Mission possible!

October 25, 2912 My students received assignments from the team leader (SA) and were on task to perform their duties for the evening.  The SA escorted SNs to the Employee Health Clinic for their influenza vaccines and mask fit testing.  Four SNs refused the vaccine. Those SNs were informed that they would be required to wear a mask at all times while working on the units starting Nov.1, 2012.  I had them sign waiver forms of refusal.

Physical assessments were the focus of my observations.  The nursing staff on the unit had high praise for the SNs perofmance.  They were encouraged to offer shift change reports and their primary nurses were very supportive. The SNs expressed their delight for the experience.  The night shift nurses were impressed! The SNs completed their shift on time. During the post conference SNs discussed their increased confidence in documentation and shift change reports.

I learned that clinical instructing requires communication and coordination with all SJGH nursing team members. A few phone calls and face-face requests to make the clinical rotation run smoothly helped me keep my SNs safe, engaged, and excited. I called the SJGH infection control nurse to arrange for the influenza vaccines for all of my SNs.  She was happy to inform me that my SNs would receive the shots for free! Once in EHC, the nurses were ready to fit test the SNs. Primary nurses on the unit are helpful in offering learning opportunities to SNs who are motivated to learn. The nursing supervisor has offered to have team leaders shadow her for 2 hours during the next rotation.
My2cents