Survival tactics

14 Survival tactics


The clinical placement is an important component of university or polytechnic courses, and is a prerequisite for nursing registration.


The clinical placement is a supported learning environment that:


image Provides qualified nurses to supervise/preceptor students

image Enables students to apply practical knowledge to clinical situations

image Enables students to develop their nursing skills

image Prepares students for safe, competent and independent practice following registration.



The clinical teacher/educator



image Is responsible for teaching, guiding, supporting and evaluating students undertaking clinical practicum subjects

image Maintains communication with and between students, the subject coordinator, the designated departmental liaison person and health agency staff

image Facilitates student learning according to the objectives and content of the subject as specified by the subject coordinator

image May conduct clinical conferences and/or tutorials during the clinical day to facilitate learning

image Ensures that students are oriented to the health agency

image Ensures that students’ individual objectives are written, and learning outcomes are met

image May be involved in the selection of patient assignments and student responsibilities in collaboration with agency staff

image Determines whether a student is making satisfactory progress in meeting the subject requirements and learning outcomes

image Notifies the subject coordinator if a student is considered to be demonstrating unsafe practice, inappropriate behaviour or failure to progress

image Evaluates written work and clinical practice required of students using guidelines specified by the subject coordinator, and provides regular written and verbal feedback to the students

image Prepares a written appraisal of each student’s clinical performance

image May provide a written summary of students’ performance that may be used for reference purposes.


Preparation


In preparing for your clinical placement, it is wise to consider the following:


image Get adequate sleep the night before—this includes not staying out late, and keeping your consumption of alcohol to a minimum or none at all

image Ensure that you allow plenty of time to get to the clinical placement—if taking public transport, ensure you have checked the timetable

image Wear appropriate attire or uniform as required by the university or polytechnic—this includes wearing a clean, ironed uniform

image Ensure that you are appropriately groomed and have attended to hygiene:
• Hair neat and tied back if long

• Nails trimmed and nail polish removed

• Showered or bathed, deodorant applied and teeth brushed

• Avoid overpowering perfume or after-shave

• Minimal jewellery—ear studs, not hoops

• Minimal money on your person, unless you have a secure locker

image Bring any equipment required (see Equipment)

image Revise on the types of patients you are likely to see on the ward you will be going to, e.g. if you are going to an orthopaedic ward, review your notes on orthopaedic injuries and their nursing management

image Write objectives for the clinical placement

image Ensure that you have had adequate practice at the procedures you may be required to perform, e.g. taking blood pressure and pulse

image University/agency requirements:
• Police checks up-to-date (past 12 months)

• Immunisations

• Confidentiality agreement

• Indemnity insurance.


Equipment


You will definitely need to bring on your clinical placement:


image Pens, either blue or black, and red

image Paper or notepad—for handover, if sheets are not provided

image Watch—preferably a fob watch (wrist watches need to be removed every time you wash your hands)

image Stethoscope (don’t forget to put your name on it)

image University or polytechnic identification

image Any texts you may require, such as a pharmacology book

image Your clinical objectives or assessment guides that are required for you to pass the placement

You should also consider bringing:


image Scissors

image Artery forceps

image Lunch or dinner

image A good attitude and a smile!


Objectives


It is essential that you set objectives during your clinical placement. If objectives are not set, there is no way for you to measure yourself or for your progress to be measured. You may also find yourself being assessed by different members of staff; objectives will help you keep track of what skills you have developed and what you need to develop further, allowing you to make the most of any opportunities that may arise.


Objectives should ideally follow the SMART principle:


image Specific
• Objectives must express the action and results required so that both the student and the teacher can see clearly whether or not the objective has been achieved.

image Measurable
• It is important that the objective can be measured to verify whether it has been achieved, and to what level.

image Achievable
• Although objectives should provide challenge and development for the student, they must also be achievable.

image Relevant
• The objectives need to be relevant to the year level of the student and appropriate to the area that the student is assigned to for the duration of the clinical placement.

image Time bound
• A clear, realistic time frame is required for each objective.


Tips to assist with clinical placement



Adjusting to ward staff and routines/roles



image It is important to remember that you are temporarily in an environment that to others is permanent. This means that routines and practices have been established before you arrived and will continue after you leave. If you see a practice that is different to the way you were taught or that you feel is unsafe, ask your clinical teacher about the practice before approaching the staff on the ward. Although some unsafe practices still occur, these are minimal in most institutions, and it is always wise to remember that there are different ways of doing everything!

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Oct 22, 2016 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on Survival tactics

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