How to Excel in Your Clinical Rotations
All nursing programs have learning experiences where you learn in class and also practice in real medical settings. At my nursing school, each semester includes lectures, practice simulations, and real-world training. I’ve been fortunate to have valuable experiences at the Texas Medical Center, covering various areas like mental health, elderly care, children’s health, maternity, and general medical care. These rotations have helped me improve and earn a top nursing student award.
So, how did I manage the long and tiring clinical shifts, gain knowledge, and make a positive impression on nursing staff and instructors? Here are tips based on my own experiences, meant for nursing students who want to shine during their clinical rotations.
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How to succeed in Clinicals for Nursing School
1. Always Be Ready for Challenging Patients
My mentors usually handle 3-4 patients per shift. Each patient has different health needs. I always started by reading patient records, checking their latest vital signs, lab results, and medications. I’d learn about my patient while waiting for my nurse. The patients with the most complex conditions demand the most attention. It’s hard to remember all patients, so I’d focus on one who represented many. I’d memorize their medications, compare their condition with their chart, and apply nursing skills. By day’s end, I knew a lot about this challenging patient, making it easier to plan their care and save time on paperwork.
2. Impress Nurses and Instructors
Some days were slow, but others were busy for others. When I finished tasks, I’d help other nurses and charge nurses, even with small tasks like taking vital signs. This helped the team and built connections. I earned references and praise from charge nurses who told my clinical instructors about my hard work and willingness to help.
3. Ask “Simple” Questions to Instructors
Clinical instructors might seem intimidating, but they’re teachers. They’re there to guide you through nursing school. There’s a lot about health problems and diseases I didn’t understand. If research didn’t help, I’d ask instructors to learn more. Their experiences and stories helped me understand better. Don’t fear looking “dumb” – asking is a part of learning.
4. Share and Learn from Peers
After clinical shifts, my classmates and I would discuss our experiences. I learned about things I hadn’t done yet. Hearing different perspectives expanded my knowledge. Clinical days can be tough, and sharing tough days with peers encouraged us all to improve. I made many friends through clinicals who are now like family.
The Shadow Health Digital Clinical Experience: A Tool for Nursing Success
You never know what each clinical day holds – friendships, valuable knowledge, or recommendation letters. I gained all of these, along with a faculty-nominated award. So, always be prepared and make the most of your clinical rotations.
Written by Tien Duong
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