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Show lessons, Fail 2003 page 23 Grading For Success in the Workplace BY MARIE HENDRIKSEN PHOTOS BY MARIE HENDRIKSEN Some learning that takes place in the classroom cannot be graded. Not with a letter grade, anyway. Many students learn skills that directly impact their success in the "real world." Specific skill sets for success may range from a nursing student's ability to administer a shot, to a student teacher's ability to control a classroom of noisy high school students. In such cases, good grades in college do not insure success in the work place. However, when letter grades are combined with evaluation and mentoring the combination can spell success. Many important learning experiences don't involve a letter grade but application of knowledge coupled with an ability to cope and communicate. For instance, a student nurse may know the correct mathematical equation to calculate and administer an IV drip and may know the mechanics of the human body, but may not have the communication skills to perform the procedure effectively. These procedures involve more than basic mechanics. A patient's emotional state and family dynamics along with additional circumstances make every situation unique. Lessons and tests that students pass in the classroom will be of little help to students who can't communicate with patients and their family. For example, LeeAnn Bennion, nurse recruiter and trainer at Primary Children's Medical Center, mentions that while many nurses are able to clinically carry out their responsibilities they still don't have the ability to connect and care for others. Many new hire nurses leave during their first year, partially because of the inability to cope with difficult situations and the inability to communicate with patients. To help reduce the loss of nurses a new program has been implemented. The Capstone Experience allows student nurses to spend 240 hours at the hospital his or her last semester. tee Ann Bennion discusses with her nursing students the best way to communicate with patients. |