In order to complete their Nursing Assistant program and to qualify for the Nursing Assistant exam, seniors in the nursing program need to complete 20 hours of experience in a real life situation.

“One of the ways I have prepared for clinicals is I made sure to visit the facility the students will be attending clinicals at,” Nursing Teacher Sara Hartwich said. ” I wanted to make sure my students would be in a safe environment as well as make sure that their needs would be taken care of.”

Before students can attend clinicals, they need to successfully complete the Basic Life Support program. In this program, students get certified in CPR as well as receive AED training.

“One way I am preparing for clinicals is by practicing the competencies we have been taught throughout the year,” senior Chloe Valdez said. “I also want to get myself in a positive mindset. This means that I will walk into clinical with confidence in myself and my capabilities.”

In addition to paperwork, students needed to complete a physical examination, a two-step tuberculosis test and provide a copy of immunization history. All of the paperwork and test results needed to be turned in to Hartwich before December.

“One of the things I look forward to seeing the most about clinicals is the students ‘Ah ha’ moments,” Hartwich said. “It’s exciting to see the students light up and tell me that they picked the right program.”

Nursing students who have an open period on the day of clinical must be in class before 7 a.m. If not, the bus will leave and the student will not receive credit for their required hours that day.

“I feel that it is important to attend clinicals because you get the personal experience of helping and taking care of patients,” senior Alyssa Ross said. “I would be able to use the skills and training that I have received in order to effectively do my job in the medical setting. It’s something that not a lot of people get to say that they’ve done.”