Your clinical experiences with the nurses?

[The_Muffintime]

Hi everyone, I'm still pretty new to posting on this site, but I absolutely adore reading through all the old threads and going through all of the conversations I see here. As a student I learn so much from all of you. I'm going to graduate this December (yay!!!).

Now, my question for y'all is about the nurses with whom you've gotten paired with at your clinical rotations as a student nurse. It's a constant theme pretty in much every post-conference for at least a couple of the other students in my clinical group to raise concerns about the way the nurses on the floor have treated them that day. It's usually a similar type of complaint: they often say that they are made to feel that they are unwanted or in the way.

It's not just something that the same students keep bringing up; this is a common theme coming from many different student nurses. Sometimes they feel so strongly and so badly about this that they start to cry or otherwise get very emotional about it. Please don't misunderstand me. I am NOT dismissing their feelings, and for all I know they truly were treated like human garbage. I am not there during the day with them to witness it because I'm either on a different unit or so busy doing something else that I don't have the time to casually observe what's going on.

I'm bringing this up because my experience has, simply put, been very different. We've been going to clinicals in various hospitals now for a long time, and I have never (not once) felt like I was disrespected or ignored by any of the nurses who work there. I almost always get enthusiastic responses to any questions I ask, and almost every time I request to perform a procedure the nurse will happily agree to go ahead and let me do it (either with theirs or my instructor's supervision). I always do my best to stay busy and if I see that the nurses are busy charting I will either quietly observe their work or find something I can do without their presence being necessary. I absolutely hate the feeling of having nothing to do with myself - it just feels really awkward to stand around just doing nothing. Not to mention the fact that it makes the time go by at a snail's pace.

I can't count how many times my day has ended with a big hug from the nurse and a heartfelt goodbye and "good luck in school and afterward." I DO NOT believe that I am better clinically than most of my classmates, so I'm feeling pretty confused. I'm not a social butterfly; my people skills are good enough but by no means extraordinary, and while I do my best to come to clinical as prepared as possible, I also DO NOT believe that I am smarter or better informed/prepared than most of my classmates.

Have I just gotten lucky? Is it a gender issue (I'm a man and most of my classmates are female)? Do they get treated worse than I do because of their gender? Are my classmates possibly misinterpreting signals from the nurses? For example, could some of them be misconstruing a nurse being busy for a nurse who doesn't want them around?

It might be worth noting that I don't have any medical experience outside of school as this is a second career for me. I graduated in 2010 with a BA in economics but simply couldn't stand another day working in a typical office. I have fallen in love with the idea of being a registered nurse and I am constantly intrigued and amazed by all of the things I learn in school and at clinical. I'm convinced that I've found my calling in life by becoming an RN and I feel so blessed that I am going to have the opportunity to care for people and make a positive impact on a patient who is probably going through one of the worst experiences of their lives.

What were/are your personal experiences with the nurses during your nursing school clinicals? I hate the thought that I might be getting treated better or with more respect by the nurses just because of my gender but I do realize that sometimes this is a reality. Any observation or comment is welcome! I'd love to hear your opinions and stories.

[EDNURSE20, BSN]

I've had mixed experienced on clinicals. And I've learnt the biggest thing was my first impression I made. In my first 2 clinicals I was a bit slow to start and didnt show any initiative. It was more watch the nurse and wait to be told what to do, and then when I got to know the ward and feel more comfortable/confident I was doing everything I could and was able to care for my pt load with no prompts from my preceptor. But because I had an awful first impression it was tough to change there minds and really had to work hard to prove myself. And yes I did feel unwanted and in the way at times, hence working hard to prove myself. But after I got more confident in my abilities and wasn't so nervous to starting in a new area I started making a better first impression and clinicals was much easier.

I think your gender and life experience may be why your looking at clinicals differently. Nurses are busy, last thing they need is a student adding to there workload. When they "not making you feel wanted" it's not personal they still have to get there jobs done and there pts are more important. And when they "are being tough on you" it's actually them trying to improve your knowledge/skills. It can be hard as a student to understand that. I'm still a student (graduate with bsn in November) but if it wasn't for those preceptors I would of never improved the way I have.

You have the right attitude. You prepare for clinical. Ask questions. Ask to do things. Show interest. Let them do you job. Always doing something. Your making a good impression. While others in your class may not be doing the same. It can be hard to start clinicals, and then when the nurse says/does something that isn't positive people can find tough. Doesn't mean you are better than everyone, just means you are more proactive. Plus you being male may mean you are interpting things differently. Plus you life experience helps.

As mean as it seems, keep doing what your doing and don't worry about what everyone else is saying/doing. It's their responsibility to build a report with the nurses. Unless it's something completely way out of line, which it doesn't sound like it is.

[elkpark]

I was never "paired with a nurse" in clinicals. Our clinical instructor who was school faculty provided our clinical instruction; we worked alongside the staff RNs who were responsible for our assigned clients, but they were never expected to put any time or effort into teaching us. We told them at the beginning of the shift what we were going to be doing for the clients during the day, we reported to them during the day what we had done and any findings that they would need to know and we reported off to them before we left the floor at the end of the day. We rarely had any kind of negative reaction from staff nurses.

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

I have watched a LOT of nursing students and new grads get precepted. I have been a preceptor for many myself. Here is what I have noticed.

For whatever reason (I honestly am not sure why it is) I have noticed male students and new grads do tend to be treated better.) Male nurses in general. The nurses seemed to be less inclined to push them aside or treat them like idiots (there are always exceptions) they seem to be taken in and welcomed more. I have noticed this all over the country at various hospitals. So I don't think it's specific to a region. I don't know if it's because there are fewer males so they tend to be embraced more.

I know I personally tend to get along better with males. Majority of my friends are males. I have recently been informed by my daughters teachers that the only clique she is in that she doesn't have issues with is a small group of boys and there is also a "leader" that is a very much like her. They are both Alphas and their small group gets along well. Which mimics my life. There is just a different vibe there and it might just be social bias that some people don't even realize. So when it comes to that this could have contributed to you having a better experience.

As far as the rest of it, this sort of thing is such a pet peeve of mine because I feel like when bad matches are formed that it can be really hindering on the student. Sometimes it's just a personality conflict. Sometimes it can be because the nurse precepting wasn't given a choice and as much as it seems like we are getting help, it can slow us down a lot to precept. Especially if we are doing it right.

Sometimes the nurse can just be burnt out and again I cringe more when I see these nurses with new grads. Because I will see the attitude being passed on and see new grads already complaining and making assumptions on patients and being so bitter. Not a good thing at all.

So it can be very stressful on the nurse precepting and they don't always have the option to opt out and unfortunately the student will suffer because of this.

Most days I personally love precepting. Once in a while I will get students I rather not have again and I cringe at them being nurses. But mostly I love the opportunity to teach and see the students light up so eager to try new skills and learn and if I have a proactive student I will have them mastering IV's and all kinds of skills they won't get to do often by the end of the week.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I wonder if you approach the staff nurses differently? I mean it's possible you happened to be paired with nicer people, but I can't say for sure.

When I was a student in the early 2000s, we WEREN'T paired with staff nurses; our clinical instructors provided all education and supervision.

I don't support being nasty to students, but at the same time I get that if you are told not asked about taking a student, having everything take 3x as long, being asked a battery of questions -- possibly even questioning why their practice differs from what the student has learned, from a student who feels entitlement to their time vs gratitude for it......all the while knowing that they are doing the CI's job FOR them FOR FREE........... I totally understand the staff nurse feeling a bit resentful.

[SaltySarcasticSally, LPN, RN]

I had a good experience throughout my LPN-RN program clinical rotations I just graduated from. But, I have been an LPN for 8 years, so I have trained new LPNs myself so I have an idea of how to make it an easier experience for them. I also think seeing how staff responds to students is a good indicator of whether or not you would want to work there. I just accepted a new grad residency at a hospital I did clinical at because the staff nurses were welcoming and excited we were there -- they were short staffed at the time so I think that was apart of it lol! But everyone from the doctors to the techs were more than happy to explain something or let us tag along.

Also, being LPNs already, if a patient needed changed/showered etc we would just jump right in there and do it. I don't see as many non LPN nursing students doing this during clinical, most likely due to being inexperienced and unsure of what to do patient care wise but I think this would help in instances where they have a tired nurse that day. I am a millennial (barely but still am) and I think those on the youngest end of that generation have a hard time realizing it's not all about them. I think we have a great generation of forward thinkers and innovators but we also have a generation of special snowflakes, that can be tiring on anyone, let alone a overworked nurse who has to train them.

[guest042302019, BSN, RN]

In my opinion, these student nurses are misinterpreting the staff nurse's actions. It has nothing to do with gender. Who cares if you are a guy or girl. What you don't realize yet is the level of complexity nurses, especially day nurses, go through to plan and start the day. It's not personal. Day nurses are extremely busy.

When we see a crew of students coming down the hall with your shiny scrubs, glossy eyes, innocent faces, and infinite questions, the first thought is, "Great, yet another thing on my plate." Don't get me wrong. We've all been in your shoes. We can relate. Completely! However, to plan our day for 3-5 patients plus explain things to a student nurse that needs more time to understand concepts can be stressful. Time consuming and frustrating. We need you and you need us. Don't take it personal. It's just business as usual.

Bottom-line: It has nothing to do with gender. It's purely a time and stress issue. IMO

[verene, MSN]

I've generally had great experiences with RNs during clinical. There have been one or two "okay" experiences and no bad ones for me.

I don't think gender has a thing to do with it (I am female). I think what has helped me is having CNA experience and knowing that the nurse I am with for the day is busy, and being proactive about doing what I can to help them out during the shift. I don't need them to hold my hand, and am proactive about staying busy. While there are many things I can't do with out RN supervision there are a LOT of things students can do to help out on the floor and save everyone else time. I am not above taking out the trash, running down needed equipment or supplies, helping the CNA take dirty laundry to the utility room, stocking rooms, making beds, or setting up meal trays and fetching ice water. If I see something I can do with out supervision or additional information I do it. This gets noticed, and every time I take on one of these little tasks, it can save the RN I am working with or the CNA on the floor a minute or two of their time, and it means they are then more willing to take a minute or two to help me in return.

I also try to anticipate both needs of my patients, and needs of my RN so I can plan well in advance. I've had a lot of appreciation for laying out my day and planning ahead from both RNs on the floor and my instructor. If I come to them with something I've known about all morning at the last minute and need help right that instant it is irritating. If I can let them know well in advance it gives both of us some flexibility to make time.

I try to stay very professional, concisely communicate my needs or important updates, and not take brusque communication to me personally. I am aware that my RN for the day has other patients and may or may not have any interest in teaching me. This is why I also have a clinical instructor. Plus I have no qualms about utilizing other resources on the floor - sometimes taking a random medication question the 4th year pharmacy student interning on the floor makes the most sense because they have enough knowledge to answer and the time to explain.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

I was never "paired with a nurse" in clinicals. Our clinical instructor who was school faculty provided our clinical instruction; we worked alongside the staff RNs who were responsible for our assigned clients, but they were never expected to put any time or effort into teaching us. We told them at the beginning of the shift what we were going to be doing for the clients during the day, we reported to them during the day what we had done and any findings that they would need to know and we reported off to them before we left the floor at the end of the day. We rarely had any kind of negative reaction from staff nurses.

We may need to go back to this model.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

OP, mine was mixed. I has some good experiences, some so-so experiences and some bad ones

Yes, I think being male is helping you. But it's probably not the only factor and there are lots of reasons why being male probably helps.

Your good attitude and luck have also played a part.

If I had to wager I would bet that not being sensitive to other people's minor irritations is probably the biggest factor.

I don't know if it's hormones or what it is, but I have noticed that often young women are so attuned to what other people think of them that it gets in the way of having positive experiences.