In this article, I will share what student behaviors I look for during clinicals. Hopefully, I will also provide insight on what to avoid for a great clinical experience. Nursing Students General Students HowTo
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One of my favorite job responsibilities as a nursing instructor is nursing clinicals. It is an inspiring moment when a student is able to make the connection between classroom and hands-on nursing practice. As much as I enjoy clinicals, there are situations when student actions or behaviors can bring additional challenges to clinicals. I'll share a few of these and, hopefully, provide you with a little helpful insight.
Your clinical instructor is legally obligated to safeguard student and patient safety. In addition, they can be held accountable for the negligent or wrongful actions of a nursing student. You can help your instructor make appropriate patient assignments by communicating your strengths, weaknesses and skill level. I have always appreciated students who perform ongoing formal and informal self-assessments on knowledge and skill.
You have several "first impressions" to make on any clinical day- your instructor, patients, caregivers, clinical site staff and others.
There are certain uniform requirements as a nursing student you probably find overly strict, out-of-date or too restrictive for your own personal style. When I started nursing school 25 years ago, we were required to wear nursing aprons. It was an archaic uniform requirement, but it was also just that... a requirement. Updating your program's dress code policy is may be a worthwhile project, but always follow current policy. Students are anxious as it is and a uniform reprimand at the day's start only makes it worse.
First, I would like to acknowledge there are legitimate reasons you may be late to clinical (I.e. sick child, traffic, car problem). In these situations, be sure to follow your program's instructions for notifying your instructor. Otherwise, leave early and allow time for the unexpected. Be sure you eat before you arrive. Asking if you can "go eat breakfast" 1 hour into clinical will probably not be well received.
Identifying willing clinical sites for students is challenging and requires active relationship building. You can help your clinical instructor foster this relationship by:
I value students who participate and focus on the present clinical. The following student behaviors take focus away from clinical, place your instructor in an awkward spot and should be avoided.
Finally, always avoid behavior or attitudes that diminishes, devalues or is uncaring towards any patient.
I understand students are anxious and apprehensive. It raises a red flag when a student is overly confident and without any hesitation. Your clinical instructor appreciates a student who asks questions and seeks clarification. At the end of each clinical day, pat yourself on the back and reflect on what fear you overcame, what you learned and how you made a difference in your patient's care.
Do you have tips or stories to share? Would love to read your perspective.