October 26, 2012 On track with assignments and documentation on the nursing units. In the ED with students to direct the emergency set-up for chest tube insertion. The students do not document in the ED record, but can assist with procedures.  An opportunity to engage SNs in an important task and reveiw of important documentation for any procedure of this type. SNs were reminded to talk to their patient and offer comfort to the patient and his daughter.  Early communication with the surgeon who would perform the procedure, the primary ED nurse, and respiratory therapist helped the procedure go well for all involved. The SN confirmed the drug and dose in the orders, set-up the equipment, and visualized the signed consent for chest tube insertion.
During the post care conference, I gave a 30min. lecture on hospital policies and procedures.  The SNs were directed to the SJGH website for nursing policies on Fall Risk, Environmental Rounds, and hospital approved abbreviations.  Everyone was given a copy to review. Following the policy review, two SNs presented their Patient Education Projects for discussion.
My experience for this day taught me to be an example for my SNs. Professional courtesy and respect for others should be at the forefront of all we do as nurses. Also, institutional policies are in place and to be shared, from the beginning.
My2cents   

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