Making the Most of Your Clinical Experience

Your clinicals are an important part of your education and career development experience. Take advantage of the time you spend in various health care settings to establish yourself as a hardworking, enthusiastic, and flexible professional. Keep some of the following thoughts in mind when completing your clinical courses:

 Look at each location as a possible potential employer. As soon as you begin the rotation you may be evaluated as a future employee or someone to be recommended for employment elsewhere

 Seek out your instructor so that you can make a positive lasting impression as well as to gain feedback about your work

 Keep a journal of your experiences. These details will be helpful when updating your resume or cv and when preparing for interviews

 Observe all professional activities within the facility. Are there any you could take advantage of or participate in to begin to network or gain additional experience?

 Obtain letters of recommendation prior to the clinical ending for your credential file

 Obtain the name of the recruiter and try to set up an exploratory interview with him/her/they. Discuss your resume and general requirements for entry level employment

 Be sure to end your experience positively. Send a note to the instructor with a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae (cv)