Hi everyone. I'm just wondering about some opinions that I could maybe learn from. After googling some articles and thoughts of both nurses and student nurses, I am seeing that either some are having a difficult time coping with interactions as a student nurse or maybe are given a hard time by nurses.
We're all human but I'm wondering.. What traits, habits, comments or behaviors make you annoyed or irritate about student nurses?
It doesn't have to be logical but hopefully it is. Just looking for insight and possibly things I can avoid when I get there.
From the nursing school student perspective of a non-traditional student and potential career changer...
Students are required to attend clinical rotations in sites that are some times uninteresting and unappealing. Occasionally, the quality of work that goes on there is laughable. They're quite literally paying to be there. We all know nursing education, particularly with respect to the clinical environment, is nothing less than lousy. It's unrealistic and often unchallenging.
Some nurses and other staff members like to have students to precept. Others couldn't care either way. Finally, there is the group that doesn't want students present. I can understand all perspectives and having been a student, trainer, and supervisor of other professions (one of which carried heaps more pressure than nursing) I have some thoughts.
1. If you don't like students there then close your mouth and deal with it. Chances are they don't want to be around you anymore than you want them around. You're paid to show up and do your job. The students have no choice other than drop out. If you have this attitude you're only going to perpetuate students disdain in volunteering for other duties. I wouldn't volunteer to help someone that's acting like a jerk. Most other people wouldn't either.
2. Some students are nothing short of idiots. Others are brilliant. Most fall somewhere in between on the spectrum. With any sort of perception one should be able to ascertain where the student falls on that spectrum in a matter of minutes. Do that, and if you're "forced" to precept them then use your gauge and precept on their level. Never assume someone's level of ability, experience, or education.
3. Above all, even though I'm only ringing this in at number three, there is an organization to run with goals and expectations to meet. If the student actually interferes with that then utilize your chain of command and get the detriment out of the way. In a clinical setting you have your patient's health to worry about as well as revenue. Yes, I made mention of money. If a student jeapordizes health and safety take them out of the picture. If the student squanders supplies in a futile hope to learn something then halt it and, utilizing your chain of command, have the student's instructor re-evaluate elsewhere.
4. To whatever negatives may come to mind with this; students are not there to learn the gimmicks, time savers, and half-assing that often comes with the workplace. Look around anywhere. We'll see people in ALL walks of life doing things in a way that no longer even resembles the instructed, researched, and proper way to do something. This isn't manifested in just nursing. A scenario I often run across in healthcare is aspirating for blood return with an IM injection. Some schools of thought suggest it isn't necessary and many practicing nurses don't do it. Likely, all nursing schools are still teaching it and expect/require their students to give IM injections in that manner. It is not the place of the precept to admonish the student for taking time to do that. You're barking up the wrong tree when you fight that. Whatever way they're taught to do something is how they shall do it until they hold their diploma and are no longer affiliated with the educational institution.
5. Students are not personal assistants. As much as you may want them to be (and I'm from an organizational culture of hazing) they're there to learn - not do your bidding. They are not there to buy sodas, get coffee, file your papers, or do anything most befitting to you as a preceptor. Students are present to meet educational objectives established in a contractual agreement between the educational institution and healthcare organization. Despite what we all think, there really is no such thing as paying your dues.
Especially, the part about being annoyed that students are taught the long way at times. Yes, it's probably very annoying when you have X amount of patients to deal with and you know in the real world that's not feasible BUT...it's not the student's fault. Entertain them, again based on the level of intellect. A smart student will catch one, a less then smart one will probably question it.
Second, to the student. I agree. Do NOT question every "shortcut" you see. You are there to learn and observe, so do just that. Take it in, research it, ask questions if you must at the right time (pref. not a nurse who doesn't want you to), form your own educated option and that's it. Do what it takes to pass nursing school and do what it takes to make it in the real life. EVERY field has "shortcuts". *delicately put btw...lol
When students know it all and do not ask questions - probably cos they're too scared of the older RNs who bite their heads off. Then the students just go ahead and do things without asking, and that's when med errors and mistakes happen.
Always, always, ask the RN in charge/CN for help if unsure. I don't treat my students like idiots but I had one guy who just stood there nearly all shift. I was directing him to do this and that, and I felt like saying, boy, will YOU get a shock when you start working as a RN.
From the nursing school student perspective of a non-traditional student and potential career changer...
Students are required to attend clinical rotations in sites that are some times uninteresting and unappealing. Occasionally, the quality of work that goes on there is laughable. They're quite literally paying to be there. We all know nursing education, particularly with respect to the clinical environment, is nothing less than lousy. It's unrealistic and often unchallenging.
Some nurses and other staff members like to have students to precept. Others couldn't care either way. Finally, there is the group that doesn't want students present. I can understand all perspectives and having been a student, trainer, and supervisor of other professions (one of which carried heaps more pressure than nursing) I have some thoughts.
1. If you don't like students there then close your mouth and deal with it. Chances are they don't want to be around you anymore than you want them around. You're paid to show up and do your job. The students have no choice other than drop out. If you have this attitude you're only going to perpetuate students disdain in volunteering for other duties. I wouldn't volunteer to help someone that's acting like a jerk. Most other people wouldn't either.
2. Some students are nothing short of idiots. Others are brilliant. Most fall somewhere in between on the spectrum. With any sort of perception one should be able to ascertain where the student falls on that spectrum in a matter of minutes. Do that, and if you're "forced" to precept them then use your gauge and precept on their level. Never assume someone's level of ability, experience, or education.
3. Above all, even though I'm only ringing this in at number three, there is an organization to run with goals and expectations to meet. If the student actually interferes with that then utilize your chain of command and get the detriment out of the way. In a clinical setting you have your patient's health to worry about as well as revenue. Yes, I made mention of money. If a student jeapordizes health and safety take them out of the picture. If the student squanders supplies in a futile hope to learn something then halt it and, utilizing your chain of command, have the student's instructor re-evaluate elsewhere.
4. To whatever negatives may come to mind with this; students are not there to learn the gimmicks, time savers, and half-assing that often comes with the workplace. Look around anywhere. We'll see people in ALL walks of life doing things in a way that no longer even resembles the instructed, researched, and proper way to do something. This isn't manifested in just nursing. A scenario I often run across in healthcare is aspirating for blood return with an IM injection. Some schools of thought suggest it isn't necessary and many practicing nurses don't do it. Likely, all nursing schools are still teaching it and expect/require their students to give IM injections in that manner. It is not the place of the precept to admonish the student for taking time to do that. You're barking up the wrong tree when you fight that. Whatever way they're taught to do something is how they shall do it until they hold their diploma and are no longer affiliated with the educational institution.
5. Students are not personal assistants. As much as you may want them to be (and I'm from an organizational culture of hazing) they're there to learn - not do your bidding. They are not there to buy sodas, get coffee, file your papers, or do anything most befitting to you as a preceptor. Students are present to meet educational objectives established in a contractual agreement between the educational institution and healthcare organization. Despite what we all think, there really is no such thing as paying your dues.
This is written as an insight as a student nurse. Yes, when I was a student I had to babysit the whacky dementia patient from the nursing home at the bequest of a nurse on the payroll, no, I was not interested in hearing short cuts and time savers and no, I don't give any of this advice to students.
Had you written this post from the perspective of an experienced nurse it might be of some value. Clearly you are not and you may as well have saved yourself the effort by watching Two and a Half Men instead.
When students know it all and do not ask questions - probably cos they're too scared of the older RNs who bite their heads off. Then the students just go ahead and do things without asking, and that's when med errors and mistakes happen.
Always, always, ask the RN in charge/CN for help if unsure. I don't treat my students like idiots but I had one guy who just stood there nearly all shift. I was directing him to do this and that, and I felt like saying, boy, will YOU get a shock when you start working as a RN.
I really don't mean to be offensive, but maybe he stood there because of that very reason I highlighted and bolded.
OP, it always helps if you ask anyone around you if there's anything you can do for them. It displays genuine interest, and opens up conversation channels between yourself and the teacher (or RN you're assigned too).
In nursing school, there are no dumb questions...... however, once you get on the floor as an RN, I'm pretty sure that changes, lol.
Specializes in Mental health, substance abuse, geriatrics, PCU.
I personally love it when I have students (though it's not very often due to being on night shift). I truly enjoy teaching/explaining procedures, diseases, medications, etc both by means of text book (for NCLEX do it this way) and real world (when you graduate you'll probably do it this way). If a student sees what the believe is a shortcut then yes they should wait to ask questions until they are no longer in front of the patient, I have no problem explaining the rationale behind my decision as most nurses aren't going to take a short cut that jeopardizes their patient's safety.
The only thing that irritates me are the students that don't want to be hands on with patient care, I understand being nervous and having the constant worry of doing something wrong we've all gone through that, but you'll never learn how to become proficient at IV starts, F/C insertions, bed baths, changing briefs etc. unless you actually attempt to do it.
I also dislike it when a student attempts to delegate to a CNA to do a bed bath, cleaning a pt etc. simply because it worries me that if student feels that such things don't deserve their time then they'll probably have that attitude as a nurse and whether you're a student or licensed nurse no element of patient care should be too menial to deserve your attention.
Other than that I welcome students, especially if I have a patient that is becoming critical, often times I won't have them do anything too hands on at this point but allow them to watch to see what all has to happen and how many people it takes working together to get a patient's crisis resolved.
This is written as an insight as a student nurse. Yes, when I was a student I had to babysit the whacky dementia patient from the nursing home at the bequest of a nurse on the payroll, no, I was not interested in hearing short cuts and time savers and no, I don't give any of this advice to students.
Had you written this post from the perspective of an experienced nurse it might be of some value. Clearly you are not and you may as well have saved yourself the effort by watching Two and a Half Men instead.
There's two sides to every story and a reason for everything. I'm sure he meant no harm in posting that and I certainly didn't misunderstand it. If you notice I wrote
" Second, to the student. I agree. Do NOT question every "shortcut" you see. You are there to learn and observe, so do just that. Take it in, research it, ask questions if you must at the right time (pref. not a nurse who doesn't want you to), form your own educated option and that's it. Do what it takes to pass nursing school and do what it takes to make it in the real life. EVERY field has "shortcuts". *delicately put btw...lol"
Any student with common sense would realize there is obviously the nurse's side as well to his argument hence the thread.
Thank you for posting this, it's really informative. And please nurses keep talking! I want to know how to make the best of my clinical experiences. I think what's really important is respecting the nurse your with and holding back criticisms. I've work with a lot of really great nurses and I really remind myself that these men & women have many years of experience and knowledge to draw from, and to learn from them, and to accept gracefully any reasonable criticism. Also, if it's obvious the nurse doesn't want me to be there, I try to put aside my personal feelings and do my best to get the job done anyway.
I personally love it when I have students (though it's not very often due to being on night shift). I truly enjoy teaching/explaining procedures, diseases, medications, etc both by means of text book (for NCLEX do it this way) and real world (when you graduate you'll probably do it this way). If a student sees what the believe is a shortcut then yes they should wait to ask questions until they are no longer in front of the patient, I have no problem explaining the rationale behind my decision as most nurses aren't going to take a short cut that jeopardizes their patient's safety.
The only thing that irritates me are the students that don't want to be hands on with patient care, I understand being nervous and having the constant worry of doing something wrong we've all gone through that, but you'll never learn how to become proficient at IV starts, F/C insertions, bed baths, changing briefs etc. unless you actually attempt to do it.
I also dislike it when a student attempts to delegate to a CNA to do a bed bath, cleaning a pt etc. simply because it worries me that if student feels that such things don't deserve their time then they'll probably have that attitude as a nurse and whether you're a student or licensed nurse no element of patient care should be too menial to deserve your attention.
Other than that I welcome students, especially if I have a patient that is becoming critical, often times I won't have them do anything too hands on at this point but allow them to watch to see what all has to happen and how many people it takes working together to get a patient's crisis resolved.
You sound like the ideal nurse to work with and I'm hopeful to get at least one of you when I get to my clinical. I welcome all though since reality is, those are people you will have to deal with eventually. I just want to make sure I'm not missing something and annoying someone more then I have to.
Oh, designating other people to do the "lower" work would make me .
I honestly would officially write them off in my book.
*Yes, I have a mental book where I write people off as less then smart...lol* Trying to find a nice word.
Specializes in Med/Surg, Neuro, ICU, travel RN, Psych.
While you are in nursing school, you are supposed to be learning critical thinking. Attempt to do that, before just going to ask someone. Many nurses do not mind answering questions. But it is frusturating when you are asked something that the answer could have easily been found by reading the chart for a minute, or taking a few minutes to think it through. Just put a little thought into things, then ask for clarification.
Most hospitals have a policy and procedure manual. Find out where it is. It will tell the correct way to do something.
I love the nursing students that come to my facility; in fact, three separate schools of nursing use our facility for clinical rotations.
I really respect those individuals that are motivated to do SOMETHING with me or with their patient. I'm bothered by the ones who hang around the station not doing anything. We're a busy tele floor; I love to teach the strips. If there are IV's to be done, hung, changed... I get the student involved in that. We get postop patients, too, so we have PCA's, chest tubes, heart caths... I want the student to be exposed to all of that. Every once in a while, a student will whine about something, but for the most part the students are excited and ready to learn. I love that.
There's two sides to every story and a reason for everything. I'm sure he meant no harm in posting that and I certainly didn't misunderstand it. If you notice I wrote
" Second, to the student. I agree. Do NOT question every "shortcut" you see. You are there to learn and observe, so do just that. Take it in, research it, ask questions if you must at the right time (pref. not a nurse who doesn't want you to), form your own educated option and that's it. Do what it takes to pass nursing school and do what it takes to make it in the real life. EVERY field has "shortcuts". *delicately put btw...lol"
Any student with common sense would realize there is obviously the nurse's side as well to his argument hence the thread.
I was merely pointing out the fact that this response would be better understood under a thread with the title "what makes you irritated by nurses in clinicals" in the student nurses forum.
. 
ImThatGuy, BSN, RN
2,139 Posts
From the nursing school student perspective of a non-traditional student and potential career changer...
Students are required to attend clinical rotations in sites that are some times uninteresting and unappealing. Occasionally, the quality of work that goes on there is laughable. They're quite literally paying to be there. We all know nursing education, particularly with respect to the clinical environment, is nothing less than lousy. It's unrealistic and often unchallenging.
Some nurses and other staff members like to have students to precept. Others couldn't care either way. Finally, there is the group that doesn't want students present. I can understand all perspectives and having been a student, trainer, and supervisor of other professions (one of which carried heaps more pressure than nursing) I have some thoughts.
1. If you don't like students there then close your mouth and deal with it. Chances are they don't want to be around you anymore than you want them around. You're paid to show up and do your job. The students have no choice other than drop out. If you have this attitude you're only going to perpetuate students disdain in volunteering for other duties. I wouldn't volunteer to help someone that's acting like a jerk. Most other people wouldn't either.
2. Some students are nothing short of idiots. Others are brilliant. Most fall somewhere in between on the spectrum. With any sort of perception one should be able to ascertain where the student falls on that spectrum in a matter of minutes. Do that, and if you're "forced" to precept them then use your gauge and precept on their level. Never assume someone's level of ability, experience, or education.
3. Above all, even though I'm only ringing this in at number three, there is an organization to run with goals and expectations to meet. If the student actually interferes with that then utilize your chain of command and get the detriment out of the way. In a clinical setting you have your patient's health to worry about as well as revenue. Yes, I made mention of money. If a student jeapordizes health and safety take them out of the picture. If the student squanders supplies in a futile hope to learn something then halt it and, utilizing your chain of command, have the student's instructor re-evaluate elsewhere.
4. To whatever negatives may come to mind with this; students are not there to learn the gimmicks, time savers, and half-assing that often comes with the workplace. Look around anywhere. We'll see people in ALL walks of life doing things in a way that no longer even resembles the instructed, researched, and proper way to do something. This isn't manifested in just nursing. A scenario I often run across in healthcare is aspirating for blood return with an IM injection. Some schools of thought suggest it isn't necessary and many practicing nurses don't do it. Likely, all nursing schools are still teaching it and expect/require their students to give IM injections in that manner. It is not the place of the precept to admonish the student for taking time to do that. You're barking up the wrong tree when you fight that. Whatever way they're taught to do something is how they shall do it until they hold their diploma and are no longer affiliated with the educational institution.
5. Students are not personal assistants. As much as you may want them to be (and I'm from an organizational culture of hazing) they're there to learn - not do your bidding. They are not there to buy sodas, get coffee, file your papers, or do anything most befitting to you as a preceptor. Students are present to meet educational objectives established in a contractual agreement between the educational institution and healthcare organization. Despite what we all think, there really is no such thing as paying your dues.