This has been an eye-opening experience for me in so many ways! I am in a position where I can see and feel the frustrations that faculty must have in dealing with the many obstacles they face day to day. There is such a need for more nursing educators, and we are all obviously aware of that fact. It is so frustrating in the clinical setting when you are unable to give all of the students the one on one attention that they need. You generally end up spending the most of your time with those students who are doing poorly and fail to spend enough time with your best students in the group. It is almost like the stronger students are being punished just because they show greater potential.
There are some staff nurses that are really good with the students and they take the time to help them with their skills. There are others who feel like the instructor should be present at all times in order for the student to do anything with the patient. Unfortunately, we know that is not always possible. It also helps when students show initiative and want to learn. The clinical experience is what the student makes of it. It is not the time to read textbooks, study for other classes, talk on the phone, etc.
9 comments:
What an insightful blog entry Kim. It is difficult to prevent needy students from "robbing" experiences from stronger students. If I think a student is not adequately prepared for clinical (I make assignments the day before so they can prepare) I will matter of factly tell them, "I will be back when you are prepared..." and it is reflected in their daily grade. (which they see daily!) Some students still require more attention, even when they prepare, but at least I feel that they are making effort to do their part in the collaborative process of learning. The student truly does get out of the clinical process what they are willing to put into it usually...
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Your comment about neglecting the stronger students is exactly what school teachers say. The gifted students end up fending for themselves.
Great blog Kim, we will all be faced with this issue. Now that I work outpatient, I see very few nursing students in my clinic. So I miss out on this experience. But when I was at Emory university Hospital, nurses who had gone through the preceptor program were paired with the nursing students. Requiring the student to come prepared is a must as Linda V states. You can have them work together with the gifted student, but somewhere along the way that student has to develpo self confidence.
Very insightful and informative. It gives me a different perspective. I am afraid I am one of the needy ones. It makes me realize how precious is the time of the teacher. Thus the responsiblity of the learner to be proactive in their educational learning process and to partner with their instuctor.
I agree, the staff nurses need to be able to work well with students and pick up the slack for the instructor. One instructor for 12 to 20 students is a lot and requires assistance from experience nurses so their needs can be met. Some programs have even gone to assigned preceptors for students in the clinical setting so the meet their educational objectives.
Students definitely have to try and make the best of their clinical rotations, otherwise minimal learning if any will occur. The proverb 'you can take a donkey to the river but you can't make it drink' is applicable in this situation.
Nicely said, Kim. One thing that helps (a lot) is to have a clear idea of the minimum expectations that are required for a student to pass a course, get a B, etc. This allows an instructor to gauge time allotments more successfully. Peer coaching is also a valuable tool that one should never forget. You never understand something quite as well as you do after you have taught it. Pairing good students with struggling students is often far more effective and efficient (one of those rare occasions where you get both at once) than spending excessive 1-1 time with a struggling student.
See my comment to your last entry for ideas about how to make the clinical experience a two-way street for the nursing staff by giving something back.
I am so glad that I am able to see your blogs..kinda late in the semester. I am so interested in your blogs because I don't have experience on the "teacher" side, and it will be good to know some things hopefully to put good info into my head before I get out there.
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