We all know that nursing students want to excel during their clinical rotations. Since nursing is complex and often stressful, sometimes students struggle in finding common ground with their instructors and experienced nursing staff. This article highlights five easy ways nursing students can maximize their learning during clinical rotations, and get the most out of this exciting learning experience!
#1 SHOW UP TO CLINICAL PREPARED
The best way a nursing student can make a good impression during clinical rotations, and to gain the most out of the learning experience is to always show up prepared. Showing up prepared includes:
- arriving to clinical on time, every single day
- studying material related to the clinical setting prior to each day
- arriving in proper uniform with ID badge, stethoscope, pens, pencils, sharpie, dry-erase marker, highlighter, notepad, scissors, kelly clamps, pen-light and wrist watch
- reviewing patient history and relevant data, such as lab values, vital signs, diagnostic imaging reports, nurses notes, and doctors notes to gain a full understanding of your patients
# 2 ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS
Asking questions allows your instructor and the nursing staff to better understand what your individualized learning needs are. Since everyone learns and retains information differently, it is imperative that you seek additional clarification if you do not fully understand something. Remember, most instructors and nursing staff will assume that you already know how to do something if you do not seek out their guidance and instruction.
#3 OFFER TO HELP OTHERS
Sometimes your classmates and nursing staff may get very busy with their assignments. Be sure to ask what you can do to help. Lending a hand can be something as simple as grabbing water for a patient or assisting during an invasive procedure. Either way, by offering help when you have down time, you will surely become recognized as a team player. Just remember that pitching in where you can is always a desirable trait to have.
#4 REMAIN PROFESSIONAL
Professional behavior and expectations thereof is often clearly spelled out in the nursing student handbook. Facility orientation materials also define these expectations clearly. It is very important that you remain professional at all times. Avoid using slang, profanity, inappropriate joking, and personal information during clinical time. Clinical rotations provide great opportunity to be recognized by potential employers, so make sure you are always professional.
# 5 DEMONSTRATE A STRONG DRIVE TO LEARN
Finally, nursing instructors and experienced nursing staff love students who are curious, inquisitive, and eager to learn. There is a plethora of learning experiences to be had during clinical rotations. Students who seek out these learning opportunities are most likely to excel in their studies. No matter how you may personally feel about the specifics of each learning experience itself, be sure to immerse yourself in all possible learning experiences so that you will gain more understanding of each patient care scenario.
Best Wishes!
-Damion
