Being lumped in, and how to fix it...

[Alisonisayoshi, LVN]

So, without a bunch of identifying details, I have a situation I'd like advice on. I'm a nursing student (of course) at a clinical site with an absolutely amazing instructor. Recently our group has had some "issues" at this facility. For some reason (I haven't personally witnessed any of it), a few nurses have decided our clinical group is lazy and stupid. That we don't do what we are assigned to do during our clinical experience. Some support staff have complained that certain tasks that we have assumed care of are not being completed, thus making it hard for them to do their jobs. This has been discussed ad nauseum amongst the staff. This has caused a very hostile tone on the unit we are assigned to.

This is not me, I complete the goals I have for the day, attempt to answer call lights, and all around try my best to do my best while learning a very complex profession. I try to never interrupt nurses who are charting or seem busy, ask my instructor first if at all possible, and be courteous and aware that we are in their work environment and do interrupt their job flow. Unfortunately, all students are being lumped together in student bashing discussions, and yes, I've actually over heard them, and no, I don't go cry to my instructor about it.

I do, however, view my clinical experience as a job interview, but unfortunately, this lumping in of the good with the possibly bad or lazy, tends to give a bad impression overall. So, my ultimate question then becomes, what advice would an experienced nurse (or student) give for avoiding looking like part of this "lazy" crowd? I tend to be a quite person who has always let my work stand for itself, but I don't think that cuts it here.

Forgive odd spelling, I'm typing on my phone and it hates me sometimes and I think it may also be possessed by an auto correct demon.

[missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN]

Don't ever believe that your patient(s) are your only responsibility. Ask the nurses and aides if there is anything you can help with. Don't be afraid to change briefs, clean up vomit, take away trays, and also offer to do simple tasks like priming lines, getting linens, and never leave a blanket warming cabinet empty.

Look busy, offer to help, ask what you can do. If your instructor requires your paperwork to be completed before the end of the day, ask if you can turn it that night, via email, and complete it at home. Ask your nurse if you can follow them while they round on their patient.

Don't stand in the hallway

Don't watch the CNA struggle to turn a patient

Don't ever turn down an opportunity to learn.

Do thank your nurse(s) at the end of your day for their advice, patience, and help

Do offer to assist

Do ask to watch procedures if possible

Hope that helps! Keep yourself separated from the group and do the best you can.

[Alisonisayoshi, LVN]

Thank you, much appreciated.