It's Been Awhile...

It's been really hectic at work lately! I had hoped to update more often, but I just couldn't get around to it. In the meantime, I have been thinking about what I should write about. Since I haven't gotten any feedback or special requests, I thought I would try to answer some frequently asked questions (by nursing students). I hope this will help out any current or future nursing students out there.

Q: Do I really have to know this?

A: YES. We wouldn't teach it to you if we didn't think it would be valuable to you for one reason or another. I often get asked this question about medications. Medications are so important to what nurses do that they are ingrained into the curriculum. We choose only the most common medications, so there is a big chance that you will see that medication repeatedly in clinical (or on tests).

Q: Do I really have to practice my skills? Can't I just get better at the ones I'm going to use in practice?

A: Yes and No. You do have to practice all the skills you are assigned because you are very likely going to need them in clinical. Nothing is more disappointing that finding a skill opportunity at a hospital and then finding out that the student cannot remember one bit about how to perform that skill. Additionally, learning one skill can help you to become better at other skills. For instance, you might not have to insert a Foley catheter much in your OB clinic position, but you may have to obtain multiple in-and-out caths. The same principles apply - sterile technique. We teach the major concepts so that you can carry them with you throughout your career. There were many skills I thought I would never have to use because I was going to work in a certain area. However, I have worked in many different places and I have used every single skill I learned in school. One example is checking dilatation. I NEVER thought I would work in labor and delivery. However, one part of my job as an ER nurse was checking dilatation on anyone coming in who thought they were in labor. Thankfully, I had paid attention in class!

Q: Why do I have to wear this uniform? Can't I just choose my own scrubs to wear?

A: Your nursing school uniform is how everyone identifies who you are in the clinical setting. Health care professionals can tell at one glance what school you are with. Also, it looks very professional.

Q: Why can't I wear more jewelry during clinical?

A: Jewelry can spread microorganisms as well as tear fragile skin during care. I recommend wearing only a plain wedding band (this means no jewels in it at all) and SMALL stud earrings. I have seen students wear large studs, and they have lost them when taking the stethoscope out of their ears. They could fall into a patient's bed, which could cause injury to the patient, or they could fall on the floor, causing someone to slip on them. Necklaces can get broken so easily, so I do not recommend them at all in the clinical environment. Remember, the priority is the patient; it's not a fashion show. You can wear your jewelry to class all you like.

Q: Will I survive this?

A: Yes...but only if you really want to survive. Nursing school is tough. I've probably said that more times than I can count, but it's so true! The school you go to for initial licensure is going to be the toughest thing. Any higher nursing degrees obtained after that will be tough, but nothing like that initial school. The reason for this is that when you come in, you must learn everything from scratch. You have to build a foundation upon which to learn. Higher degrees simply build upon what you already know. Don't get me wrong...grad school is tough, but a different kind of tough.

Q: Should I try to get a higher nursing degree?

A: YES! While there is a nursing shortage all around, the largest shortage is of nurses with higher degrees. You can still become an RN with a diploma or Associate degree, but many hospitals are looking for nurses with a Bachelor's degree or higher, especially those hospitals seeking magnet status. I fully support getting a diploma or Associate's degree first, but I really urge students to seek a higher degree. It opens up so many more job opportunities and possibilities.


If you would like a particular topic covered, please comment below.