Maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio, as it allows students more opportunity to get feedback and ask questions from their instructor. Know what the student-per-teacher limit is for your state, per requirements from your state nursing licensing board. Keep the student-to-teacher ratio at or below this limit to give students ample support during their clinical experience.
Utilize good communication. Help nursing students feel more comfortable and supported in the clinical setting by communicating with them. Talk about what to expect during the clinical experience while students are still in the classroom. Once in the clinical setting, provide clear instructions of what nursing students need to do. Allow adequate time for questions and clarifications. Keep the lines of communication open to make students feel comfortable in approaching the clinical instructor with a question or problem.
Teach stress-relief skills. In preparing for the clinical setting, provide a class or two for nursing students on stress relief. Teach them different techniques they can implement quickly in a health care setting to lower their stress level and regain their composure. Having these skills will help them once they are employed in the medical field.
Provide counseling services. Make sure that nursing students know what counseling services are available on campus through the student health or counseling center. Help prepare them in advance for what they might witness or experience, such as gruesome injuries or a patient dying in front of them. Talk to the student if they do witness a traumatic experience during the clinical setting, and follow up to ensure they speak with a grief counselor, if needed.