To Nursing Students from a Clinical Instructor

[Can'tdragmeaway]

I teach in an undergraduate nursing program while also working as an RN and as a student in a PhD program. Nursing students give me hope for our beautiful profession. I write an email to each group after we finish our time together. I want to share my latest email with nursing students because I don't think as students, each realize what an impact they have as a group and as individuals during their clinical experience. Nursing students are the best and they give hope for the future of this beautiful profession.

"I want to reiterate what a pleasure it was to have all of you in clinical... individually and as a group. I also enjoyed having one-on-one time with each of you during evaluations. Throughout the semester, I saw how you each contributed to a group. Getting to know you as individuals gave me the opportunity to see your uniqueness and specialness and the reasons why you work so well in a group.

I hope you understand why I think each one of you is special. Be who you are as you go out into the nursing profession with your head held high. Never compromise the essence of who you are or your core values. Never follow the crowd that does not have these core values and never apologize for who you are and what this brings to this profession, the patients, their families and the community.

As stated, this is the most wonderful and beautiful profession, but it is not for the faint at heart. It is for those who have the desire to learn about themselves and how our communication skills are the greatest tool in making a difference. It is for those who have the ability to reflect on how we will do things differently when in a similar situation (It is about doing the best we can with the knowledge and experience we have... not about beating ourselves up about what we didn't do). It is about wanting to learn and research and ask questions to foster best care for the lives we enter as nurses. It is about finding our support system and our go-to people who will never leave us in the wind.

My job as a clinical instructor validates my decision to become a nurse each semester I work with nursing students at XYZ. It puts me in a place of hope, enthusiasm, idealism with realism and an understanding that awesome people are going to be my collegues. It makes me feel as though great things are going to come because of the people entering this profession. In my world, looking back instead of looking forward is my way of knowing that this profession is going to make unbelievably wonderful strides because of those entering the profession.

I do have your back and will always support you. If there is anything you need... recommendation letter, advice or an ear to listen... I am here for you. I am an email or phone call away... no matter how long it has been since there has been contact. The good ones need to stick together.

I wish you all the best. You have all affected me in the most positive way."

Nursing students: realize that you not only positively impact patients, families and communities, but those that teach you. Take from each instructor their passion and develop your own philosophy on what nursing means to you.

You make a difference while in the role of student.

[pc2801]

Nearly a year out of school and still fighting to get hired my first RN position in acute care. Wish those making hiring decisions remembered they were once in my position and realize interviews do not make the nurse but rather heart.

[atehortuak37]

well written! I just want to thank you so much!!!!!

[AlwaysLearning247, BSN]

Aww thank you so much! It is definitely an amazing feeling to be appreciated by the nurses where you're doing clinicals. We need more clinical instructors like you. :)

[NursePallasFNP2b]

Thank you so much for this beautiful post. Wish I'd had a clinical instructor like you.

[50goingback2school]

I'm looking forward to clinical, hope I get a great instructor like you!

[NewYorkerGirl]

Nearly a year out of school and still fighting to get hired my first RN position in acute care. Wish those making hiring decisions remembered they were once in my position and realize interviews do not make the nurse but rather heart.

True. It seems hiring managers and HR are looking for that bubbly, cheerleader type of personality. When they say they want diversity, they don't mean diverse personalities.

[Can'tdragmeaway]

My advice is to sit front and center, take it all in, think and reflect on what you learn in the classroom and at the bedside in clinical. Always remember and practice holistic care and that many times, a patient belongs to a unit; what affects a patient affects those that love him or her. Know your value and continually evaluate what you bring to this profession. Your life experiences are an asset. Never think, "Why didn't I do this sooner?"

I wish you the best!

[Can'tdragmeaway]

You look like an awesome nursing student! :) Best of luck and always keep the passion...

[Nursecris0810]

I am happy to say that the author of that post is one of my very best friends and I must say that she is a true nurses nurse who is wholeheartedly compassionate about what she does and has gone to bat on behalf of our profession many times and has been rewarded with a termination of position because she refuses to join the masses in nurse bashing! She is one of heroes in nursing.

[Can'tdragmeaway]

Keep holding on, Chaotika! Never let anyone take this challenging, yet beautiful journey away from you!

[Can'tdragmeaway]

Grab on, SeattleJess... it is a ride! Hold your head up high and do not let anyone take you down. :) Find your support system and your go-to people. That is what continues to keep me afloat...

[Can'tdragmeaway]

NuGuyNurse2b- As stated, do not beat yourself up. We use every part of who we are as nurses. This can at times, hone in on insecurities or challenges that we face in regard to interactions or learning within this profession.

I am an emotional person at heart and had a very difficult time dealing with sick patients... it made me cry. I had an instructor in my last semester that pulled me aside and sternly stated, "This is not about you. You are no good to patients when you get like this". She was right. Over time, my philosophy of what nursing means to me has developed into my thought that I control everything I can in regard to patient care. Everything else such as death and illness and the feelings that occur in patients and their families because of illness, I look at as a blessing that patients and families allow me into their lives. I experience life and death with patients and families and do my best to support them.

My emotions still guide me, but I have learned how to take a step back and logically think about interventions to foster care. Keep moving along and learning and reflecting without regret.

Best to you!