Hardest Clinical Rotation?

BONBON, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2020

What about your grading is so strict for clinical? We had a sheet the nurse had to sign off on when I was done with my clinical. It covered basics such as "safe care," "communication skills," etc. When I was in school I was most nervous for my pediatric clinical on an immunocompromised unit at a large hospital. I was nervous because I thought I'd feel SO out of my element. It ended up being a great learning experience and went really well. I tried to keep an open mind going in. I knew after that I still wasn't interested in pediatrics but it wasn't a waste of my time because it only helped solidify that for me.

In the end, everyone's going to have different experiences, so try to keep an open mind and don't let other people's clinical's cause judgement or swayed opinions before experiencing the clinical yourself! Everyone talked down a specific clinical in my cohort and I ended up loving it so ?‍♀️

Leapheng123 · Jun 30, 2020

BONBON, RN

In my school, we are required to have a C+ (probation) and 79 (warning). I'm sorry that I might not perform well and end up a year behind, that's why. Usually, I tend to keep my mind open, but just there is a lot of pressure. That's why I want to see what people respond will be.

Thank you very much for replying to my post.

BONBON, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2020

On 6/29/2020 at 11:49 PM, Leapheng123 said:
I'm sorry that I might not perform well and end up a year behind, that's why.

The nurses I was assigned to in school during clinical were always helpful and supportive. They know you are a student and will not push you to do something you do not feel comfortable with. Remember, you are doing things under their license so if they feel you are not ready to perform a skill (I would hope) they would instead do it themselves and let you watch. If you personally do not feel comfortable with a skill etc., speak up and ask for a refresher, guidance, or ask to watch first and maybe try it the next time around. I can't see your nursing instructor failing you unless you do something obviously bad (ie. breaking HIPAA, putting your patient in harm, etc.) You know what is right vs. what is wrong. They're not going to fail you for asking for guidance or asking to watch if you feel uncomfortable.

Best of luck! You'll do great.

verene, MSN · Jul 1, 2020

Everyone has different experience of clinical rotations - and what may be difficult for one person may feel much more comfortable to someone else. For example - many of my peers really struggled in their community health placement - I found the term super easy. Simply because that clinical placement built on previous skills and experiences I'd had, such that it was less intimidating/more comfortable for me, and for some of my peers who didn't have the same background it really pushed them hard.

For me - peds was scary because I didn't have much exposure to small children prior to nursing school - I initially was NOT doing well in the placement but talked to my instructor about it. We had a good discussion around my background, goals, interests, and strength/weaknesses. Knowing this she was able to guide me to some patient assignments where I could show what I did know, and was able to help me build up my skills and confidence in areas where I was weak. Definitely be proactive about talking to instructors if you are concerned about how you are doing.

One of the great things about nursing is that you don't have to like/be good at every specialty - it's more about finding the area that works for you! So stay open and learn from your clinical experiences both the good and the bad - they can help guide you to the area of practice that will be a good fit for you in the end.

Leapheng123 · Jul 3, 2020

Verence, MSN

Thank you very much! I appreciate the information. I know where I want to end up in by the time I have my master's degree.

I am looking forward to this upcoming semester.

Thank you again