Need a little clinical advice

[DayDreamin ER CRNP]

I've got my Med-Surg II clinical starting in August. Due to some screw ups in our registration system, the associate dean assigned us to our clinical groups.

Unfortunately, I was assigned to do my clinical on the same floor where I work as a tech and it is the same floor where I did my Med-Surg I clinical last semester. It is a general, family practice unit so we see a lot of different types of patients.

I also didn't know who my clinical instructor was until this past week; it just read, "STAFF." Of course, I also wind up with the teacher no one really wants. I actually think I'm ok with the teacher really but I have heard he is really tough on students and is difficult to get along with.

Here's where you come in. I really want to branch out a little and try something different. I was actually really hoping for a cardiac unit or an ICU or at least something NOT on my floor. I keep getting mixed info about the Med-Surg II clinical and some say some instructors farm students out to different units which would solve my issue.

Should I email the instructor to ask him if we will be given opportunities to go to the ER or other units or just let whatever happens happen? I really don't want to be a pain in the azz but I also don't want to sell myself short or miss any opportunities.

We have to apply for our preceptorships in November and right now I *think* I might like the ER and 1 or 2 other areas but I have no idea if I can't at least get a taste for it. Make sense?

meredith

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

I don't see what it would hurt to email him. Just express excitement about the upcoming semester, let him know your concerns and ask his expert advice on whether he thinks it will hamper your growth as a student. Most instructors want you to do well and see a variety of things. I doubt you will get moved, but you may at least know what to expect.

[9livesRN, BSN, RN]

Hi there! you should weigh in the situation... sometimes people bash on instructors, but with no reason!

we had a instructor which people hated her! they even shook when she came around, one day she came to cover on for our group and LOVED us, she was the best! She asked tons of questions and when we did not know, we cracked our books, and came running with the answer.

I was so afraid because I was going to give insulin, heparin, hang an antibiotic, and change the main line.

Since I took on the initiative and went for it, she was just watching me and I was interacting with the patient, talking and explaining all I was doing. She did not interrupt me once, and when we walked out of the room she said I could now do all of that without any instructors since she would clear my check offs, (I was on medsurge II not even on practicum or leadership) and that day she cleared our group, went to the director of nursing and said we all were safe students.

Mind you all of the other students, even the ones on her own group still needed the instructor to give meds.

When our instructor came back she was so happy, and said now I don't have to tell you guys to keep it as a secret anymore LOL (she used to let us act as nurses, and give our meds alone (she'd be peeking out at the door))

Anyways, I would go for it, and try to do your best, show interest, don't sit around, don't waste time, be helpful, offer assistance, and be involved! Give her no reason to hate you, but to like you and help you be a great nurse!

*ps I want to be a clinical instructor one day!

[MerryMoonDancer]

Hi there!

I think that it wouldn't hurt to email your dean and ask if there's any possibility of another assignment. If you already worked your first med-surg on that floor and you actually HAVE A JOB on that floor, your dean would understand your request for some more varied experience. However, I wouldn't bring up the fact that other students have complained about the instructor because then the dean might say tough noogies and leave you where you are. If there isn't a possibility for a switch, then I'd talk to the instructor and let her/him know the situation and that you'd like to be "farmed out" if possible. Just because other students have complained, it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the insturctor...maybe they were just pushing everyone harder to learn :)

Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

[cmw6v8]

"I don't want to sell myself short or miss any opportunities"

I would definitely lead with this--it shows that you are taking initiative to get the most out of your clinical and not just complaining or because you think you're better than that or something else they might think if you just asked for another assignment. I don't think it could hurt to email your instructor, but I might wait until right before the semester begins or even the first week of class. Some professors/instructors hate being bothered over their summer break--it's their vacation too!

[DayDreamin ER CRNP]

I forgot to add.....

I have this clinical on Friday. The only day off I have during the week is on Wednesday. The only few open clinical slots that I might be able to slide into are at a different hospital or are with a group of students I would prefer to not work with based on past experiences. I guess my point is that I'm not really asking to be move per se but I think I would just like to make sure I'm getting the most out of my clinical experience. Make sense?

And I am totally fine with this teacher. I've only heard that he will chew you up and spit you out if you aren't prepared, don't take initiative or are a meek student. I'm older and more outspoken and assertive than most of the other students. My previous clinical teacher said I'd be fine with this guy.

m

[9livesRN, BSN, RN]

See, I guess we can relate!

take it as a learning oportunity and if he is tough, that means you WILL be prepared and ready