Clinical Impressions

Pneumothorax, BSN, RN · Aug 20, 2011

#1. when on clinical remember that your patient is your priority for the day, so make sure you take care of them & anything related.

#2.if you have a bit of downtime you can help your classmates out, or you can ask your primary nurse if its ok , if you can follow them , have them explain things to you (related to patient care , med admin..that kind of stuff)

always be willing to help out. nursing is about teamwork and if your always keeping busy and helping out, you will stand out:)

Sophie123 · Aug 20, 2011

Nursing school starts Monday and I just found out that clinicals will begin in 2 weeks, instead of in October like we were told initially ! I'm in an ADN program and was wondering if anyone had any advice on ways to stand out in clinicals. I would like to be memorable to people who have the possibility to be my future employer. Any tips (things you did as a student in clinicals or things you saw students doing in your hospital) that really seperated them from the herd in a positive manner?
Thanks in advance for any/all feedback!

That was a great question. I'm in the same position...as I start my RN program on Monday and start clinicals in a few weeks. I'd be curious if anyone else responds to your question. I'd like to hear more tips and suggestions. Otherwise, working hard and having passion always stands out!

JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN · Aug 21, 2011

You won't be given a ton of direction so try to learn as much as you can by asking questions of RNs and CNAs. I got some helpful tips from the CNAs who were my classmates and understood where to document or find information on the computer system.

If you've learned how to do head to toe assessment, do that when you first meet with your patients. If you have not learned assessments, maybe you know how to take vital signs. Make yourself a running narrative on patient symptoms and yours or the RN's interventions. Keep your eyes open for safety issues (bed rails, medications left out, call-light in reach, bed at lowest height) and cleanliness of the areas around your patient. Use your observational skills.

Do total patient care if needed. Always introduce yourself as Sophie, student nurse. Make sure your patient is comfortable.

When you learn something new in lab, let the RNs know so that if opportunities arise, they will inform you and your clinical instructor.

Be open to constructive criticism but also show confidence in front of your patient. If you are going to give an insulin injection, walk through the steps with your instructor (meaning YOU tell your instructor how you plan on doing it and let her tell you if you've missed a step or need to hold the syringe a certain way).

Guaranteed you will not always look like the brightest bulb, especially in the first few months and people may not remember your name at your clinical site. By your last term, you will be more proficient and do mostly actual RN skills and that is where people will remember your name if you are good or bad : )

Sophie123 · Aug 21, 2011

Thank you both for your responses. It really helps. :)

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Aug 21, 2011

The best thing you can do is be polite, willing to learn, and be interested in your work. Before your clinical, always introduce yourself to the nurse who is assigned to your patient. Say "Hello, my name is Ashley. I'm a student nurse from XYZ college and I'm assigned to patient C. I'd like to give the po medications with my clinical instructor. I'll also be doing vital signs, a full assessment, and helping the patient with daily hygiene care. I'd also love the opportunity to perform nursing skills on this patient, or your other patients if the opportunity presents. So far in lab we have learned Foley catheter insertion, basic dressing changes, and NG tube insertion. If there is anything else you need help with throughout the day, please let me know."

Make sure that the CNA knows that you are doing to do vitals for the patient and help get them bathed, dressed, and change the linens, so that they can plan their day around it.

Check in briefly with the nurse throughout the day. Make sure she knows when you have completed tasks, such as medication administration. If you have completed everything for your patient, ask your nurse there is anything else you can do to help. Or offer to help another nurse or your classmates. If someone asks you to help with a task, do it, even if you have done it before. Take initiative to help out with other patients. Answer call lights. If a patient needs water, needs to be changed or toileted, do it if you are comfortable.

Finally, before you leave, always sign off with your nurse. Thank her for letting you help with her patients and make sure she knows what has been done/needs to be done with the patient.