need your opinion: encouraging students

WashYaHands · Feb 21, 2003

I'm not a student, but I do remember one of my clinical instructors doing something like this for us at the end of our senior year. She filled a paper sack with this note attached to the outside with a ribbon. Inside the sack were all of these things:

A toothpick to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others.

A rubberband to remind you to be flexible.

A band-aid to remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else's.

A pencil to remind you to list your accomplishment and achievements everyday.

The pencil has an eraser to remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it's okay.

A paper clip to help you "keep it together", when you are feeling overwhelmed.

Chewing gum to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything.

A hershey kiss and hug because everyone needs a kiss or hug.

A tea bag to remind you to relax daily and go over your list of achievements.

A mint because you are worth a mint.

A Payday candy bar to remind you of that first paycheck (coming soon) as an RN.

Believe it or not, I kept the note after all these years.

Linda

Rena RN 2003, RN · Feb 21, 2003

i'm a student set to graduate in 105 days (not that i'm counting or anything :chuckle ) and i know the burnout feeling well. i like linda's idea. or perhaps a list of all your own personal tips to suceed like "if it's wet and it's not yours, don't touch it." i know for me at this point in the game i just want to know that it hasn't all be for nothing. that even though school is tough, it is possible to make it as a nurse.

CountrifiedRN · Feb 21, 2003

Originally posted by da nurse
I'd like to do something for her class (29 women, 1 guy) to encourage them. It's only been two years since I was in school, but I wanted to ask the opinions of those who are still there. What would make your day and help you get through? A bag of candies with a "don't give up" note on it? Help!

Wow! You are so sweet to do something nice for the students!

In my opinion, just your thoughtfulness will work wonders. :kiss

Maybe a funny picture or poem related to nursing that you can print off on your computer. I remember a nursing student that I met a long time ago where I worked who had on her notebook a picture of "the perfect nurse", on rollerskates to see pts faster, with an ammo belt (ala Rambo) to compensate for cutbacks in security, a foley and leg bag so she would never have to take a break.....a whole lot more that I can't remember. Laughing is good stress relief! (Wish I could find that picture now!)

Or something sentimental along the same lines. Of course, chocolate is always welcome!

perfectbluebuildings, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2003

Just encouragement and a reminder that you got through it, so can they!! Right now my whole nursing class is freaking out getting ready for our first clinical, trying to check off on competency for all kinds of shots and other procedures in just a few weeks. It's really tough and many of us including me feel completely overwhelmed and like we will never make it through. Just to tell them they did a good job at some small thing or they are getting better at something is wonderful and gives us some small little sense that there really maybe IS a light at the end of the tunnel : ) And just that you care means a LOT believe me!!

Mkue · Feb 21, 2003

I like Linda's idea, all are good really !

essarge · Feb 21, 2003

Besides the above suggestions, I've found (since I've been in school) that when an instructor shares some personal experience they've had while a nursing student (good and bad) it has really encouraged me. We had one instructor, who now has her doctorate, tell us that she took the NCLEX twice. Now that took some courage for her to tell us that.

Are they allowed to go out and take "field trips"? Sometimes a break from the usual is all that a person needs to get refreshed.

rosemadder · Feb 22, 2003

The very best thing you can do for your students is to smile, act like your glad to see them, be always patient and offer praise and encouragement. I find that as a student that when I go somewhere where the staff is nice to me that makes everything great! There are so many nurses who do not welcome students and it is always so nice to just have someone treat you with kindness. I know you are this way from your email--and I think that is the best gift you can continue to give your students! Thank you for caring!