Ever get assigned a clinical where you work??

enfermeraSG · Jan 26, 2005

Out of 30 or so clinical slots for our class, I got randomly assigned to the hospital that I work at. What a coincidence, huh? Not only is it the hospital that I work at, but the dept I work in. I have been a cert. surgical OB tech for just over 7 yrs at this hospital, and I am now doing my first OB rotation there. I think it is a curse and blessing all at once. Especially on one day that I come for clinical 7a-3p, and then work that night 7p-7a. I will have to remind myself constantly what I'm there for, and so will the staff! Of course I will be treated differently, by no one's fault. I have served as an extra set of hands to the nurses for years, so they would not teach me the same as the other students. (Again, good and bad) Has this ever happened to anyone before? Any tips? thanks! SG

HappyNurse2005, RN · Jan 26, 2005

wow-is there another OB clinical you could switch to?

We had to fill out a thing saying where we worked so we wouldn't get placed on the unit we worked at. A few students are put in in the hospital they work at, but not the same unit. Sometimes, though, its unavoidable. Hey, at least you are already comfortable there and dont have the "oh goodness, where are the ______ and the ______, i can't find the bathroom" jitters! And you already know everyone!

I did a externship this summer at a local hospital, then had to do an observation on that same unit when i was back in school. no biggie. but it was an only one day observation.

loriangel14, RN · Jan 26, 2005

I am suprised that the school allowed this to happen. The college I go to has strict rules about not doing any clinicals at your work place. On one hand it will be comfortable for you but maybe you won't be treated like the rest. I hope your clinical goes well for you. Good luck:)

RainDreamer, BSN, RN · Jan 26, 2005

We only have 2 hospitals in this town, so there's no way in avoiding it, people are going to be placed on units they work for clinicals sometimes. But the clinical instructors have made it very clear that during your clinical hours you are only allowed to do things that you have been checked off on, even if you are allowed to do other things while at work. Since you are under the school's insurance during that time, it's just all different and understandably you'd have to work under their guidelines. But I've never heard of anyone having a problem with it, just as long as the staff understands that you're not there to work, but you're there to learn. Good luck with everything!

NurseBAC · Jan 26, 2005

Out of 30 or so clinical slots for our class, I got randomly assigned to the hospital that I work at. What a coincidence, huh? Not only is it the hospital that I work at, but the dept I work in. I have been a cert. surgical OB tech for just over 7 yrs at this hospital, and I am now doing my first OB rotation there. I think it is a curse and blessing all at once. Especially on one day that I come for clinical 7a-3p, and then work that night 7p-7a. I will have to remind myself constantly what I'm there for, and so will the staff! Of course I will be treated differently, by no one's fault. I have served as an extra set of hands to the nurses for years, so they would not teach me the same as the other students. (Again, good and bad) Has this ever happened to anyone before? Any tips? thanks! SG

It happened to me, as we only have 1 hospital in town & for clinicals I was assigned to the same dept that I work in. I thought it was a win-win situation for me knowing the staff and where everything was as well. After the nurses realized I was a nursing student, they started showing and letting me participate in procedures while I was at work. Great for OJT.

KRVRN, BSN, RN · Jan 26, 2005

Also remember that when you are at clinical you get to do nursing type skills because that's the role you are in. When you are at work as a tech you can't do the nursing stuff unless it's in your job description. So beware of your nurse coworkers that might call you over and say "hey, you're in nursing school, why you come over and practice doing ______!"

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 26, 2005

Same thing happened to me. My preceptor in my final clinicals happened to work on the floor that I worked. A totally random luck of the draw. So I would do clinicals with her during her day shift, then work my evening shift. It was rather convenient for me, but confusing for the patients, because I was wearing one uniform and passing meds with the preceptor on day shift. Changed clothes and was a tech for the evening. :)

I probably would have preferred more experience somewhere else for a more well-rounded education. But by then I was just ready to get on out and it was quite easy for me. I knew everybody, was relaxed, knew the patients, and had a good experience.

adidas99 · Jan 27, 2005

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enfermeraSG · Jan 27, 2005

Good points everyone is making! 3rdshiftguy, I didn't even think of the wierdness you mentioned about patients seeing you during one shift as a student and showing up later in a different uniform as an employee! I think there will be good and bad points like everyone says. At least I know where everything is, know the staff and routines, have a locker, and don't have to work to earn the trust of the staff. They will expect more out of me and push me harder though, which I suppose is good! SG