Nursing Student Issues

Published

Specializes in Med-Surg.

Hello to all you wonderful nurses! I'm seeking some advice on how to deal with my nursing student. She is in a pre-grad placement with me for 12 weeks before she graduates. In the instructions from her school instructor, it states that there is to be absolutely no napping on breaks and to arrive on time every shift. My issue is...she's great with patient care and the patients like her, she does meds competently and assessments...BUT...we are working 3 - 12 hour shifts this weekend and Friday night was ok. On Saturday night, she slept in our lunch room for 2 hours, got up so a nurse could go in and nap and then slept at the nursing station for 1.5 hours. Tonight (Sunday night) she came in late, which I didn't know of until 6:15 pm (start at 7) because she went to a wedding at 1pm and was late from being there. THEN, I had a nap for 1.5 hours and got up, she then went to sleep from 4-currently sleeping (it's 6) and we finish at 7. What should I do! We as nurses at my hospital are allowed to take nap breaks as long as there is enough registered staff coverage. However, clearly outlined from her professor is no naps! I'm upset about her lack of accountability for taking this seriously. And she probably expects me to still sign her complete hours (which I plan on not doing) please help!! What should I do?? How should I approach her about these issues? I'm a very nice person and I hate confrontation... Thanks in advance xo

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

where on EARTH do you work that you are allowed to nap????

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The first thing I would like to know is; How can I get a job there? Seriously though, I didn't even know that naps were considered "common practice" in the work place. It certainly never has been at any of the places that I have ever worked at. I would have never found the time to take a nap, even if it was a option.

I can understand if a doctor is "on-call" for an extended period of time, taking a nap, but certainly not someone who is working a 12 hour shift. I am a CNA and not a nurse, but I wouldn't like it if I was busting butt all night, and a coworker got to sleep for two or three hours, while getting paid. That seems hardly fair.

I have worked at various jobs throughout my life, and not just in healthcare. I have worked many 12 and 16 hour shifts, over the years, and sleeping on the job was never an option. If fact, it would have been means for immediate dismissal. I really don't think it's too much to ask, to have an employee stay awake and work during their shift. I would definitely speak to her about it, and make sure that she has tasks to do throughout the shift to keep her busy. This shouldn't be too hard, because there is always something that needs to be done. If she improves, fine. But if not, I would take the next step, and speak to her school instructor about it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I looked this up and I guess in some areas of Canada you are allowed to nap.

I would talk with her tell her what her instructions say from her school. If you allow her to nap them wake her up when it is time! Tell her you are obligated to tell her school if she does not comply to the standards. Give her an opportunity to comply...a concrete time then report her.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.

Holy cow!! Where do I sign up?! Most shifts I work now I don't even get a darn lunch break let alone a nap.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

She seems to be napping because you have allowed it. Why would you let her do it if you were told not to? It seems that it is your responsibility as her preceptor to direct her during the shift, and to make others aware that she should not be napping while you are doing so yourself. You need to speak up!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.

I would kindly, but firmly let her know that it is unacceptable for her to nap. She is in a pre-grad placement that has rules in place she must follow. Let her know that even though some staff sleep, in her position she cannot. Tell her you will hold her to the rules. Do not yet report her, she very well may take your guidance to heart and change. At least give her a chance to eliminate the napping now she is clear on the rules from you. Tell her the past is under the bridge, and you and she will start anew.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It is your responsibility to let her know that her behavior is unacceptable.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

How should I go about starting the conversation??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

We are off for one week and returning on Monday

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

she is being evaluated on her behavior, not yours, so do not compare. Remind her of her commitment

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would pull her aside somewhere private and make sure you have your copy of her syllabus that indicates that she is to be on time and isn't allowed to nap, as well as any facility policy as it relates to tardiness and napping.

I'd tell her, "Sally, we need to talk. Per your syllabus, you are not allowed to nap and you are expected to be on time to clinicals. I noticed you've been napping quite a bit lately and you were XX hours late on XXXXday, and I'm concerned that you're out of compliance with your school's guidelines (and any facility policies you may have). I want to make sure that you're aware that I as you preceptor expect you to follow the rules per your school policy, and I will be enforcing those rules from now on. Do you have any questions or concerns you'd like to discuss right now?"

As a preceptor, it's not your job to be the nice guy. It's your job to teach, and what you permit, you condone. If you teach this nurse that it's OK to be late and slack off, she will probably continue to do so, and that will reflect on you as a leader. If you're not up to tightening the screws on this student, you may want to reconsider your decision to precept.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion