How can I stand out at clinicals?

loriangel14, RN · Dec 30, 2014

Answer bells, don't be late, put away the cell phone. ask questions. It's not really about being a know it all.You can mention your previous degree but acting like you are superior will not come across well. Showing that you are a hard worker and someone they will want to work with will go a long way.

RunBabyRN · Dec 30, 2014

Show that you are eager to learn. Lend a hand anywhere you can, and learn to anticipate needs. If the nurse likes your performance and says something to you, ask her to tell her manager. Introduce yourself to the manager, and let her know you'd like to work there someday.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Dec 30, 2014

EVERYONE can teach you something. Ask the CNA about tips on moving patient and changing linens. Ask everyone about the "best way" to do things. You will get different responses, but you will also be learning which way fits you and will be recognizing the input of those around you

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2014

duplicate

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2014

There's a whole thread of this stuff..check it out.

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/help-me-prep-893742.html

The way you stand out is by getting there early, smiling, coming prepared, being neat and well-groomed, and being polite and deferential to the staff.

Always offer to help. If things are quiet, don't stand around in a knot of classmates in the hall chatting; seek out a staffer-- nurse, CNA-- in a patient room and ask what you can do for her/him. Don't ever be that student who's standing around with buddies down the hall chatting. You aren't there to chat with your buds, you're there to be exposed to a patient care milieu and all that it contains.

Never, ever, ever tell anyone you plan to work for a year and go to CRNA school or NP school, even if you do.

You won't be carrying a bag around all day; you'll need both of your hands most of the time. Your scissors go in your pocket, your stethoscope goes around your neck. Your cellphone stays locked in the locker with your coat.

I always told my students to ask every nurse why s/he did what s/he did, and also why s/he didn't do what s/he didn't do. Lots of people can tell you why they like something, but it's when they tell you why they don't like something that you can make a decision.

Examples:

"Mother-baby nursing! I love it! What better opportunity to get a new family off to a good start-- a good birthing experience, establish breastfeeding, and all that. And when a new family has a good birth experience, they'll come back to our hospital for care later on in life."

"Mother-baby nursing, yeeeeecccchhhh! Tits and fundi and peripads and screaming brats and if I never see another whiny entitled ***** with a six-page birth plan and a mother-in-law it'll be too damn soon."

futurenurse2be · Dec 30, 2014

Thank you so much for the comments, I really appreciate them. I will print them out and put them in my notebook. I know it is basically doing what I have been doing at previous clinical's, but taking it up a notch. I definitely want to do my best and be as helpful as I can, and learn as much as I can. Just wasn't sure if I should mention to the staff that I would love to be there in the future, or my degree in that area. Thank you, again.

caliotter3 · Dec 30, 2014

Wait until the opportune time to let it be known that you want to make your future there. Don't let that be the third sentence out of your mouth on the morning you are introduced to your preceptor. Feel her out. When she lets it be known that she is liking what she sees in you, might be the time to feel her out for a recommendation.

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Dec 30, 2014

All great tips. Personally, my recommendation is that if you really love that unit, try to get a job there after the clinical rotation as an aide. Don't be afraid to say, "I really enjoy my experience and working with the patients here. I'd love to try to get a job as a tech or aide here per-diem or part-time after the semester is over." I think that's the best way to keep the connection alive.

Guests · Dec 31, 2014

Spend some time figuring out where things are and what things are called. It can be very helpful to the staff to have a student or a volunteer who can fetch unanticipated supplies when the nurse is stuck in the midst of care or a procedure.

Engage the staff. Ask the nurses why they chose the field that they did... what they like about it and what they don't.

Never be seen standing around.

I would avoid any mention of your prior degree. If you have knowledge, it will reveal itself over time naturally. If you force it, you may end up looking bad.

As you connect with people, casually inquire whether they hire new grads.

Be ready to pitch in at a moment's notice... meaning always have on you shears/scissors, tape, and gloves.

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2014

Interact with the patients. If you play checkers or cards with someone, you can be assessing mentation, memory, coordination at the same time.

Help out at mealtime and with ADLs like showers and laundry. People can not feel good if they are dirty or unkempt. Offer to do VS, and the check sheets for the high risk pts on close observation.

You are a role model. How you present yourself is so important. Be calm, polite and approachable and a good listener. You set the tone of we are nice to each other here.

Watch how the staff sets limits on inappropriate behavior. It helps to have a sense of humor and a quiet reminder of "that's not allowed" is usually enough.

Learn the meds and find out how they provide teaching and offer to help with that as well.

caliotter3 · Dec 31, 2014

Develop a good rapport with the CNA/PCTs. Whether you are hired as such or hired as a nurse first, these people will be your coworkers soon. They can be a great help or a hindrance, so don't go around them with a "nose in the air" attitude. They talk amongst themselves and they also talk to the nurses. You will want to be accepted by all of the staff in order to help you get hired.