Clinical Rotation T.I.P.S.S To Insure Precepted-Learning Success

T.I.P.S.S TAKE your resources to clinic This may sound simple, but it is one of the most frequent preceptor feedback comments.

T.I.P.S.S TAKE your resources to clinic Sanford Antimicrobial Guide Tarascon Pharmacopia, Epocrates or other pharmacology reference guide Uphold & Graham text Diagnostic test guide/lab book Stethoscope, pen and small notebook AND use them! 1. Preceptors know that you are learning…that is why you are doing rotations. SHOW OFF what you know…even if it is just that you know what reference to use to help you determine your next step. 2. Often students find it helpful to have a small 3x5 notebook that can be kept in a pocket that is used to take notes during patient interviews and keep record of encounters during the day.

T.I.P.S.S INITIAL VISIT preparation Set up a 30 minute interview time PRIOR to starting your rotation, or schedule time for an orientation to the site on your initial clinic day.

T.I.P.S.S INITIAL VISIT preparation discuss dress code--? Need a lab coat goals and objectives scheduling share contact info for emergencies review your skill level and past rotations get the lay of the land—how many patients are seen per day/per hour? How is charting done? What are key areas that you should look up before coming (is there an expectation that you will know a certain area before you start seeing pts), What resource books would they like you to bring? Are there special office policies? discuss time management—what if we get behind? How does the preceptor wish to catch up?

T.I.P.S.S SET priorities and objectives Before you start your clinical rotation, look at the competency evaluation instrument and reflect on the skills you need to develop. Be realistic with your current skill level and where you can be in the 45,90 or 135 hours at this site

T.I.P.S.S SET priorities and objectives What specific types of patients would you like to see in the setting you are assigned? What specific skills would you like to develop/work on this semester? Discuss these with your preceptor and review these periodically during the rotation to make sure you are on track…use the evaluation tool as a guide

T.I.P.S.S SOLICIT Feedback Obtaining proper feedback is the key to securing your goal and maintaining your motivation… ASK FOR IT.

T.I.P.S.S SEEK feedback Share with your preceptor your preferred feedback style Do you want feedback in the room with the patient? Or after the visit? I.D a way to tell your preceptor that “you’re stuck and need help” with out saying that in front of the patient (i.e ”samples”) Request 10 minutes at the end of the day to recap what went well and how to improve Reinforce positive preceptor skills—share what is working for you so it will keep occurring (AKA: Coaching your preceptor to help you succeed) With my students I use our sample closet as covert “help” message when they are having difficulty deciding on a dx or treatment option. The student will say, “I think we may have a sample medication that would be beneficial. We’ll go check and be right back.” This gives the student a chance to talk it out with me if they are uncomfortable in front of the patient. Works well for last semester students.//I enjoyed hearing what was working for my students so that I could continue to make it happen.

T.I.P.S.S SAY Thank You UC-D CON preceptors are VOLUNTEERS that aid your education Some may even loose money because they see less patients when you are there. But… Precept because they Believe in the Nurse Practitioner Role and Believe in YOU as the future of our profession

T.I.P.S.S SAY Thank You Consider bringing coffee or bagels for the office once during your rotation Give a card (or gift card) as personal appreciation of the time spent with you Offer to do a patient education handout or bring literature updates on a topic the two of you discussed Leave the site with a positive view of YOU, the UC-D program and the future of the NP profession.

Have a GREAT TIME! One Final Tip… We want you to have a successful precepted-learning experience. Let us know how we can help.