first time clinical

[suni, BSN, RN]

I will have a clinical group for the first time next week. 6 students, second year, associates.

Any tips or encouragement or how to handle this?

[HappyWife77, BSN, RN]

Just relax and have fun.

Look for opportunities for the students to learn things. Let them do as much as they can, challenge them by picking complex cases that will encourage growth. Be available via email to answers questions as they work on their care plans and chart assignments.

Do everyone a favor of being the same way in all the dealings....that way students will learn to expect you do everything by the book and you are just but fair. Try to have a sense of humor, because chances are everyone is a little nervous.

Best wishes!

[chiandre]

Congrats!

1. Send out a welcoming email with your contact information and venue where to meet.

2. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and eat good breakfast.

3. Remember to keep detailed documentation of everything.

4. Set clear rules about your expectations.

5. Every clinical day, assign one student to be the "Charge Nurse".

6. RESPECT your students. They will be your future colleagues.

7. Do not be afraid to admit that you do not have all the information.

8. Challenge the students to come prepared to clinical by giving them clinical assignments.

9. Keep up to date with evidenced based knowledge.

10. Get a good night sleep the day before the clinical day.

Have fun!!! Remember, you are going to make a positive difference in the lives of six, eager and passionate future nurses!!!

[Tinman1017]

Well said!

[suni, BSN, RN]

I guess the most anxiety producing for me is grading concept maps. I am use to care plans and I am wondering if anyone has a rubric they use for concept maps. I am reading the book on concept mapping but I am a little nervous about grading them correctly. Any tips would be appreciated.

[rnx24yrs]

I would suggest asking one of your fellow instructors if they can share several "really good" concept maps that were graded. Just make sure to black out the student's name, etc. Once you review these and see how they were graded, share them with your students during post conference. They are probably just as worried about them as you are. You might even work through a concept map with your students.

Also, there should be a grading criteria in their syllabus---I always explained to my students what I was looking for under each section. That way there will be no surprises when you return their graded papers.