The students follow the residents around, or are seen at the nursing stations reading up a little between patients. They go into patient rooms initially and write up an initial assessment which they present to the resident. Then the resident goes over things with them a bit. If an exam has to be done, they do it under the watch of the resident. They tend to have different degrees of motivation...while some hang back more, there are students who get their hands into everything they are allowed to. Those are the ones who seem to get the most out of their rotations. If one wants to learn how to start an IV, or put in a Foley cath, they ask the nurse if its ok. If so, then they attempt to do so with the help of the nurse. They leave at the end of the shift or earlier, for the most part. If there is a big test or some event going on, the MD's usually allow them to take off. Those who act like hot shots, or act like they are "over" the nurses, clerks, etc, get trampled because they wont be assisted for anything...like finding where things are, getting to do tasks like IV's, etc. The students who help out and are friendly and active....are greatly appreciated and welcomed by the staff. Best advice, get involved, strike up conversations, and read only when its very very slow!
Posted on Jul 28, 2002, 11:45 PM from IP address 205.188.209.105