Student Contract for Clinical Rotation Renton Technical College
Nursing Clinical Expectations LPN Program-Winter 2010
To ensure safe nursing practice and accountability for professionalism in the clinical setting, students will meet the guidelines in this contract. Failure to do so will adversely affect the student’s clinical grade and may result in disciplinary action.
Documentation
Students will document a handwritten progress note on his or her patient(s) each clinical day and will submit it to the instructor to be determined by instructor. Upon instructor discretion, the student may be allowed to enter the note, either handwritten or electronically depending upon the charting system of the clinical facility.
Daily Care Sheet / Clinical Medication Tool
A completed Daily Clinical Sheet for each patient is due each day.The instructor will review the sheet and give it back to the student. The sheet helps to prepare for the day by reminding the student of significant information to look for in the medical record and includes documentation of a head-to toe physical assessment.
Care Plans
Students will be expected to write one Nursing Care Plan with 3 Problems, utilizing NANDA criteria, due at midterm to be reviewedby the instructor. The instructor will provide written feedback on the student’s work and return the plan to the student with a request for corrections. If the instructor determines that the revision is not acceptable, the student MUST choose another patient & start over (write a new care plan).
Critical Reflective Journal
Students are expected to write a creative journal entry for each week of the rotation as well as for each observational experience and submit per instructor discretion. Follow the instructions of your clinical instructor regarding further details.
Creative reflective inquiry in clinical practice is part of the critical thinking process that is key to nursing education. Journals are to be typed with correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Each journal entry must address the following three (3) components.
- DESCRIPTIVE PHASE – “What Did You See or Do?”-detailed summary of a clinical situation.
- Clinical Experience – date and description of event or situation including the people involved and their roles in the situation and circumstances under which things happened. Include any verbal and non-verbal communications that occurred to add clarity to the event.
- Reaction – “How Did You Feel About It?”-describe your emotional responses, your thinking or processing of the event/incident.
- REFLECTIVE PHASE – “What Did You Learn”? -interpretation and analysis of this event.
- Evaluation of Your Performance – describe your strengths and weaknesses asyou participated in the event (do this even if you only observed).
- CRITICAL PHASE –“How Will You Use This Experience?” focus on what you learned and howyou will apply the learning to your continuing nursing practice. Identify fresh perspectives, insights, or solutions.
Preparation for Clinical
Students are expected to come to the clinical facility on time with daily assignments completed. Preparation also includes knowledge of the client’s diagnosis and the anticipated nursing responsibilities in managing care for the client. The instructor may also give various assignments, such as preparation of a presentation for post conference. Such preparation for clinical is the student’s responsibility. If the instructor determines that the student is not sufficiently prepared to safely assume care, the student may be asked to leave the clinical setting. If this occurs, the student will receive a zero grade for the day.
Punctuality
Punctuality is expected in the clinical setting and demonstrates professional behavior. Students are expected to be on time for nursing report. Students who are more than 5 minutes late and/or miss report on their patient(s) may be sent home and will receive a zero score for that clinical day.
Identification
Students and faculty must wear proper identification at all times while in the facility. This includes having your facility ID badge (VA Badge) as well as your RTC student badge visible on your person at all times.
Appearance
Students must wear the approved RTC uniform; hair must be tied back; and students must be neat and clean. Refer to the Allied Health handbook for other information regarding appearance.
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Vital Signs.
Students must bring manual BP cuffs (where permitted) and check radial and apical pulses manually. Electronic equipment can be poorly calibrated at times, and nursing students need to practice manual skills whenever possible.
Required Materials and Equipment
Valuables should be on the student’s person rather than left in the break room. Items left in a car should be hidden. Theft happens. Students must bring the following:
- 3 -Ring Binder for organizing assignments, notes, care plans, etc.
- Pen
- Identification Badge (facility and RTC)
- Uniform (maroon scrub top, all white pants, all white shoes, long hair tied back)
- Stethoscope
- Blood Pressure Cuff
- Watch (must have a second hand)
- Bandage Scissors
- Pen Light
- Measuring Tape (disposable is recommended)
- Computer User Names and Passwords
- Drug Reference Book (required of all students)
- Med-SurgReference Text(students may arrange with each other to each bring certain books so all students do not need to bring all books)
Recommended Materials and Equipment
- Fanny pack to hold equipment
- PDA or Pocket PC
Student Contract for Clinical Rotation Renton Technical College
Nursing Clinical Expectations LPN Program-Winter 2010
I have read and understand these expectations. I also understand that this signed document will be placed in my permanent student file.
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Student Name Signature Date
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Instructor/ TitleSignature Date
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