Dress code
What color scrubs are you supposed to wear at clinical?
Navy blue
A patient asks you if you can get him a pair of socks. What do you do?
Get him the socks. :)
You are absent from clinical one time for a fever of 104 with the flu. Will you have to make this one up? If so, how?
Yes, you will make it up at the hospital with your clinical instructor the week of your final exams.
True or false: The only patient identifiers allowed to leave the clinical site are full name and date of birth.
False. There is no reason for any patient identifier to leave the clinical site. Your assignments do not require this information.
True or false: I am allowed to observe a procedure at clinical that I haven't learned about yet.
True, but only with permission from your instructor.
What is the reason for artificial nails not being allowed at clinical?
Infection risk - cleaning underneath these nails is impractical, trapping pathogens that can harm vulnerable patients
The patient you’re assigned to for the day states that she wishes she had a set of markers so she could do her art while she’s hospitalized. Is it ok to bring her some during your next clinical? The cost is $7.
No, it is never acceptable to bring gifts to a patient, as stated in the SEU handbook.
A patient asks you to release the restraints on him and you do so. This puts you at risk for what two actions that are mentioned in the handbook
Clinical warning, clinical dismissal
Only registered nursing staff is allowed to apply or release restraints in the clinical area. Further disciplinary action may result at the clinical site.
What are two criteria for clinical dismissal or failure?
Any behavior deemed unsafe, actual or potential harm caused to a patient, failure to meet clinical outcomes
Examples: disrespectful behavior, dishonesty, inability to accept feedback, chronic tardiness, noncompliance with handbook policies, acting independently without instructor, arriving to clinical impaired in any way, social media use, ignoring/not communicating abnormal vital signs
This is not an all-inclusive list, but should give you a good idea of what is expected.
How long before clinical do I need to report to my clinical instructor that I will be absent?
At least one hour
True or false? Eyelash extensions and false eyelashes are allowed at clinical as long as they are natural-appearing.
False. They are not allowed no matter what they look like.
You are shadowing a nurse for the day and she’s setting up an IV pump. The buttons on the screen don’t work, so she shuts it off and uses the pump underneath instead. She continues on her way afterwards. What is the most appropriate action from you as a student?
Communicate directly to the nurse and ask what the proper procedure is for nonfunctional equipment. If direct communication is not feasible, make your clinical instructor aware.
No. Not for fingernails and especially not for toenails. This is not a risk-free task. Ingrown nails, injuries, and infections may result.
Why is bloodborne pathogen exposure a big deal?
Risk of exposure to HIV and/or hepatitis C
What is the course of action for a student who injures themselves at clinical?
Emergency room, incident report, report to program director
You aren't in trouble, we just want to ensure your safety!
True or false? Crocs are not allowed at clinical, even if they don't have Jibbitz on them.
True. No Crocs, open-toed shoes, sandals, or any other shoes with holes in them are allowed. Sneakers, or any nursing shoe (NurseMates, Dansko, etc) are allowed.
You are assigned to a patient whose family member stops you in the hallway and says he brought pastries from Paris Baguette for all of the staff and to make sure you get a piece. Is this acceptable?
Yes. Because the individual who brought it said it is for everyone, it is acceptable.
A doctor has overheard you speaking in a language you are comfortable with and asks if you can translate for him a few rooms down. What is your response?
No.
Let me show you to the translator phone.
True or false: a 77% is necessary in clinical in order to progress forward.
False. Clinical is pass/fail.
The day after I am signed off to perform a blood sugar in lab, I may perform one at clinical under the guidance of a clinical instructor.
Yes.
Be sure to always report ALL blood sugar results to the primary nurse, regardless of your interpretation of the result. Blood sugars may be to make clinical judgments and guide further action, administer or withhold insulin, give a hungry patient their meal tray, or recheck after a hypoglycemia event.
What is the purpose of a watch with a second hand at clinical?
To count respirations or a heart rate
A patient you are not familiar with asks you to get him some water. How do you navigate this situation as a student?
Find the nurse assigned to the patient for the day and ask if it is okay that you get him water. Many times, patients forget that they are NPO (nil per orum/nothing by mouth) for a procedure, or until a swallowing evaluation, and having anything to eat or drink will delay their care or harm them. Assume that everyone has dysphagia (difficulty swallowing safely) and may develop aspiration pneumonia until you know otherwise.
The patient you are assigned to for the day asks for a ginger ale. What are some things to consider?
Diet order - NPO? Thickened liquids?
Fluid restriction
Diabetic - this ginger ale may need to be sugar-free
Strict intake calculations - intake should be charted in the EMR
What are the five moments for hand hygiene?
[Handwashing or hand gels are required] Before touching a patient, before a procedure, after a procedure or body fluid exposure, after patient care, after touching a patient’s surroundings
When is it appropriate to have a classmate tell the instructor you will be absent from clinical?
It is not appropriate to do this. You must contact your instructor yourself if you will be absent.