Getting an intern!

[SandIsMyGlitterRN, BSN, RN]

I am getting an intern next semester and want to know if you all have any ideas on how to best utilize her. She will be here 10 hours a week. The intern is a certified CNA at the moment so I know her scope of practice limits but I want to make the most out of her time with me. Other than running kids back to class or helping with screenings, what else can I do to maximize her experience?

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

Whoop whoop!!

This is a nursing student? Or a CNA only?

I would ask the instructor what she can do. And that answer depends on how far along she is in classwork. I've had interns who were able to do catheterizations and I trained them (per policy) and observed them do the procedure. Never let a student be alone with an unlicensed person though.

Have her do the initial triage for you. She'll get great practice in assessment. Do you have a sub manual that details how you do what you do? If so, I usually spend the first day having the intern review that and watch me; day 2 she gets the triage and I watch her; day 3 more or less supervision depending on skill, and on it goes.

Assistance in screening is great but I never managed to get the interns who were there two days a week for six weeks trained to do more than assist. Also if there's an education board you want managed or a class you want taught (and who doesn't need more hand hygiene this time of year?) she'll be on that, I bet.

Have fun. You're going to be a great preceptor.

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

Do you use a computer chart? She could do data entry if you have immunizations, physicals, or other screenings to input! Its unfortunate you don't have her for the upstart of the school year. That's when I feel I could use the most help!

Have her go through supplies and check for expirations on stock and student meds so a list can be made to notify parents?

[BrisketRN, BSN, RN]

I personally would have them sort my student papers into their files...because I'm so behind on that all the time.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

Yes!! filing is job one!! followed by training in screenings and then you overseeing and having them schedule and perform those. If you have those two HUGE time sucks taken care of in the background of you tending to the day to day stream of charting and tending to the darlins' then you should be set.

[SandIsMyGlitterRN, BSN, RN]

3 hours ago, ruby_jane said:

Whoop whoop!!

This is a nursing student? Or a CNA only?

I would ask the instructor what she can do. And that answer depends on how far along she is in classwork. I've had interns who were able to do catheterizations and I trained them (per policy) and observed them do the procedure. Never let a student be alone with an unlicensed person though.

Have her do the initial triage for you. She'll get great practice in assessment. Do you have a sub manual that details how you do what you do? If so, I usually spend the first day having the intern review that and watch me; day 2 she gets the triage and I watch her; day 3 more or less supervision depending on skill, and on it goes.

Assistance in screening is great but I never managed to get the interns who were there two days a week for six weeks trained to do more than assist. Also if there's an education board you want managed or a class you want taught (and who doesn't need more hand hygiene this time of year?) she'll be on that, I bet.

Have fun. You're going to be a great preceptor.

She is a nursing student and she is a certified CNA. I love the idea of having her help with teaching a class. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I never have help so this may be a blessing!

[scuba nurse, BSN, MSN, RN]

Clean and organize your office, especially if haven't been done in a long time!

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

On 12/6/2019 at 11:18 AM, Nurse Jen said:

She is a nursing student and she is a certified CNA. I love the idea of having her help with teaching a class. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I never have help so this may be a blessing!

Her instructor needs to tell you what she is allowed to do and not allowed to do.

And what is her school's goal for her during her "internship"? What exactly is the "internship" for?

All the tasks suggested above make sense and should be good learning experiences for her.

Don't let her use her phone. If she is distracted, lazy, or disinterested, I would not go out of my way to help her learn anything. She needs to show at least a basic interest in learning. You are too busy to take care of her and do your regular job, too.

I hope you both have a positive experience.