Clinical issue??

Bird2 · May 7, 2005

I had a quick question for anyone out there- I am in my last quarter of an LPN program and my clinical instructor has had us shadow everyone BUT a nurse for the past four weeks. For example, I have shadowed a Respiratory Therapist, a CNA and an OT. While I understand the importance of knowing what the other team members do at the hospital, my careplan on a patient(who I have only spent ten minutes with since I was busy with OT) is due next week. Is this a normal occurance with clinicals? I only have seven weeks left in this program and am feeling stressed beyond belief...help!

I went thru the PN and ADN progran and always shadowed a nurse. They were always nurses in a speciality area such as MICU, Dialysis, Cardiac surgery ,etc. Although it is important to know what the other team members are doing, you would have benefited more by seeing what the nurse has to do all day.

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · May 7, 2005

I had a quick question for anyone out there- I am in my last quarter of an LPN program and my clinical instructor has had us shadow everyone BUT a nurse for the past four weeks. For example, I have shadowed a Respiratory Therapist, a CNA and an OT. While I understand the importance of knowing what the other team members do at the hospital, my careplan on a patient(who I have only spent ten minutes with since I was busy with OT) is due next week. Is this a normal occurance with clinicals? I only have seven weeks left in this program and am feeling stressed beyond belief...help!

We have our students go through a similar experience in our school's LPN program, but it is only for one or two clinicals, not for four weeks :uhoh3: This is done, of course, to give the student insight and appreciation for all members of the healthcare team. It also will enable the LPN to function well in the interdisciplinary environment. I do agree with you - four weeks of this does seem quite excessive, especially if this is hindering your ability to adequately complete assignments. Would it be possible to discuss your concerns with your instructor?

infullbloom1 · May 8, 2005

We have our students go through a similar experience in our school's LPN program, but it is only for one or two clinicals, not for four weeks This is done, of course, to give the student insight and appreciation for all members of the healthcare team. It also will enable the LPN to function well in the interdisciplinary environment. I do agree with you - four weeks of this does seem quite excessive, especially if this is hindering your ability to adequately complete assignments. Would it be possible to discuss your concerns with your instructor?

Several students did talk to the instructor but she stated that she wanted us to see what a "team" does. We tried to explain that since most of us have had other careers before going back to school, we are already well aware of how important teamwork is in the job setting. She talks to us and treats us as if we are five! Very frustrating!! Thank you for your comments!