Advising students regarding their stress in their externship
I often tell students that it is normal to feel anxious or stressed when initially at their externship site. I tell them that is is a "growing pain" and that in time they will feel more relaxed. It is always difficult going into a new office, especially when you are still perfecting your clinical skills. I explain to them, that even though I have been in my profession for 30 years, when I work in a new office it is stressful for me because it is out of my comfort area-new co-workers, patients, etc. I am unsure how things are done, or where everything is kept. So I explain that it is a normal emotion. However, now that I have taken this couse, I am thinking that I could advise them a bit differently as far as coping mechanisms.
Brittany, What an important point about gas. You might consider recommending that students carpool to hospitals with people who live near them and work with them. This can dramatically cut gas costs and can also be an enjoyable experience because they have someone to chat with on the way to work every day.
Dr. Melissa Read
I agree 100%! I am the externship coordinator at my school and always have a little pep talk with my students before they go out on externship. I tell them that I was in their shoes before and it is completly normal to feel nervous. Using my real life example (as well as offering other ways to cope) really help build their confidence
Susan,
I am an instructor for a surgical technology program. Our students have a lot of anxiety when they are close to their externship quarter because of the stresses associated with the new environment. I have to explain to them it is like any other job they may have had. At first you do not know where anything is and you have to ask for help constantly. Once you become comfortable, it is like any other day. Our students also stress out about gas money. The main hospital facilities we use are 40+ miles away. We let them know when they first start school that this is how their last quarter goes. This relieves some anxiety before then so they can start saving money if possible.
I do think there is a certain amount of last minute butterflies that every extern goes through but reviewing their skill and materials builds confidence. Learning to breathe is important and being able to ask for help and laugh at your mistakes at times can lessen the intensity of the stressful feelings.
I give open book tests to reduce students stress level when taking tests; somehow that first test everyone shows up somewhat stress out; because open book tests tend to be more difficult then closed book tests; once the students start they smile and say OK; a big review is usually done the day before test.
We have tried role-playing as a teaching method and it seems to help them prepare for externship.
I too tell my students that this is a normal feeling and they aren't the only one to ever feel this way. I like to give them some scenarios that I myself went through during my clinical experience. I find that this often tends to ease their minds a bit knowing that their instructor has dealt and persevered through the same obstacles.
Susan, I think it's important to continue to let your students know that being nervous on their externship site is normal. Often times, the nervousness shows people how much the students value the opportunity. At the same time, we want to make sure the nervousness does not stand in the way of their productivity. To your point, teaching them coping mechanisms to help them manage through these experiences can also be beneficial.
Dr. Melissa Read
