In my community/District nursing placement, I learnt a lot about wound care, but there were also times when I learnt nothing. For approximately 2 weeks of my 5 week placement I couldn't guarantee I would have any patient contact as the nurses parking permit had expired and I was often asked to "babysit" her car so she didn't get a ticket.
Or if I wasn't asked to remain in the car for the duration of a visit, I would be asked to run out and keep checking the car rather than getting involved with the patients care. This was particularly irritating as the longer visits where leaving the car alone was at greatest risk, generally involved the more interesting cases and clinical skills. Which I feel restricted my learning opportunities.
I also didn't feel I could say no, the fear of being labeled as "that student", and feeling vulnerable in my position as a student. My passing of the placement depending on the approval of the person, who would rather I did her this favour that take part in my placement . What can I say? No I won't stay here? Start critisising the person in control of my learning?
The placement was ok, the team was so friendly. So I feel guilty in saying negative aspects. But the placement was often over shadowed by tasks such as this.