Unfriendly RN's during clinicals

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Has anyone had problems with RN's being unfriendly during clinicals? I just started my first clinical rotation a few weeks ago and the RN's have made it very clear that they don't want us there. The first day I was assigned to a patient the RN for that patient never spoke a word to me. I was feeling so lost and unsure of myself and really would have welcomed some advice or just a kind word, but I couldn't even find the RN most of the time. In fact, the only time I saw her was when the pt's IV ran out and she came in to change it. I followed her out into the hallway thinking that I could ask her some questions...she turned her head away from me and refused to speak. I understand that RN's are incredibly busy, but don't they remember what it was like when they were starting out?

Fortunately, most of the RN's I came into contact with during my clinical rotations were really helpful, but my advice to you for the ones who are less than helpful is this: KISS HIS/HER BEHIND! I know that you shouldn't have to, but, believe me, as a nursing student you will learn so much more from that nurse if you follow that advice! I can remember several of my fellow nursing students having trouble with one nurse in particular...the more she was hostile, the more attitude and hostility they got towards her. It just escalated until there was no learning taking place at all. I always just took anything they dished out with a smile on my face and always asked their opinion like it was the most opinion I could ever come in contact with. I always ended up having a good relationship with these "testy" nurses AND I usually learned that they had a lot of good info to impart.

I happened to be in clinical today on a unit that I hadn't been on before. I listened to report (and I PAY attention to my patient's status) and when the RN for "my" patient left I followed her. I know she had 1000 things on her mind, where to start, who was the sickest patient to assess first, etc. Having learned from a previous experience I must let the RN know immediately which patient I have and what I am allowed to do for that patient. When she stopped for a moment, I introduced myself, explained what semester I was in, who my patient was and what my duties would be. I also said "please be patient with me it is my first day on this unit and would you mind if I observed you with your other patients?" She tried to phrase her response well, I could see she was thinking. She said "I'm sorry I have a full day ahead and I can't hold your hand all day" To which I replied "that is fine I was asking for an opportunity to observe your skills" she replied "as long as you don't slow me down". I replied "thank you". Now I'm walking off thinking GREAT here I go, instead I focused on how to help her, gain knowledge from her and at the same time how to stay out of her way. What I wanted from her was the opportunity to WATCH her, she didnt have to explain her reasoning to me, that I could figure out on my own. My clinical instructor was supposed to go through my assessment with me but got called away to a "more important student"? I dont know, all I know is I was on a new unit, my instructor was gone and I pretty much didnt have a clue. So grabbed the chart, looked at what was being assessed, what the patient had going on the night before... and off I went

I assessed the patient to the best of my knowledge figuring I would go through it all with my instructor later. The RN called me over and said she was going to assess another patient and I could go along. I went stood politely behind her thanked the patient for allowing me in the room and OBSERVED. From that I was able to go back and assess what I had missed iwth my own patient.

Later on in the shift, the rn had gotten her things under control and spent some time showing me how to chart my assessment, she agreed with it and signed it off. Now she did more than she should have had to do. I really appreciated it and I had a great day.

I did a little kissing behind, a little standing aside and alot of being patient and kind to my patient and RN. Personally I had a great day in clinical, learned alot, the RN said I did great and I'm heading back tomorrow.

This could have been a war with the RN, she later told me she once had a student who was so "needy" she oculdnt care for her patients properly. I know her job is to care for her patients and I know it's tough to train students. I just hope that if I help the RN she can 'help' me learn. I'm willing to change bed, clean up feces, vomit etc. It is part of the job I knew what I was getting into.

I guess my point with this ramble is....... do keep in mind what the RN is going through, but the RN should also keep in mind what the student is going through. Be kind to each other, we really are there for the same thing, the patient!!!

Tracy

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Some Rn's do forget that they were student's at one time. They forget how nervous they were when meeting their preceptor. Please do not let it hinder you from getting your information. Do not feel like a tattle tailer if that preceptor is not being helpful like she/he should. Most nursing supervisor or Department Director finds this kind of behavior unacceptable. Plus you teacher will expect you know to still pass your clinical rotation's.

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There is no way I am gonna kiss anyones butt to make them feel high and mighty. No student should have to. As nurses who are in a caring profession, why not live up to it not only for patients also new staff and students too.

Its not in my nature to kiss anyones butt and I havent done it and never will do it and I stand my ground for that. If anyone wants to kiss my butt, I will know they are doing it and read into it. :p :) :uhoh21:

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Has anyone had problems with RN's being unfriendly during clinicals? I just started my first clinical rotation a few weeks ago and the RN's have made it very clear that they don't want us there. The first day I was assigned to a patient the RN for that patient never spoke a word to me. I was feeling so lost and unsure of myself and really would have welcomed some advice or just a kind word, but I couldn't even find the RN most of the time. In fact, the only time I saw her was when the pt's IV ran out and she came in to change it. I followed her out into the hallway thinking that I could ask her some questions...she turned her head away from me and refused to speak. I understand that RN's are incredibly busy, but don't they remember what it was like when they were starting out?

Her behavior was inexcusable. Speak with your clinical instructor and maybe she can have a word with the nurse manager. If nothing is done, then maybe your instructor can either make sure that none of you has to work with this nurse or she can get you experiences on other floors where you will be well received.

She is obviously a very unhappy person or she would not have treated you in such a manner, feel sorry for her and vow never to be like her. That's all you can do.

Enjoy your clinicals. We need you in the profession.

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