Stepping into clinical rotations as a nursing student is sort of like trading your textbooks for scrubs — it’s where every shift becomes a lesson in compassion, critical thinking, and hands-on care.
As a nursing student, I felt excited, nervous, and overwhelmed during my first clinical experience. And those feelings made me wonder if nursing was right for me. However, as I gained more hands-on experience and knowledge, I gained more confidence, and my critical thinking skills improved.
Here are 10 tips for making the most of your clinical rotations and building that confidence you need.
1. Be prepared for anything and everything. Prepare for your rotations beforehand by studying and reviewing the theoretical and clinical knowledge needed for the day. You should already know what type of unit you’ll be working on and the common disease entities patients present with at admission.
Your clinical instructor might provide your patient assignments the day before so you can review the medical history, current conditions, and related nursing care. Discuss clinical skills you may perform in the skills lab and research any related evidence-based practices.
2. Learn staff members’ names so that you can greet them properly. This simple gesture makes a huge difference. All staff members are an important part of the unit, and remembering their names gives them the respect and recognition they deserve. Names can be hard to remember as time goes by, so write them down as a reminder if you need to.
3. Actively participate in pre- and post-conferences. Pre- and post-conferences are opportunities to reflect on what you’ve learned during your clinical experience. They will allow you to discuss with your clinical instructor what you’ve mastered and what you need more help with. This helps you gain a better understanding of nursing interventions and patient care.
4. Show interest, eagerness, respect, and appreciation. In your clinical setting, your enthusiasm to learn and willingness to offer a helping hand make a difference — for patients, families, and staff. For example, I recall encouraging an older patient as she worked with the physical therapist to improve her mobility. Your optimism and support can motivate patients to take that extra step in the recovery process.
5. Communicate with your preceptor. Take the initiative to convey your thoughts and perspectives regarding patient care to your preceptor. Or perhaps you can share whether you’re more of an auditory or kinesthetic learner.
Ask pertinent questions and welcome constructive feedback. You may encounter preceptors who may not be as interactive or outgoing as you’re used to, but as we all know, we need to learn how to work with people with different attitudes, personalities, and beliefs.
6. Get involved in other unit activities or help staff members or classmates. The unit works as a team, and even as a student, you’re a part of that team. You may be able to help other patients on the unit, even if they aren’t part of your assignment. Your classmate might need help with a bed bath, a call light may need to be answered, or a nurse may need help with a patient's vital signs. Your efforts will not go unnoticed, and each experience will help in your professional development.
7. There is no such thing as downtime. There is always something to learn and skills to build upon while on your clinical rotation. Each shift gives you another opportunity to learn more about your patients’ health histories, assessments, care plans, and educational needs. And get better acquainted with the unit’s policies, procedures, and operating and leadership styles.
8. Complete your day's work. At the end of each shift, remember to report to your preceptor, chart your patient care, and thank the staff for their help and support. And don't forget to say goodbye to the patients and family members you have cared for that day.
9. Know your strengths and weaknesses. While your clinical rotation is ongoing, you’ll notice that certain skills are developing while others need improvement. It can be helpful to set a goal each week to work on those areas that need improvement.
Ask your preceptor or clinical instructor to assist you. For instance, I needed more help with ventilator care, so I asked my clinical instructor to help me become more proficient. By taking the initiative, I improved my skills and showed the clinical instructor I was eager to learn.
10. Never do something if you’re uncertain of your skills. Be sure to ask questions when you feel unsure or uncomfortable and review the steps for clinical skills and procedures before performing them. Nursing units usually have resources (digital or hard copy) you can reference, and your clinical instructor or preceptor is there to help you learn.
As you embark on your clinical rotations, remember that each day is a learning opportunity. Embrace the challenges, celebrate your progress, and remain open to feedback. Your journey as a nursing student is not only about acquiring and refining skills but also about developing the compassion and resilience needed to excel in this profession.
