5 Tips for Finding Your Dream Clinical Opportunity

Nursing school is full of rich and rewarding experiences that prepare you for a successful healthcare career. One of the most integral parts of this journey comes in the form of clinicals. Clinicals provide students with practical, hands-on experience caring for patients in a variety of medical settings. In any specialization, nurses could benefit from the experiences and clinicals. Not only do they prepare you to deliver high-quality patient care, but they also ready you for the fast-paced and high-stress situations that you’ll face at work. 

Because clinicals are such an important aspect of your time in nursing school, it’s imperative to find a placement that supports both your professional aspirations and your personal preferences. Your clinical placement can make or break your nursing school experience, so take note of these five tips for finding the right clinical placement for success.

1. Don’t Wait to Start Looking

The process of finding your clinical placement can seem intimidating, but don’t let that deter you from getting started. Begin your search process early to give yourself the best chance to find the ideal placement. Ask yourself what you’re looking for from your clinicals and start researching programs within your parameters and preferences. Get the ball rolling by doing routine research and taking note of what placements stand out to you. 

2. Start Networking Early

Networking is a valuable tool that can have an immense impact on placement success. There are plenty of networking tools to take advantage of, with a popular site being LinkedIn. With a bit of preliminary research, you can use LinkedIn to contact industry professionals and create the opportunity for yourself to make a positive impression and get answers to any questions that can help make your decision process easier. 

3. Be Open to Options

The worst thing you can do during your clinical placement process is be closed-minded. If you set your sights on one option and one option only, you’re limiting yourself to opportunities that could pleasantly surprise you. Stay open to different placements and don’t be too quick to judge. Consider all your options and allow yourself to make the best decision for your success.

4. Get Help When You Need It

If you’re already enrolled in a nursing program or are preparing to begin your nursing school journey, don’t neglect the resources available through your school. Connect with professors and other nurses about their clinical experience. Ask questions and be vocal about what you’re looking for. Gain knowledge all you can from others around you. After all, you want to make the most informed decision possible. 

5. Stay Positive

Throughout the entire experience, don’t forget to stay positive. Remind yourself that the tumultuous placement acquisition process ultimately results in a long-lasting successful career. It will be worth it! Your future self will thank you for staying motivated during this time.

The right clinical placement upon completion can completely redirect the trajectory of your career in nursing Schools like Herzing University.