As a nursing student, you are about to embark on one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys of your life. The clinical component of your education will be an invaluable experience that will test your knowledge and skills like never before. You need all the help you can get including some nursing school clinical tips from those who already survived medical school.

To help make the most of your time in the clinic, here are ten tips that every nursing student should know, here are ten tips.

Stay Positive

There’s no way around it: To be able to work as a nurse, you have to complete the clinical experience. However, what you choose to do with your clinical experience is up to you. You can learn from each situation and use that knowledge later on in your career. Some may say that their clinical rotation was one of the most frustrating, annoying experiences, but some look back and realize they learned more from their mistakes than their successes.

Try to stay positive throughout your time in nursing school (even when it seems impossible). If you’re having a bad day or an instructor or preceptor yelled at you, take a deep breath and remember that this is all part of becoming a better nurse. Remember why you went into the nursing program in the first place—because you wanted to help people! Look ahead and think about those who will depend on your skills as an RN. In situations where I feel overwhelmed during my journey through nursing school, I think of others who will depend on me for care and how much I want them to receive high-quality care from me someday.

Keep an Open Mind

As a nursing student, your instructors and the nurses you work with will be happy to share their knowledge with you. Listen to them, but keep in mind that they may not have all the answers. Don’t reject ideas without considering them; later, you may need those skills. Also, don’t assume you know it all or understand everything right away; accept that there are gaps in your knowledge and try to fill them by learning more about what’s going on around you.

Actively Listen

As a nurse, you’ll listen to patients for the most important details about their condition. It’s not just about listening to what they’re saying but also paying attention to how they say it and their body language.

Patients will often tell you everything you need to know with their first sentence if you are willing to listen attentively.

Here are some tips for improving your active listening skills:

• Use both your ears and your eyes. The patient’s face can convey a lot of information about the hidden meaning in their sentences. Did the patient’s eyes get big when she mentioned her pain level? Did her voice change when he talked about his family history? Did he emphasize one word or another? Was she agitated or calm when describing his symptoms? All these clues will help you determine what is going on with the patient.

• Don’t interrupt! Let them finish telling their story to know they have been heard and understood before moving on with your exam or treatment plan.

• Listen for the whole story. Do not jump right in and try to solve the problem before hearing all of it! You may miss an important detail that changes everything if you don’t listen carefully from start to finish. This includes asking questions at appropriate times during the interview rather than immediately diving in with 20 questions because it seems like there is a lot of info missing from the history given by the patient!

Always ask questions

You’re sitting in a classroom, and you feel like you have a question. You wonder if it is the right question. What do you do? Ask it! The act of asking questions is one of the best ways to progress through nursing school successfully. It shows that you care about what is happening in class, are engaged with the material, and think critically about the course content. Asking questions exposes your strengths and allows instructors and classmates to help you improve on your weaknesses. In addition, asking questions will enable peers to learn as they can compare their answers with yours.

Don’t be rude or sarcastic.

Be respectful to everyone you come in contact with. As a nursing student, you represent your program, so make sure that you’re putting your best foot forward. You’ll find that the way you treat people trickles down to how they treat you. This can dramatically impact how many learning opportunities open up to you while on clinical rotations.

Be professional at all times.

No matter what type of uniform you wear (or don’t wear), always follow the dress code. Follow the personal hygiene guidelines set by the facility where you are completing clinicals, too. This means no mini-skirts or low-cut tops and no body odor! Keeping these things in mind will help other healthcare staff take the time to teach and include you in patient care activities, rather than have them try to make themselves scarce when they see a nursing student coming!

Show up prepared for class and at clinical sites.

This is one of the most important nursing school clinical tips: Always show up prepared every day at class and your clinical sites.

If you want to be successful in school and life, you will want to bring a few things with you all the time: pens or pencils, a notebook or binder, and a planner. Not only will these things help you keep track of what is going on in school, but they will also help you organize your other responsibilities like work schedules.

If you are going to clinical sites, there are a few things that we think would be helpful to bring along with you: white scrub pants (some facilities require this), a stethoscope (if your program requires this), a paper notepad for writing down notes and observations (if needed), and any personal items that would be helpful for keeping yourself organized (like a wristlet with wallet). You will also want to make sure that your hair is out of your face if it’s long to not get in the way when working with patients. Depending on where you’re going, you may need different outfits, so check ahead!

Before heading off for class or clinical site, something else important is ensuring that everything is up-to-date: vaccinations and physical exams. Some schools require vaccinations for TB skin tests or titers annually. Others require yearly physicals through their health centers before allowing students into hospitals where they could potentially expose vulnerable populations like infants/children/elderly adults/etc.

Get your name tag as soon as possible, and wear it everywhere

As soon as you start nursing school, get your name tag. Some nursing schools will give you one automatically, while others require you to order it.

However, every student must wear a name tag because:

• You might be mistaken for an actual nurse without it — especially if you’re wearing scrubs. There are multiple instances of students being mistaken for nurses at hospitals and clinics. (These facilities might seem chaotic, but there is no excuse for this error.)

• When they realize that you’re not an actual nurse, some patients and their families could be outraged in certain situations — like when they believe that the delivery of care to their loved one was compromised by a student instead of a professional RN.

• If there is a lawsuit or other negative consequences against the hospital or clinic due to your actions, not having on your name tag could cause them to take any legal action against the nurse who owned the badge (since you’ll probably have been using their badge).

Use each new opportunity as a learning experience.

You will be assigned to different clinical locations with various preceptors and patients each semester. This can be overwhelming, but don’t panic. Rather than stress yourself the unknown, use each new opportunity as a learning experience.

Every nurse has made mistakes. Whether you are caring for your first patient or your 100th patient, you can learn some lessons from everyone you meet—including colleagues who have been in the field longer than you. (And yes, this means that even the most seasoned nurse is still learning.) You may not know everything just yet, but by paying attention to what other nurses do or say on the job, you can learn from their experiences and avoid those pitfalls yourself.

As a nursing student, it’s essential to focus on applying each new lesson as quickly as possible. The key is to identify these lessons and take something away from them, so they stick with you long after the clinical ends. You’re already doing this while at school; now it’s time to apply that knowledge during clinicals, so it becomes second nature by graduation day!

Finally, remember that nursing is one of those careers where lifelong learning is essential for you to continue advancing professionally and caring for patients effectively over time.

It’s vital for all nurses—especially students like you—to stay up-to-date on the latest best practices so that when situations arise where there isn’t an official protocol to follow (or if existing protocols need updating), you’ll be prepared with the skills required to address them appropriately based on your own experience and judgment as well as industry standards and guidelines.

Never turn your back on a situation that needs to be addressed. Stand up, look around, and handle the situation with confidence.

Always be assertive but respectful and professional. Nursing students are still learning, and the other nurses know that. They don’t expect you to do everything perfectly–they do expect you to step in, take control of situations, and have the confidence to keep moving forward when things get stressful.

That means not turning your back on a situation that needs to be addressed; instead, stand up, look around, speak up and handle any situation confidently.

Takeaway: These nursing school clinical tips can help you better prepare for your first clinicals and make them more enjoyable.

• Stay positive

• Keep an open mind

• Be an active listener

• Ask questions in a respectful manner

• Be polite and not sarcastic or rude to your fellow students or professors

• Read the syllabus and assignment instructions (don’t wait until the last minute)

Summary – Easy Nursing School Clinical Tips

Although the transition to nursing school clinicals can be difficult, it is essential to remember that you have many resources available to you. Utilize your classmates, instructors, and other nurses on your unit as often as possible. Ask some nursing school clinical tips. Remember, everyone is there to help you succeed! What are some of your favorite tips for surviving nursing school clinicals? Share them in the comments below!

Nursing School Clinical Tips: Frequently Asked Questions

Is nursing clinical scary?

There’s no question that nursing clinical can be a bit scary, but that’s part of the fun, right? I remember my first time in the hospital setting and how anxious I was. But it’s all good once you get started and realize that most nurses are happy to help.

Of course, you always want to be prepared for your nursing clinicals by studying hard and knowing your stuff. But don’t forget to have a little fun too – after all, you’re only in school once! So go out there and give it your best shot. And who knows, maybe you’ll even enjoy yourself in the process.

How do I stop being nervous about clinicals?

The nerves before clinicals are normal! Here are a few things that have helped me in the past:

• Deep breathing exercises/meditation.

• Envision myself going through each station calmly and confidently.

• Listening to calm music.

• Writing out a script of what I would say at each station.

• Practicing with a friend or family member beforehand.

• Staying positive and telling myself that I can do this!

How can I improve my clinical nursing skills?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best way to improve your clinical nursing skills will vary depending on your strengths and weaknesses. However, some general tips that can help include studying hard for exams, staying up to date on the latest nursing research, and networking with other nurses to learn from their experience and expertise. You can improve clinical nursing skills by participating in continuing education courses. This includes attending conferences or seminars on relevant topics. Ultimately, the best way to enhance your clinical nursing skills is to simply put in the time and effort necessary to become the best nurse you can be!

How do I build my clinical confidence?

The best way to build clinical confidence is to get out there and start practicing. There’s no substitute for experience, so the more you can see and do, the better. There are a few things you can do to help build your confidence. Talk to your attending physicians and ask for their feedback. Find a mentor that you trust and can bounce ideas off. Join a study group or networking group with other similar-level clinicians. And finally, Observe procedures being done by more experienced clinicians. When in doubt, always err on taking action rather than inaction.

The post 10 Nursing School Clinical Tips That Every Student Should Know appeared first on Nursepective.

Why Does Travel Nursing Bring More Stress?

Photo byLaura James on Pexels

Travel nursing is undoubtedly a rewarding job, but it has its negative side. Click here to get a complete guide on how to become a traveling nurse. Anyway, there are a few reasons why travel nursing can be more stressful than permanent nursing positions, including:

• No room to relax at home- Travel nurses are constantly moving around and are never in one place for long enough to settle in. When they take time off from work, there's still a lot of packing and unpacking as they move from contract to contract.

• Leaving family and friends behind- Travel nurses have great opportunities to see new places and meet new people, but they must sometimes leave their loved ones behind. This can be tough, especially if you have young children.

• Longer hours- Travel nurses often work longer hours than permanent nurses do. This can lead to burnout if you're not careful.

The post Is Travel Nursing Stressful? 7 Amazing Tips To Deal With It! appeared first on Nursepective.

What does it take to become a traveling nurse? You need experience, an adventurous spirit, and a willingness to live on the road. Some people call them gypsies or nomads; others call them jet setters.

Either way, they are one of those rare individuals who can’t stay put for any length of time because they’re constantly moving around. And as if that weren’t enough, these people also happen to be nurses!

A career as a traveling nurse offers many advantages: new experiences, financial rewards, and even prestige among peers – all without sacrificing your sense of fulfillment or commitment to the nursing profession.

If you think a career as a traveling nurse is right for you, there are several things to consider before taking the first step.

This article will give you a complete guide on how to become a traveling nurse. So, take a deep breath and scroll down!

Who Is A Traveling Nurse?

Before becoming a traveling nurse, you need to know who is a traveling nurse.

A traveling nurse is a nurse who moves from one location to another to work. They may work in different hospitals, clinics, or care facilities where there is a shortage of healthcare professionals.

Their work can be short-term or long-term, depending on the needs of the facility they are working in. They are often hired by temporary employment agencies, nursing placement firms, or directly by hospitals.

Why Choose Traveling Nursing?

The benefits of being a traveling nurse are many. For one, you get to see different parts of the country or the world while you’re working. You also have the opportunity to work in various settings, giving you a lot of experience. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people and make new friends.

As a traveler, you can work in different types of positions. You can pick up open jobs for Emergency room nurses, ICU nurses, Operating room nurses, post-operative nurses, and L&D nurses.

One typical report shared by traveling nurses is the freedom they get to experience when working as one. Traveling nurses have a flexible schedule. They often choose where they want to work and how long they want to stay at that assignment. Furthermore, you can even get your contracts canceled early or end up extending your stay in a place because you’ve fallen in love with the city and the people.

Most travelers will agree that they like to keep things fresh and exciting when it comes to their career, and becoming a traveling nurse is one of the best ways to do just that. Changing environments can help you remain inspired, motivated, and rejuvenated as a nurse.

Step-By-Step Guide to Become a Traveling Nurse

Want to pursue your career as a traveling nurse? Don’t worry; you can do it quickly. Just keep reading to find out how!

Step #1. Research the requirements.

There are many traveling nurse requirements that you must meet before starting working as a traveling nurse.

The most important of these is that you must have a nursing license in the state where you will be working. You must also have at least one year of nursing experience. In addition, you must have a valid driver’s license and pass a criminal background check.

Step #2. Meet the requirements.

Once you become a travel nurse, you will also need to meet the nursing requirements of the state where you’re working. For example, since Florida has stricter licensing rules than New York does, it’s recommended that only RNs who reside in Florida apply for positions in that state.

Step #3. Get licensed and certified.

Once you have met the requirements, you must get licensed and certified.

Take the Nursing Boards to become a registered nurse; you must take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination) exam. The NCLEX-RN is a national certification exam that assesses your knowledge of nursing.

You can get your compact nursing license, which allows you to hold a multi-state license, beneficial to practice in the home state and other compact states.

Step #4. Find travel nursing agencies.

Once you meet those requirements, you’ll need to find a travel nurse staffing agency and submit your resume.

Finding a travel nursing job can be a daunting task, but it can be a breeze with the right tools and resources. Start by checking out the websites of travel nurse agencies. These agencies are always looking for talented nurses to fill their open positions.

Another great way to find travel nursing jobs is through online job boards. There you will find a wide variety of postings from all over the country. Finally, don’t forget to network with your fellow nurses. Chances are they will know of some great opportunities that you may not have heard about. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect travel nursing job for you!

Step #5. Research the salary.

Travel nurse salary is typically higher than nurses who work in a single location, and they also have the opportunity to see new places and learn new things. So if you’re interested in finding a great and rewarding career without having to stay in one place, look into becoming an RN.

Step #6. Research the housing options.

There are various housing options available to traveling nurses, including short-term rentals, hostels, and apartments. It is essential to research the options available in your area before choosing a housing arrangement.

Step #7. Apply for the job.

Now that you’ve researched a lot, it’s time to apply for the travel nurse assignments. Don’t worry if you are feeling a bit hesitant. Everybody feels the same at first.

How to prepare for your first travel nursing assignment?

If you’re anything like me, the idea of traveling for work is both thrilling and a little nerve-wracking. After all, it’s a new experience, and there’s a lot that can go wrong, right? Well, don’t worry. Your first travel nursing assignment can be a breeze with a bit of preparation.

While most hospitals will provide you with a list of what to bring, it’s best to double-check this list and make sure you have everything you’ll need. If your hospital doesn’t offer a checklist, search online for one that’s specific to your state and position.

While at home, take care of any errands you might have. If you’ve gone for an extended period, it’s good to make sure bills are paid.

What to expect on your first travel nursing assignment?

When you first start your travel nursing assignment, there are a few things that you can expect. First, you will likely be meeting a lot of new people. Travel nurses are a close-knit group, and you will quickly make friends with your fellow nurses. You can also expect to be busy.

Nursing is a demanding profession, and travel nurses often have extended hours. However, the pay and benefits are usually worth it.

Finally, you can expect to learn a lot. A travel nursing assignment is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a new setting and learn about different healthcare systems.

Tips for thriving as a traveling nurse

As a traveling nurse, it is essential to know how to thrive in your role. Here are some tips:

1. Make sure you have the right supplies. This includes medical supplies, personal supplies (e.g., shampoo, soap, toothbrush/toothpaste), and food/water.

2. Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep.

3. Connect with other travelers and make friends. This can help make your time away from home more enjoyable.

4. Be prepared for anything. Sometimes you may have to work long hours or cover for someone else at the last minute. Be flexible and ready to adapt to whatever situation you find yourself in.

5. Make sure to keep up with your education by taking continuing education courses.

Have fun! Traveling can be an excellent opportunity to explore new places and cultures.

Most common misconceptions

One of the most common misconceptions about traveling nurses is that they are not as qualified as permanent nurses. This is not always the case, as traveling nurses often have more experience due to the variety of hospitals and clinics they have worked in.

Another common misconception is that traveling nurses are only in it for the money. While traveling nurses typically receive a higher salary than permanent nurses, many travels because they enjoy the adventure and new experiences.

How to make the most of your travel nursing experience?

Travel nursing can be a great way to see new places and experience new cultures. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your travel nursing experience:

• Make a list of the places you want to visit while you’re in town.

• Talk to other nurses and get recommendations for restaurants and attractions.

• Explore the area around your hospital. There’s often a lot to see and do in the local neighborhoods.

• Take advantage of your free time to travel and explore nearby cities and countries.

• Make friends with other nurses in your unit and hang out with them during your downtime.

• Keep a journal of your experiences, and share them with friends and family when you return home.

Summary – How to become A traveling nurse!

If you’re thinking about becoming a traveling nurse, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help make your decision easier. Whether you’re looking for information on pay and benefits, housing or travel arrangements, or want to know what it’s like to work as a traveler, we have the answers you need. And if there’s anything we haven’t covered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us–we’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you have!

FAQs

1. How many years does it take to become a traveling nurse?

It depends on many different factors, such as your level of experience and training, the country or region you want to work in, and the nursing position you’re seeking. But generally speaking, most nurses require at least one year of nursing experience before starting traveling.

So if you’re starting in nursing schools right now, don’t plan on becoming a traveling nurse until at least 2020. However, if you already have a few years of nursing experience under your belt, you could potentially start traveling as early as next year. Just do your research and find a reputable travel nursing agency that can help guide you through the process.

2. What are the costs associated with being a traveling nurse?

The costs of being a traveling nurse can vary depending on the location and duration of the assignment. Standard charges include travel expenses, housing, and medical insurance.

3. What qualifications do travel nurses need?

To become a travel nurse, you typically need to get an LPN education or a two-year associate’s degree from an accredited nursing program with at least one year of experience in a hospital. However, some travel nurse agencies will accept nurses without any prior experience.

In addition to your nursing skills, you’ll also need to adapt to new environments quickly and be able to work independently. Since you’ll be working in different hospitals all the time, it’s also vital that you’re comfortable with change and can build relationships quickly with new people.

Lastly, it’s always a plus if you have a passport and are willing to travel!

4. Can I be a travel nurse with no experience?

Of course, you can be a travel nurse with no experience – make sure to bring your A-game and be prepared for a challenging yet rewarding career!

However, it is always suggested to get certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

Travel nursing is a great way to see the country while helping others, and it’s a perfect opportunity for nurses looking to expand their skill set. With the right attitude and plenty of preparation, you’ll be ready to take on any assignment that comes your way.

5. How much do traveling nurses make?

A lot, depending on their experience and specialty.

For example, according to Indeed.com, the average salary for a travel nurse with one to four years of experience is $70,000 per year. And the average salary for a travel nurse with more than ten years of experience is $87,000 per year. There are also many different specialties within nursing, so wages can vary widely depending on the nurse’s area of expertise.

But overall, it’s safe to say that traveling nurses make a perfect living. And given the growing demand for nurses in the United States (due to our aging population), this trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

6. Is travel nursing worth it?

There’s no definitive answer to this question. Some nurses love travel nursing because it provides a unique and exciting opportunity to see new places and meet new people. Others find that the constant moving around is disruptive and stressful.

Travel nursing can be a great way to earn more money and gain experience in different facilities, but it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons before deciding. Consider your personal preferences and the financial and professional implications of travel nursing.

7. Can travel nurses choose where they go?

Absolutely! Travel nurses have a lot of control over where they go and what assignments they take.

Some nurses prefer to stay within a particular region, while others enjoy taking on new challenges in different parts of the country. It’s also possible to work internationally as a travel nurse.

The best way to find assignments that interest you is to visit the website of a travel nursing agency. These agencies maintain databases of open positions all over the country (or world), so it’s easy to find something that fits your preferences.

8. Why do hospitals pay travel nurses so much?

Hospitals pay travel nurses a lot because they’re worth it! In addition to being highly skilled and experienced professionals, travel nurses are also highly flexible, willing to go wherever they’re needed, and able to start work quickly. They’re a valuable asset to any hospital staff, and that’s why hospitals are willing to pay top dollar for them.

9. Is it hard to find a job after travel nursing?

It can be hard to find a job after travel nursing, but it’s not impossible.

There are a few things you can do to make yourself more appealing to employers:

• Update your resume to highlight your travel nursing experience.

• Network with other nurses and healthcare professionals.

• Attend job fairs and networking events.

• Apply for jobs online.

• Stay positive and persistent in your job search.

The post How to Become a Traveling Nurse? A Complete Guide! appeared first on Nursepective.