Kaleigh Smith

A year-long, paid, hands-on experience with a preceptor. Development of professional skills and gaining real-world experience

• Participate in hands-on clinical training under supervision of an RN
• Monitored patient vital signs, administration of all medications, and strengthening assessment skills
• Developed strong rapport with patients and families by actively listening to concerns and addressing individual needs.
• Application of critical thinking skills
• Learn how to communicate with treatment team
• Remain calm during high stress situations; ability to adapt to changes.

Obstetrics clinical experience focusing on maternal and neonatal health

• Conducting comprehensive assessments on expecting and postpartum mothers by utilizing tools such as the BUBBLE-LE method
• Scrubbed in on a cesarean birth, witnessed a circumcision, and assisted with an epidural infusion
• Assisted RNs with feeding newborns and educating mothers on proper breastfeeding techniques
• Closely monitored maternal vital signs and fetal heart rates.
• Educated new mothers and fathers about newborn and maternal health

Pediatrics clinical on a respiratory ICU floor

• Conducted comprehensive assessments of pediatric patients
• Improved patient comfort levels by utilizing age-appropriate distractions and techniques, such as storytelling or guided imagery.
• Learned effective communication skills with parents

• Cardiac/Neuro Med-surg floor
• Assisted nurses with daily patient care tasks, ensuring timely and efficient medical support.
• Demonstrated strong teamwork skills by collaborating with other healthcare professionals
• Assisted patients with ADLs such as bathing, ambulating, toileting, feeding, and grooming
• Improved patient satisfaction by responding promptly to call lights and addressing needs or concerns.
• Cross-trained as an EKG tech and HUC
• Watched EKGs for all patients on the unit and reported any abnormalities to nursing staff
• Managed patient records, facilitating communication between healthcare staff and families, and assisted nurses with admission and discharge paperwork
• Answered call lights and served as a central point of communication for the unit

Third clinical experience focused on behavioral health in children

• Delivered compassionate care under challenging circumstances
• Learned crisis intervention skills and how to successfully de-escalating situations to ensure patient safety
• Participated in group therapy sessions with kids of all age groups

This clinical was for my population and community class. I followed a school nurse who gave me one-on-one training about public health.

• Educated children on disease prevention strategies through a presentation
• Implemented culturally sensitive care that considered the unique backgrounds of diverse pediatric populations served.
• Learned to communicate with pediatric population

This was my second clinical experience at UC medical center on 4NW. This clinical focused on med-surg care of the adult.

• Performed regular rounds to check on well-being of patients.
• Administered medications via oral, subcutaneous, and intramuscular injections under supervision
• Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms

First nursing school clinical experience. Clinical was hosted on 14ABCD which is an adult oncology unit. It was a very good first experience and very similar to my job on the cardiac/neuro floor.

• Performed comprehensive physical examinations under supervision
• Observed other disciplines and how each specialty contributes to patients care plan
• Learned how to care for oncology patients and maintain proper infection control
• Collaboration with nursing staff and other disciplines

• Provided homework assistance on all subjects K-12 using specific curriculum and materials.
• Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
• Collaborated with students to complete homework assignments, identify lagging skills, and correct weaknesses.
• Created educational plans with the owner that are specific to each child at the facility
• Given the responsibility of opening and closing store when owner was not present, keeping the place tidy, and running class sessions with other staff members