Maximizing Your Learning During Clinical Rotations
In nursing school, I had various activities like lectures, labs, simulations, and clinical rotations. While simulations simulate real-life situations for learning, the most valuable experience comes from clinicals. By the time I finished nursing school, I had spent more than 500 hours in clinical settings. These rotations covered a range of specialties, from geriatrics to pediatrics, maternity, critical care, and adult acute care. Clinical rotations are a crucial part of nursing education, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned in school to real patients. The more hands-on practice you get, the more confident you’ll become in your nursing skills.
How to Excel in Your Clinical Rotations
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Clinicals are beneficial, but they can also be overwhelming and cause anxiety if not managed well. Reflecting on my own clinical experiences, I’ve gathered some tips to help all nursing students make the most of their 8 to 12-hour shifts during clinical rotations.
1. Choose Challenging Patients:
If your clinical instructor lets you pick which patient to assist, opt for someone with a complex medical history. This way, your shift will likely be more interesting. I often selected patients needing bedside procedures like thoracentesis or cardioversion to observe how nurses prepare and assist with these tasks. Handling such cases exposes you to various medications and medical situations you might not have encountered before.
2. Embrace Opportunities:
If a nurse or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) needs help with a patient, be the student who volunteers. Being willing to assist exposes you to a broader range of patients and enhances your patient care skills. Plus, if you’re interested in working at that specific facility after graduation, being proactive and helpful can work in your favor.
3. Be Proactive:
Clinical units are busy places, and sometimes there are procedures your instructor might not be aware of. If a nurse’s patient is going for a diagnostic procedure, ask your instructor if you can join to observe. As a student, advocate for yourself to make the most of your clinical experience. In my last semester, I requested to witness procedures like central line insertions and nasogastric tube placements. I even offered to perform tasks like inserting Foley catheters and changing central line dressings under the guidance of my instructor.
Getting Through Your Initial Clinical Experience
Use the time you spend at clinical rotations to your advantage. This is your opportunity to learn, ask questions, and yes, even make mistakes. The nurses you’re shadowing understand that you’re a student and that you’re still learning. Soak up knowledge, lend a hand, and take initiative!
Written by: Alexis Alexandre, RN, BSN
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