Student Blogs

By Kirsten Anderson 

In nursing school, some of your best memories will take place during your clinical rotations. When you have designated days to go to your local hospitals and work alongside all the nurses, you can adjust to the clinical setting, improve your interprofessional communication, and decide on what nursing path you want to pursue after graduating.

In most nursing programs, you will start clinical after the first one or two quarters; and then continue them until your graduation date. That said, it is crucial to develop a clinical routine as it is a massive part of your nursing school journey. 

I have compiled a list of tips and things you will need to know and keep in mind as you go through clinical practice in your program:

1. Ask questions. At appropriate times, do not be afraid to ask questions.  Everyone knows you are a student. Meaning, you’re a work in progress. As a student, your purpose is to learn so don't feel bad about not knowing a thing or two. Your nurse preceptor has been in your shoes before, so do not worry about being embarrassed about asking too many questions. 
2. Embrace your mistakes. Mistakes are bound to happen. As a student, take it as an opportunity to learn. It is always important to perform all skills with the supervision of your precepting nurse, but if a mistake were to happen, it is always important to be honest, and rectify your actions the best you can. Sometimes making a mistake can be the best way for you to become wiser and better. Remember that clinical practice is your place to make mistakes and question things. So, embrace and acknowledge it before you are a registered nurse!
3. Learn to be equipped. Don’t forget the essentials. Prepare a bag equipped with everything you need to tackle the twelve (12) hours of the day. Some important things to bring are your stethoscope, pens, clipboard, penlights, and a pocket-sized notepad for notes. Make sure to check with your facility for the items that they allow.
4. Stay hydrated. It is so easy to get carried away during a busy day and forget to drink your fluids. Nothing is worse than going on a shift without drinking water. I recommend bringing a large filled water bottle from your home and making goals throughout the day to drink it.
5. Volunteer if you have the opportunity. As the saying goes, experience is the best teacher. Volunteering for different skills allows you to learn hands-on. Through involvement, you share your drive and passion with the people you are working with. This is also beneficial if you want to stand and show and potentially be a stepping stone for a post-graduate job.
6. Take down notes. Jotting down various things while in the patient rooms will help you recall them when it’s time to fill out your clinical paperwork. It is also a great way to learn about specific conditions and relate them to what you may be learning in class. While doing this, make sure to follow Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)  guidelines and avoid any patient identifiers. 

I hope these tips help you succeed in clinical practice and make you a little more comfortable when beginning your rotations. Just remember that you are there to learn and gain beneficial experience to help you in your nursing journey. These experiences will shape you as a better person and as a nurse in the future.