mar's Desk

marcoujor: A Teacher’s Greatest Gift

12/27/2016

A clinical nursing instructor works with students in practice and application in areas such as a hospital, a skilled nursing facility, even the community. It is assumed that students will bring the material learned in lecture to their clinical sites.

In my clinical rotations, I challenge students to integrate evidenced-based practice/theory with the real people (the patients) they interact with on a behavioral health unit. In orientation, I encourage my groups to remember the two most important tools of the trade--an open mind and open heart.

While an interactional experience on a behavioral health unit can

be anxiety-producing in itself, my students are challenged to push past their preconceived notions and personal (family, work, school) stress. I encourage verbal and written acknowledgement of students' personal feelings, first and foremost, before we even enter the actual patient living area.

I also emphasize the importance of self-awareness and an appreciation of one's own self care with each of the future nurses I work with.

Students do a great job reminding me that I am a role model for them, usually in the compassion and empathy departments. This feedback is golden. I am fueled and inspired to continue semester after semester by the wisdom and insights my students share with me in practice, in their case study papers and, in some cases emails, such as the one I'd like to share with you now. Please take the time to read Lauren's email and her post. You will be as inspired as me, promise.

I realized how nothing can hold me back--especially my health and my stubborn instinct. I have realized all of this because of you.

You touched me in my sophomore year when you were my clinical instructor for a weekend in a skilled nursing facility. It was nothing short of fate that I was blessed with you as my instructor for my psych rotation this past fall semester. The clinical experiences instilled in me a career path I will never give up.

This being said, I am a part of the Odyssey, which is an online newspaper, basically. I published an article on my experience with you. I left out names, the location, and the fact that I was even there, but I wanted you to read it if you found the time.

You have been through a lot in your lifetime--more than I can ever imagine, I'm sure. But you deserve to know and understand the extent to which you touched not just me, but all who have had the pleasure of meeting you. I attached the link below and I hope to hear from you whenever you please.

Thank you again and have a happy holiday season!

Sincerely,

Lauren B

(Click the title to see the article: The Truth Behind Crazy)

Thank you, Lauren--what a beautiful gift.

This touches my heart and reminds me why I love being a clinical instructor.

Farewell 2016

Two songs of hope and perspective come to mind as I ponder over this last week in 2016. I'm used to other artists' traditional renditions. I am grateful to my SA 'other half' for introducing me to the sounds of both Pentatonix and Disturbed.

This is yet another example of today's youth doing things their way just as well, if not better than those before them.

Hallelujah by Pentatonix