This thread is depressing .
I can sympathize with the original poster to a degree. At almost all of the clinical sites/departments that I've been to the nurses literally roll their eyes and scoff from the minute they see us walking down the hall.....this is even before meeting us. I realize the nurses are not obligated to show me everything, teach me everything, talk to me, but I do wish they would give me a chance before deciding to treat me like an unloved, unwanted stepchild just because I'm a student. I realize it can be irritating to be disrupted but there are times that I have to approach the nurse to let her know what is going going on with their patient - not all of the patients utilize the call light and need things that are out of my scope as a student.
I really *value* the time I spend on the floor watching the nurses in action because it really gives me insight on what my upcoming role will be like. My clinical instructors have been great and are always on the hunt to show us something interesting, let us perform skills etc. but there is nothing like being able to work along side of a nurse and follow through with pt care throughout the day rather than jump in here and there without knowing a thing about the pt.
I have managed to make the best out of every clinical experience but I also believe it is what you make it to be. Meaning, answer call lights, volunteer to help anyone with any task, give your nurse space and know when it's a good time to ask questions. Often I write things down and wait until she has an opportunity to go over a few things with me. I make sure to review the charts , orders, and labs so I don't have to bug anyone with questions I can get answers to myself.Yes, my clinical instructor is there and is available to me but she knows nothing about my/our pt's ( I had 3 last semester) . I think as students we have to gain the trust of our nurses and that it takes a little time for them to see what we are capable of. By the end of each semester I was able to establish good relationships with the staff and they treated me like their own.
Being a student nurse is a slippery slope but I think with the right attitude anyone can make the best of it....it just takes a little time to earn trust and respect. To all the nurses out there that love having students - thank you for all that you do! To the ones that loathe us, I'm sorry for being a burden to you but please give me a chance before throwing me to the wolves....I really am there to help and will do anything you ask of me .... even "CNA work" 😉.
