What is clinical learning like?

Summary

The speaker discusses their early clinical experiences in nursing school, focusing on the hands-on learning opportunities provided by high-fidelity mannequins in simulation labs. These simulations allow students to practice critical skills, like IV insertion and catheter placement, before working with real patients. The speaker expresses excitement about clinical days, emphasizing how they're more interactive than classroom lectures. They highlight their current clinical experience in the emergency department at Michigan Medicine, praising the hospital's top-tier resources and the supportive, teaching-oriented staff.

Takeaways

• 🩺 We're starting clinicals next semester, with introductory clinical sessions happening this semester.
• 🏥 The focus this semester is on simulation labs with high-fidelity mannequins for practicing various medical skills.
• 💉 The mannequins are equipped with features like veins for IV insertion, genitalia for catheters, and nasal openings for nasogastric tubes.
• 🤖 Practicing on mannequins allows students to make mistakes and learn without risking real patient safety.
• 📚 Clinical days are hands-on and involve practical learning, which is more engaging than traditional classroom lectures.
• 😊 The speaker enjoys clinical days because they provide a taste of real-life nursing, making the experience exciting and fun.
• 🏥 Michigan Medicine is a top-ranked hospital in the state and country, providing excellent resources for clinical training.
• 🚑 The speaker is currently gaining clinical experience in the emergency department at Michigan Medicine.
• 🔄 Each day in the emergency department is different, offering diverse learning opportunities and practical experiences.
• 👩‍⚕️ Working with a passionate and knowledgeable staff that enjoys teaching enhances the overall clinical experience.

Q & A

What are clinicals and when are they starting for the speaker?

Clinicals are hands-on practice sessions where students apply their nursing skills in real-world or simulated settings. The speaker mentions that they are starting clinicals next semester.

What are introductory clinicals, and what do they involve?

Introductory clinicals, which the speaker is currently involved in, are practice sessions in simulation labs using High Fidelity mannequins. These allow students to practice various skills such as inserting IVs, catheters, and nasogastric tubes before working with real patients.

Why does the speaker prefer clinical days over classroom days?

The speaker enjoys clinical days more because they involve hands-on practice rather than sitting in class, taking notes, and listening to lectures. It allows them to experience what it's really like to be a nurse.

What are High Fidelity mannequins, and what is their purpose?

High Fidelity mannequins are advanced simulation models used in clinical training. They have features like veins for IVs and genitalia for catheter insertion, enabling students to practice nursing skills in a realistic setting.

What is the purpose of practicing on mannequins before working with real patients?

Practicing on mannequins allows students to make mistakes and learn from them in a controlled environment before transitioning to real patient care, ensuring they are better prepared and confident.

Where is the speaker doing their clinicals, and why is this significant?

The speaker is doing their clinicals at Michigan Medicine, which is considered one of the top hospitals in the state and the country. It provides a wealth of resources and learning opportunities for students.

What specific department is the speaker currently involved in for their clinicals?

The speaker is currently in the emergency department at Michigan Medicine.

Why is every day different in the emergency department according to the speaker?

Every day is different in the emergency department because the speaker encounters various medical situations, making it a dynamic and unpredictable environment full of learning opportunities.

What is the speaker’s experience with the staff at Michigan Medicine?

The speaker mentions that the staff at Michigan Medicine loves what they do and enjoys teaching, which contributes to a positive and enriching clinical experience.

How does the speaker feel about their overall clinical experience at Michigan?

The speaker feels very happy and fulfilled with their clinical experience at Michigan, appreciating both the learning opportunities and the supportive staff.