What Schedule Should I work During Clinical?

I see this question a lot! Many of you are working full time, balancing school, and family/personal life. While everyone’s situation is different — I can offer a bit of perspective from my own personal experiences and the students we work with at MatchNP. Working full time gets trickier when clinical rotations start for many reasons. As a rule of thumb, students should have 2-3 days of weekday availability for clinicals. For those of you that work M-F 9-5 you may want to save up that PTO and plan to take days off for clinical days or switching to a 10 or 12 hour schedule. Working full time IS possible.

Here are some helpful things to know before starting your program:

-Know your Program Requirements: Check with your educational program BEFORE starting your program to understand the specific scheduling requirements for your clinical rotations. This information is available so plan ahead.

-Clinical Site Hours: Different clinical sites may have varying schedules and expectations. If you are obtaining your FNP, AGPCNP, WHNP, PNP then clinical sites with these programs are usually outpatient settings. It is VERY unlikely you can obtain the hours you need working weekends only. Urgent care weekend hours may be available but you may only be allowed a small portion of hours in that setting. If you are in Acute Care then you have a better chance of finding a preceptor that works nights and/or weekends.

-Preceptor Availability: This is super important when looking for a preceptor. You need to be flexible. Remember, finding a preceptor is hard work. Having open availability will only make it easier for you to find a preceptor that will be able to work with you.

-Variety of Experiences: If possible, try to schedule your clinical rotations at different times and days of the week to gain exposure to a variety of patient populations, conditions, and healthcare settings.

-Self-Care: Remember to prioritize self-care and well-being. Clinical rotations can be demanding and emotionally taxing, so make sure you're getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in activities that help you relax and recharge.

-Commute and Transportation: Take into account the time it takes to commute to and from the clinical site. Factor in traffic, public transportation schedules, and any potential delays when planning your schedule.

-Documentation and Reflection: Set aside time for documentation and reflection after each clinical shift. This might involve writing patient notes, reviewing cases, and debriefing with your preceptor. Allocate time in your schedule to complete these tasks.

Remember that the primary goal of your clinical rotations is to learn and gain valuable hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. While you might not have complete control over your schedule, making thoughtful and strategic decisions can help you make the most of your clinical experience. Remember: If you need help finding a preceptor or need more advice, reach out to us at placement@matchnp.com.