ABSTRACT
The patient population at the agency where instructor are teaching clinical usually reflects the cultural and ethnic composition of the surrounding community. When meeting the nurse manager at the agency for clinical orientation inquire about the cultural or religious diversity of the patient population. Along with patients, nurses and other members of the health care team at the agency may also be diverse. Many physicians, nurses and caregivers have emigrated from other countries, and it is essential that students use collaborative and respectful communication skills as they work alongside these professionals. Male students are currently a minority in nursing programs and among licensed professional nurses. If male student nurses are in a clinical group, be prepared to potentially encounter barriers during their clinical experience. Most health care agencies have implemented relaxed limitations on the number of visitors allowed in a room along with expanded visiting hours to be more welcoming to all.
