Top 5 Tips on How to Prepare for Nursing Clinicals
1. Maintain A Learning Mindset at All Times
You will likely start your clinical rotation with an abundance of nursing knowledge comprised of various principles and concepts you learned in lectures and labs, but don’t allow that to impede your willingness to learn more. There is still a wealth of knowledge, skills, and practices you have to learn that go beyond the classroom setting. Maintaining a growth and learning mindset throughout your clinical rotations will only set you up for unparalleled success! Additionally, notify your clinical instructors if you have yet to get involved in a unique case or experience you are interested in and your desire to acquire more learning experiences. Nursing is a complex profession that is constantly changing, therefore, learning as opposed to “knowing” is a beneficial practice all nursing students should acquire.
2. Do More Than What Is Expected Of You
Make your time resourceful, take initiative to advance your skills and knowledge – even on down times. For example, respond to call lights, obtain vital signs, learn how to use the hospital’s electronic health record, help patients any way you can – from changing their socks to ensuring their comfort, ask nursing staff how you can help or if you can shadow them, volunteer to help with tasks that may not be highly desired or comfortable to do (don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty), and ensure patient’s needs are concisely communicated to nursing staff at all times.
3. Research Unfamiliar Concepts
When you research unfamiliar concepts that you are exposed to during your nursing school clinical rotation, you will better understand the logic and key pieces of information associated with the patient’s care, treatment plan, and outcome. Each disease can severely influence the patient’s treatment plan from medications received to procedures they must undergo. Researching and understanding the background knowledge on concepts you do not fully comprehend will allow you to start critically thinking through nursing interventions. It will also boost your confidence as a nursing student and willingness to take on more complex roles during your clinical rotation.
4. Display a Positive & Optimistic Attitude
Smile, ask questions, be engaged.
5. Establish Relationships
