Getting an intern!

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.

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?

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

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.

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!

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