As a nurse, I see more and more new grads who have little clinical experience and who are overwhelmed, more than I was and that was a lot. Many have had no more than 1 or 2 patients during clinicals. Many have told me that their nursing programs included role playing, seminars, and such events as teaching kindergarteners how to wash their hands as manditory clinical days. Is this a trend? Shouldn't there be more practical experience and teaching of critical skills, especially since patients are more acute? Many of the new nurses have never suctioned or used any of the complicated equipment common on the clinical floor. Would appreciate feedback.
Also, I see experienced nurses who are less than helpful with new grads, taking the position that 'if I had to learn the hard way, so can you.' We all had to learn the hard way but we need to remember the acuity level of today's patients, the additional skills new grads must possess, and the increased stress levels. Have any of you observed any of the above?
As a nurse, I see more and more new grads who have little clinical experience and who are overwhelmed, more than I was and that was a lot. Many have had no more than 1 or 2 patients during clinicals. Many have told me that their nursing programs included role playing, seminars, and such events as teaching kindergarteners how to wash their hands as manditory clinical days. Is this a trend? Shouldn't there be more practical experience and teaching of critical skills, especially since patients are more acute? Many of the new nurses have never suctioned or used any of the complicated equipment common on the clinical floor. Would appreciate feedback.