4 answers
Avery
Student
Prescott Valley, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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What strategies or habits have you found most helpful for managing the heavy workload and clinical rotations in nursing school?
I am an incoming College Freshman who is interested in the nursing program. I want to understand how to balance the demanding coursework and clinical experiences in nursing school effectively. Knowing the strategies that have worked for others will help me prepare, stay organized, and reduce stress while maintaining high-quality patient care.
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4 answers
Martin Schoen
APRN
400
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Unfortunately, especially in nursing school, stress is a major part of the program. There are not only stresses from the didactic and clinical, but I have found that nursing instructors add a great deal to the problem. You just need to remember that "it is their ball" and therefore you play by their rules, no matter how chaotic and absurd they are. You need to look at this as a major life game. and that you will figure out a way to over come their BS no matter what!
For example, as an instructor, with 3 others, they had their way of teaching (OCD). For example, they would choose 1 student only, to give out all injections that shift. There may be many or only a few that day. I, on the other hand, had my students assume the full role of caregive. If their assigned pt had meds to be administered, (of course after checking with me and the responsible RN for that person), I had them assume the full role of giver. That way every student got a chance to practice and apply their skills. It was not a popular methodology with the other instructors, but my students found the experiences highly beneficial, as did the staff. It took more work on my part, but my students were always better prepared to truly care for the pt in all needed care, (they also did better on their boards and clinical practices to this day.
For example, as an instructor, with 3 others, they had their way of teaching (OCD). For example, they would choose 1 student only, to give out all injections that shift. There may be many or only a few that day. I, on the other hand, had my students assume the full role of caregive. If their assigned pt had meds to be administered, (of course after checking with me and the responsible RN for that person), I had them assume the full role of giver. That way every student got a chance to practice and apply their skills. It was not a popular methodology with the other instructors, but my students found the experiences highly beneficial, as did the staff. It took more work on my part, but my students were always better prepared to truly care for the pt in all needed care, (they also did better on their boards and clinical practices to this day.
Larry Do
Respiratory Care Practitioner
4
Answers
Anaheim, California
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Hi Avery, great question! You have to stay on top of your game and eliminate any distraction that could interfere with your current priority (Nursing School). When I was in Respiratory Therapy school, it was very challenging due to the high expectation that my school set, considering that I also had a full time job (2 PM-10 PM). What worked for me was I always wake up early in the morning (3 AM) to study the materials that I went over in class, in addition to new materials that my class will be learning that same day or the day after; this way enables your brain to familiarize with the terms and concepts so it'll be faster to understand them. Moreover, figure out what kind of a student are you, are you a hands on type of learner or book learner; this way will let you know who you are so you can plan your game for the upcoming battles. For example, I was a hands on type of learner, I wasn't able understand a lot of concepts from the book when I'm in the classroom setting. So, I had to use my time effectively during clinical rotations and learn all of the concepts that I didn't know, including new concepts that I will be learning. Also, I would always stay back during lunch time to ask my instructors questions that I didn't know. Additionally, I would connect with my classmates and involve in a study group if available.
Most importantly, make sure you ask a lot of questions, no questions are stupid questions, NO ONE KNOWS EVERYTHING, and you should have a mindset of ALWAYS LEARNING. This is a philosophy that you should keep with you because it will shape who you are positively. Do not be afraid to get scolded by your preceptors when you want to ask questions, never talk back to your preceptors, remember you are a guest and they put their licenses on the line for you. Do not be a know-it-all person, treat all of your staffs and classmates with respect, because this is how you kill your career by burning bridges. Drop the whole ego persona if you want to grow yourself personally and professionally. Remember, when you are stressed out, relax and don't push yourself further, drink a lot of water, and go to sleep if you have to, because your health matters more than the Nursing degree. When you practice all of the things I mentioned above daily, it will become a discipline that will enhance the care for your patients.
Most importantly, make sure you ask a lot of questions, no questions are stupid questions, NO ONE KNOWS EVERYTHING, and you should have a mindset of ALWAYS LEARNING. This is a philosophy that you should keep with you because it will shape who you are positively. Do not be afraid to get scolded by your preceptors when you want to ask questions, never talk back to your preceptors, remember you are a guest and they put their licenses on the line for you. Do not be a know-it-all person, treat all of your staffs and classmates with respect, because this is how you kill your career by burning bridges. Drop the whole ego persona if you want to grow yourself personally and professionally. Remember, when you are stressed out, relax and don't push yourself further, drink a lot of water, and go to sleep if you have to, because your health matters more than the Nursing degree. When you practice all of the things I mentioned above daily, it will become a discipline that will enhance the care for your patients.
Rita Chuang
Physician
305
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
It will be very difficult. I think the best thing to do is expose yourself as much as possible. If you can work in a hospital that will allow you to interact with the nurses and help them out, that's the best. Unfortunately, with liability, it's often not allowed. You can also try to volunteer at a doctor's office and work with the medical assistants. The more you are exposed to medicine, the easier nursing school will be.
Pam Walker
Registered nurse
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Pam’s Answer
When I was in Nursing school it was made the priority in my life. Social interaction had to be minimized while still being mindful of my mental and physical wellbeing. It may be hard to stay focused on what is important but there will be more time and more energy after you receive your degree. It is worth the sacrifice, your hard work and dedication will be rewarded when you find the nursing job that you love.