lmpie94

So, as far as I am aware, a hospital has to have a contract with a nursing school in order for students to rotate through. An instructor once explained to me that, when the hospital or unit has this, the nurses who work on that unit have to agree and understand that students come through, and that they may be teaching/precepting. It would be my assumption that nurses who agree to this are willing to work with students, and are therefore more open in general to even having students on the floor. Some days are just bad on a floor and sometimes its a month or so..... the point of clincial is to learn, not just how to assess or give meds, but to understand a unit, how it runs, the emotions of it, etc.... I personally always feel like a fish out of water in clinical every single time, so from one student to another, my advice would be to learn as much as you can - EVERY aspect of it - be patient, wise in your interactions with the staff, but willing to show your interest in learning and your work ethic, be a reliable extra set of hands on the floor when needed, and then to just be in good communication with your instructor about it. If it comes down to it, they may be able to switch you floors. Good luck!

That's awesome! I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. So those are all such different areas. How did you adjust and adapt you're organization and time management to each area as you switched from one department to another? Was that an easy transition for you, or did you have to kind of "re-wire" your way of thinking?

Thanks for the advice, I will continue to do that! I know there are some fellowship programs that are after you graduate, but in some hospital systems you must be in your last year of nursing school to be in their fellowship program. Yes, when I got my hire paperwork, there was a list of tasks and such that are listed as within my scope of practice. I know in the ER there are no CNAs, because CNAs and techs do totally different things. I appreciate your advice. Do you work in an ER currently? Are you an RN?

Hey everyone! So I am an undergrad student, set to graduate in less than 5 months! I worked as a floor CNA for a year, but just started working in an ED as an Tech/PCN 2 (basically a RN fellow). Being that I am in my final semester, juggling the hardest classes I have taken yet with also being a club officer, I will not be working that much, most likely no more than one shift per week. Anyway, I really liked the ED. The people were great. But the tasks are so different from floor! (I know, duh). I feel pretty confused as to what my role is. I understand that there are so many tasks, such as answering lights and assisting patients, EKGs, etc.... What is the basic run down of all the tasks that a tech/fellow might have (I understand, depends on each facility), and is there any kind of time order that is followed throughout the shift, i.e. when arriving and clocking in, obtaining vitals on all the patients, etc. I would appreciate any kind of concise clarity! I know its opposite from floor, but I want to bring my natural ability for organization to this, and use it to my advantage. Thank you!