve my communication with patients until my evaluation this week. It won't help my confidence at all if she fails me for that!

I'm glad to hear there are other quiet people out there who are nurses! That makes me feel a lot better about myself.

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We are taught as nursing students to be empathetic, caring individuals. I think that you should talk with your instructor and explain to her not only how much your communication has improved (and will continue to improve), but how much the nursing profession really means to you. Her opinion is just that-her opinion, and is very subjective. You just need to explain to her that you do have what it take (communication-wise) to be a great nurse.

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Well, I've had about the worst day of my life. I talked to my advisor and she was very understanding and helpful, however the decision isn't up to her. They will probably decide next week and I have the right to talk to them and tell them what I think. My advisor said she won't be surprised if they do fail me (although she used the words 'make you retake it). If I have to retake the class I'll feel like a failure! I've worked so hard and they want to hold me back because I'm quiet! How is holding me back going to help my confidence level? I think that will just make it worse. I'm sorry, I just had to vent to someone. I am so upset about this!

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I know you don't want to repeat a class but KNOW that it's not the end of the world. You won't be the first nor last to do so. Keep your chin up.

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