How to Stand Out Amongst Your Classmates during Clinical Rotation Clinical rotations can be daunting, especially if you want to stand out amongst your peers. Although there will be times where you feel put on the spot or anxious, there are things that you can do that will help alleviate the situation. The following techniques will not only help you as a student, but they will also help make your instructors notice you. Work Hard it can be easy to start procrastinating and letting things get away from you. This is why it is critical to maintain your resolve and work as hard as you did when you first started. You are trying to impress your instructors, after all. Hard work is a great way to start. Related: To Wear or Not to Wear: Scrubs in Public Be Prepared Make sure you know what to prepare for and understand what will be going on during your rotations. This is a sure way to impress your instructors. By knowing what is going on during your rotations, you will be prepared for the situation and you will know exactly what to say and do. Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions Make the effort to ask any questiont that you are unsure of. It not only grabs your instructor's attention, but it will also help you fully understand what you are learning and how to approach different situations. Make sure your phrasing is clear and take this opportunity to explain your knowledge of the material so your instructor knows that you have been paying attention. Use the concepts that you learn in your reading to frame your questions. Don't Complain Although your clinical might seem overwhelming, it's important to keep those thoughts and feelings to yourself. If your instructors or superiors think that you are overwhelmed or having a difficult time with the tasks that you are assigned, it may hurt your experience and your overall grade. Your clinicals are there to give you a chance to prove to others that you are cut out for this field. Prove to them that you are. Make Yourself Known Make the effort to get in the front of the crowd. Don't be afraid to stand out, as it will only help you in
the future. It's important that your instructors know your name, so when your clinical come to an end, they'll know you enough to positively influence your grade. Related: Certified Registered Nurses Anesthetists (CRNA) Be Professional having a professional demeanor is super crucial for a nursing student. Dress professionally and act professionally. Avoid checking your phone regularly and pay genuine attention in class. Being respectful is also a part of being professional. Most of these methods intertwine in some way or another. Be Respectful although your instructors might work you extremely hard; never lose sight of your end goal. Keep in mind that your instructors have been through the same process as you, so remain respectful even if you become overwhelmed. Moreover, you should keep your respect with your fellow peers, as they are on the same track as you. If you aren't respectful, you can end up giving yourself a negative reputation, which can hurt you in the long-run. Moving Forward Overall, the methods of becoming an outstanding student are not too complicated. The International Nurses Association recommends that you follow these tips closely to ensure that you are the best clinical student you can be.
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