Clinical Concerns

This semester is rapidly coming to an end. I have finished all of my hours for the teaching practicum, and now I can focus all of my attention on this course. I spent the other day with five students who needed to make up a clinical day. Two of those students missed a day due to illness, but the other three were repeating a day because they had been sent home previously with a clinical failure. It really boggles my mind that even with these students knowing that this was their final opportunity to redeem themselves, they still were not prepared. Is that insane or what? I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this type of behavior in the clinical setting with students. These students are consistently not coming prepared to take care of their patients. The pre-clinical paperwork is not being completed and they do not know enough about their patients to care for them in a safe, effective manner.

This concerns me a great deal, especially since these students will be graduating soon and entering into clinical settings. There needs to be a way to set higher standards and expectations. Hospital orientations are not meant to teach basic nursing skills that are expected to have been learned in school. Unfortunately, these are the nurses who are more susceptible to making errors that are potentially harmful or even fatal to patients.

Entry # 12

Last week I assisted with monitoring the classroom during the third exam in the Chronic Course. After the exam was completed, I observed as the tests were scored. I also assisted in reviewing the test items. Out of 65 questions, there was only one that would allow for the accceptance of two answers. I enjoyed the process of scoring the exams and reviewing the statistical data. I wonder if there is a class on ParTest/ParScore. If so, I would love to develop a deeper understanding of that process.

As a whole the students in the class are not doing very well on their exams. The scores seem to be consistent across the board. There are only 2 A's and very few B's. The majority of the grades are C's, D's, and even a couple of F's. It is very concerning when students are not successful in the classroom or in the clinical setting, and that is what I am consistently seeing this semester.

Progress

I have been trying to get caught up on all of my assignments. I got sick this week, so that has slowed down my progress a little. But, there is no time for sickness! I only have 10 more clinical hours to complete for the Teaching Practicum. I will be so happy to put that behind me. That will definitely free up my schedule.

I am trying to complete all of the necessary assignments for this course as well. I had to make a checklist for myself so that I won't forget anything. With so much going on between home, school, and work it is easy for me to forget things. I have found that the checklist keeps me on track!

Almost there!

This has really been an overwhelming time in my life. I knew that it would be busy, but I didn't know that it would be this busy. I wish that I had a little fairy that could clean my house, cook, and do homework with the kids! Wishful thinking, huh?

Well the semester is almost over. I won't be able to breathe until then! It is really hard to try to work, complete practicum hours, and complete assignments all at the same time but somehow I am managing.(Even though I suffer from tired, red eyes from time to time !) I am still trying to get a hang of the wiki page. I am sure that it is really easy, but maybe I need to take wiki 101: a course for the technically challenged student! I have added some information for the group project on the page with a little assistance from my group members. I keep reminding myself that we are almost there!!