After hours upon hours of studying, it is now time to transition from the lecture-based classroom learning to explore real care environments. What are the things you need to focus on to make sure that you are successful in patient care? Well, here tips that will help you organize an effective nursing clinical rotation schedule as you embark on planning for your specialty.
Be Bold
As a nursing student, there is nothing to lose but everything to gain. You need to be bold. Consider setting a meeting to discuss job openings with a nurse manager. You also need to meet with your unit preceptor if you need assistance with job prep or have questions.
Have The Right Perspective
Most nursing students are obsessed with showcasing what they know. This may be out of a desire to impress fellow students or staff. But the problem with this is that it makes students too focused on impressing that they forget that there is a lot they can learn, too.
One true way of impressing the staff is by asking questions and showing that you are learning by verbalizing. The nursing profession is complex and ever-changing, and learning—not just knowing—is the secret to success. Your time will have been wasted if all you got from your clinical was a feel-good factor about letting the world know what you knew. Be open to learning.
Ask Questions
Most nursing students avoid asking questions because of fear. They fear that by asking questions, they will be seen as dumb. Others just fear speaking up, and yet others fear that the question may not be received well. But asking questions is important and can help you in your learning.
Feel free to ask any questions, thoughts, or clarifications that come to mind. You should feel slightly annoying otherwise chances are that you are not asking enough questions.
Research what you don’t know
During your clinicals, you are going to encounter things you have never heard. After getting home from your shift, research on the things you were not familiar with earlier on. It could be a medication, disease or concept you weren’t familiar with. And all you need for research is just Google. Researching something you don’t know but have experienced is too valuable an opportunity to be wasted. Make a habit of researching anytime you are unfamiliar with something. This applies to both students and nurses.
Seek Learning Opportunities
Clinical rotations give nurses countless opportunities to learn. All you need is to take advantage of them. Making your preceptor know about your burning desire to learn about unique experiences or opportunities you haven’t participated in can make them want to expose you to different learning experiences. Can you go with that patient to an MRI? Are you allowed to attend a committee or meeting? Are you free to see an unusual treatment taking place? Asking around will enable you to discover unique opportunities around you that you can learn from.
Clinical rotations may be a requirement for attaining your nursing degree. However, they are more than that. They are a privilege to work with professional nurses and apply what you have been taught in class in a real-world environment. You should make all efforts to make the most of them.
