Patients and Clinicals

QuilterLPN · Aug 5, 2004

I like to think that some of my first patients enjoyed having a student, simply because the students have time to do things that others do not! One of my first patients, I took the time and did some really fantastic foot care for, including clipping her toenails (not easy!) and a foot massage. She had a CVA and had difficulty communicating, but she thoroughly enjoyed the foot care! It was what I could do for her. So, you've got time - don't spend it all just leafing through charts and what-not. VISIT them, talk with them, and they will love it.

Stewie · Aug 5, 2004

during my first semester of clinicals the patients were very receptive (those that were conscious anyway). on the med/surg floor the nurses had so many other patients that they just didn't have any extra time to spend with the patients. pretty much the patient that you were assigned got 1 on 1 care and very few of them are going to complain about that. they were glad that they didn't have to push the callbell and wait for 10-20 mins for someone to get to them, i was there immediately. when you only have the 1 patient you can do that! good luck!!

Altra, BSN, RN · Aug 5, 2004

I definitely agree with the others who have posted - these early clinical experiences are invaluable for both you & the pt.! You have time to spend with them that the RNs don't have, and it can make a big difference in their hospital stay. As for your own nervousness - I can't tell you to just RELAX - because I know from experience that it's not that simple. But it does get easier with time. You'll develop your own style of interacting with patients that works for you.

Two things from my own experiences:

1) Pt. asks you, "Have you done this before?" Answer: "Yes"

(you've done it in the lab, right?)

2) When your pt. is NPO for whatever reason - testing, surgery, etc. ... DO NOT say to them, "I'm going to lunch." Tell them you're going on break, or just that you'll be back shortly ... whatever. Just don't say LUNCH. :rolleyes:

Good luck to all! :)

JudithL_in_NH · Aug 5, 2004

Every single patient I had first year in clinical was a joy to work with. They were very appreciative of the extra attention a student can give them, and anytime anything approached being "over my head," I just said "I'll go get the nurse," and came back with either my instructor or the floor nurse responsible for their care.

Not once did a patient refuse to have me participate in their care. Some pts who have been in the hospital a ton and had many procedures can actually talk you through an NG tube or cath themselves! I found these pts to be the most accepting of student participation: "Sure, hon, you can change the wet to dry sterile dressing on my gaping abdominal wound with exposed bowel. Have you ever seen peristalsis from the inside? Well, take a look at this! And then, can you get me a Sprite?" :chuckle The parents of a dying pt once thanked my instructor for letting me spend so much time with them and their son--they just needed someone to talk to and he needed nearly total care; I was able to do an entire set of FHPs based on those conversations and my assessment of the pt.

The patients have been great. I can't wait to get back to clinical!

shyne · Aug 5, 2004

The patients loved having us students around them since they get lots of attention. On the other hand, several patients requested not to have any students because they felt bothered and preferred to be alone.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Aug 5, 2004

I was an older student and the patients sometimes looked to me for comfort or help more than to the younger RN. Boy, if they only knew how I depended on the RN to help me! The only time someone made a negative comment was when I needed to suction the trach of a 19 y/o coma patient. Her Mom objected, but I explained the instructor would be at the bedside and would intervene if necessary. After that, I asked the Mom to show me any shortcuts she knew. We "bonded" and there were no more complaints.

Altra, BSN, RN · Aug 5, 2004

Some pts who have been in the hospital a ton and had many procedures can actually talk you through an NG tube or cath themselves! I found these pts to be the most accepting of student participation: "Sure, hon, you can change the wet to dry sterile dressing on my gaping abdominal wound with exposed bowel. Have you ever seen peristalsis from the inside? Well, take a look at this! And then, can you get me a Sprite?" :chuckle

What a great story! :)

myrtledturtle · Aug 6, 2004

Thanks to all of you who posted- that makes me feel tons better!

Averykat · Aug 6, 2004

My clinical instructor and the nurses on the floor didn't make a big deal to the patient that a student would be helping care for them and I think that made a difference. Some other students told me their clinical instructor asked the patients if they minded having a student, and a number of patients did say no. Mine didn't present it as a choice to them, and none of the patients minded. They were happy to have someone who could spend more than two minutes with them at a time!

My patients were actually great, they were very willing to let me work with them and I think kind of felt like they were helping to contribute to my education (which they certainly did!).

-Kate

Berta · Aug 6, 2004

Our first pt assignments were at LTC facilities. Our instructors asked the pt's if they would like a student for the day. We never had a pt say no. They loved the extra attention.

When we moved on to the hospital settings, same thing. Instructors asked first, then made the assignments.

Relax and enjoy your clinicals.