I just want to know what are things that nursing students do that irritate the RN staff and things that you like that get students on your good side.
I'm a first semester student and today was my first day of clinical and I would appreciate tips and advice of things to avoid and things to go for while in nursing school.
Thanks for any replies.
(I wasn't sure if this was the appropriate place to ask my question but I thought more RNs would see it than if I had posted it in the student forum).
I have many more patients than you so if I do not have time to do meds or a procedure RIGHT now too bad- so sad. i have to prioritize for all of my patients. colace and senna can wait, although not ideal, if they are 10mins late, that will not be the end of the world. I have also had students say, " you can do the insulin, i have done it already before"..... hmmmm. Or something is going on with a patient and a dr needs to be paged some students insist on talking to the dr. I know they prob should,but I don't like that, it is my patient and i want to be the one talking to the dr and writing notes on what was said etc....
Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.
I am finishing as a student and I was told NEVER try to talk to the nurse while she is charting :) Wait until she is finished and THEN ask if she has a second to answer a question or to give her a report.
I hear ya Davey, I really do. However, please understand that many times our clinical instructors often have very specific objectives for us to accomplish in a very short amount of time.
It would be great if our only objecive was to be on the floor and learn and help, but there is always that lingering nagging school stuff that must also be tended to......
Please remember that students are guests on our units. The nurses take priority over the student with charts, computers, chairs, etc. Introduce yourself, let me know which patient you will be taking care of, and what you can/can't do. I love to teach those who WANT to learn. And I agree...never, ever say "I've already done that so I don't need to do it again".
1. If you're nervous, let us know! It's okay to be nervous, and a good preceptor will reassure you and try to put you at ease. I can't stand quaking, quiet little students who pretend to know what they're doing. WE KNOW YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING. Just have a sense of humor and willingness to laugh at your nervousness and be honest.
2. Don't cock off and tell US what "the latest research/guideline" is, or that you "did this differently" at your old LPN/CNA job or whatever. You're on our turf, to do things our way, if you have a problem with it take it up with your instructor.
3. Speak up and OFFER help, don't only do the things on your checklist, assignment or care plan. If you see an overflowing trash bin, empty it or call someone to. If you're running to the supply closet ask if anyone needs you to grab anything. If a patient who's not yours needs something, get it for them. If you see a nurse working through her break offer to grab her a granola bar or something. THESE are the students I know will really make it in nursing, the truly compassionate who go above and beyond.
For YOU:
1. Don't hold your pee and get a UTI.
2. Stock your pockets at start of shift! Alcohol pads, pens, tape, etc.
3. Relax. This is not that hard, and if it is, consider doing something else.
Thank you for all the replies and above all thank you for your HONESTY. And at the other student who replied with an attitude we are GUESTS and we should be thankful we are there and make the best of the situation for everyone.
Nursing Students who have vision like wild horses wearing blinders stampeding to the chart rack and going at the charts like wild dingos at a feeding frency in order to get whatever their little ADHD minds desire don't get a lot of my respect.
I would take a bullet for those Nursing Stuidents who introduce themselves and make it known that they are on the unit to learn and to help.
Thanks for asking, sairybear. Your action shows some concern, so I have some respect for you. Not enough to take a bullet for you; not yet. But maybe enough to take a bee-bee.
How long have you been waiting to work the phrase "wild dingos" into conversation? Well done
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
NEVER interrupt a nurse doing a medication pass or a nurse(s) doing a narcotic count.
Try to not interrupt during shift change/report (unless of course it is a vital situation such as the patient in room 101 has no pulse or can't breathe)
Respect is a two way street, you have to give it to get it.
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Well done
AgentBeast, MSN, RN
1,974 Posts
Befriend the Aide.