Learning about Clinicals: Ask an ASN grad

你的 first clinical externship can be daunting, but it’s also exciting. You’re ready to get to work in the field, but it’s normal to feel a little nervous about working with 真正的病人. 

We asked former Herzing nursing student Shenese斯图尔特 about her clinical experience 和 what 其他护理专业学生 can do in order to be successful.

What did your clinical mean to you?

Clinical was important to me because it gave me the opportunity to put my classroom knowledge into "real life" practice. I was able to work with patients 和 had the opportunity to ask questions.

In your opinion, why is a clinical experience so important to your 护理职业生涯?

Clinical experience is important to your 护理职业生涯 because you are able to explore different areas in the clinical setting. 很多次, you find what you like 和 don't like in clinical 和 that helps you decide what types of positions you will apply for when you graduate. It also helps connect the dots between theory 和 practice. Reading about something 和 actually doing it can help solidify it in your mind.

Do you have any secret tips on how to survive clinical?

Clinical can be intimidating, but don't leave with unanswered questions. Learn your medications 和 labs. Know how to keep your patient safe 和 never assume anything. Always ask questions, especially if it’s something you need to know to stay safe.

How important was your cohort during your clinical?

I feel that your cohort in clinical, not class, can make or break you. 你的 clinical cohort is experiencing a lot of the same feelings that you are, 和 they can encour年龄 you, 激励你 和 explain things to you sometimes in a way that your instructors cannot. Try not to be the lone wolf in clinical.

How important is your 临床讲师?

你的 临床讲师 is an invaluable resource who guides you 和 helps pull it all together. Don't be scared to tell your 临床讲师 what you don't know. 你可能会失分, but you'll know next time, 和 your instructor will know that they can trust you to be honest, which is critical in nursing.

Tell us about a time that you struggled during your clinical 和 how you overcame that struggle.

It took a lot of practice for me to learn about all the different medications, side effects 和 drug classes. 我在一个 LPN clinical 和 was giving medications to a patient with my instructor. The patient asked me what Lisinopril was for 和 I told her it was for cholesterol (it’s actually for blood pressure). Not only did I lose 10 points for the day, the patient laughed 和 said, “愚蠢的学生, 我就知道我会抓到你." The lesson for me was to never treat any student in a disrespectful way – regardless of what profession they are preparing for – 和 to learn everything there is to know about Lisinopril!

Tell us a great memory about your clinical.

My best memories from clinical were when I felt that accomplishment of completion, when the light bulb went off in my head 和 I saw the big picture. You just connect bits 和 pieces until one day it all just makes sense.