I recently asked some of the nurses at my students’ clinical site to offer ideas on what makes ‘The Best Nursing Student’ (BNS). Students, as you go to your clinical site, ask yourself: Which qualities could/would be used to describe you as a student? Nurses, what do you think?
Table of Contents
The Best Nursing Student…
1. Comes Prepared
In every way possible. They aren’t asking to borrow a pen, stethoscope, or still trying to tie their shoes or fix their hair during report. Being on time is also imperative. You are teamed up with a nurse, but they can’t stop to catch you up if you did not arrive on time.
2. Asks good questions
The BNS realizes that teaching and learning is a back and forth process. They want to know why choices are made, something is being charted, the doctor is being called, etc. They recognize it is not just their responsibility to learn, but to ask questions.
3. Attempts to answer
Even though they may not be completely sure, they take a stab at it. They are not afraid to try to answer questions and they will always learn from the answers.
4. Values the time of their preceptor
Taking on a student means caring for the patient and stopping along the way to explain why and how to do everything. While preceptors enjoy it (hopefully), they appreciate that there is effort involved.
5. Not afraid to get their hands dirty
The BNS jumps in, rolls up their sleeves and shows initiative for doing those true-to-life nursing activities.
6. Asks if they can help
Just as above, standing helplessly in the corner waiting to be told what to do doesn’t help! The BNS speaks up and asks if there is anything that can be done.
7. Asks for feedback
Good preceptors know this is tough. The BNS is in a particularly vulnerable position. But at the same time, they acknowledge that they will grow from feedback and so they seek after it, knowing that it is not a personal attack on them.
8. Leaves their personal lives at home
The clinical relationship between nurse mentor and nursing student is short and there is a lot to do. We don’t mind socializing, but remember to keep it professional, don’t tell us anything you will regret if you come and work here someday!
9. No faking it!
The BNS might be scared to death, but they understand it is important to speak up and ask if they don’t know. No faking allowed!
10. Understands the connection between customer service and school
The BNS understands that they are truly a ‘guest’ at the clinical site. Leaving a good impression is critical for many reasons. The old adage that good customer experiences are rarely shared and poor experiences are shared multiple times is just as true in nursing school. No student wants to be the reason that their school was not invited back. ‘Thank you’ is always very much appreciated!