Student Starting Pediatric Rotation, Any tips?

[HBgirl]

I will be starting my pediatric term in nursing school this week and are looking for helpful hints, advice, or suggestions to help during clinical rotation and theory class. Clinical is at Children's Hospital Orange County (CHOC), a little nervous working with the little people and for how strict the hospital seems. I bought a roll of stickers to help smoothly facilitate cooperation and rapport with children, suggest anything else?

[aeris99]

I made myself cheat sheets with the hospitals peds lab values, FAS scoring and med notes.

Aside from that? Beef up on your superhero knowledge and maybe current video games? I found that to be most helpful in establishing rapport. (I have 2 kids and a nerdy streak lol)

[Zelda, RN]

Don't be afraid of the kids. The older kids usually know the drill. As for the younger ones - some are frequent flyers and know the drill, some are just brave and cooperative, some are fine until you go to poke them/give them meds, and some want nothing to do with you and will cry as soon as you walk in the room. Don't feel bad if you make a kid cry - 90% of the time they'll be fine after you're done or after you leave the room. Their parents (most of them) won't be upset with you. They understand that IVs need inserted and meds need given.

[jpicurn]

Hi! I am a peds clinical instructor, so here are my helpful hints...

Brush up on pediatric meds and doses, and know how to calculate a safe dose for the basic peds meds (Tyenol, Motrin, antibiotics are big ones). Know/review your peds vitals normal values, and know when to grab a nurse or your instructor if you have a question! Understand that you will have an audience (besides your faculty) while you do EVERYTHING in peds. There is usually a parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt/uncle with the child, so be prepared to explain what you are doing and why. Come with a positive attitude and eager to learn. (Even if peds isn't for you, you can learn how to do a quick assessment or a full set of vitals on any age child, which can be helpful.) Have fun and enjoy your rotation!

:)