[dolcebellaluna]

So I just looked up the syllabus for Med-Surg and am just a little overwhelmed by what they're going to be expecting of us in the clinical setting. My first clinical was in a sub-acute transitional care unit where I basically worked on my communication and assessment skills. I gave a few bed baths and assisted patients out of bed, but practiced almost none of the nursing skills that I learned in my Skills class. I'm going to be responsible for total patient care in Med-Surg and I feel like I am going to have trouble retaining all the information I learned last semester.

Can anyone tell me what their personal experience in Med-Surg clinical was at the beginning of that semester? Am I going to get thrown to the wolves or will I get easier patients at first? I know for clinical this semester it was 3 weeks before we made it out to the clinical setting because we had to learn our basic patient skills. Are there more technical skills to be learned in Med-Surg lecture and then applied in the clinical setting?

[vanurse08]

I felt the same you did when I went into my first Med-Surg. I was thinking I'm going from giving bed baths to inserting Foley caths....yea right.

Let me assure you it is not as bad as you think. The nurses on the floor and your clinical instructor will be there to help you. Unlike when I was giving a bed bath, there is someone there to walk me through procedures I was not familiar with. You'll be nervous with these new procedures, but you'll be fine.

[dolcebellaluna]

Thanks for the re-assurance. It's just a little overwhelming.

[al7139]

Hi there!
Don't worry, you won't be thrown to the wolves. Med surg is different, but you will have help with your procedures. They may give you some very sick patients, but you will never be on your own. You are a student, so there will be instructors and nurses to help you. Don't be afraid to say you don't know or ask for help. As you go through school, you will be able to do more and more on your own, but if your school is like mine, you will always have to do anything invasive with an instructor (IV's, foley's, etc.).
It gets easier, and you will be an "old pro" at these things by the time you graduate.
Amy

[melsman1904]

I'm right there with you-transitioning from Fundamentals to Med-Surg. Don't sweat it...we are, after all, there to learn so it is expected that we won't be proficient on day 1.

[nurse2be09]

This is the reason why I suggested in my thread that every nursing student should work as a tech during nursing school.

I have found that my experience as a tech has helped me so much with my clinicals. Prior to nursing school, I had NO experience in the medical field at all. Working as a tech PRN has helped me so much with my nursing skills. I have actually inserted foleys (as a tech and nursing student). I am also in the process of sitting with our unit secretary to learn how to read orders, which from what I understand will be so helpful as a nurse.

[liltweedy03]

I am also in this same transition. It seems like a lot of work, but I am determined to make it. Nursing is the only thing I can see myself doing. I will just push forward towards my goal of becoming a nurse.

[Carebear77]

I just started med surg today and was freaking out. Our instructor and dean of nursing told us this is the semester that makes or breaks someone. I'm sweating bullets now.
I appreciate this thread and advice given, def. has eased my mind a bit

[dolcebellaluna]

Originally Posted by Carebear77

I just started med surg today and was freaking out. Our instructor and dean of nursing told us this is the semester that makes or breaks someone. I'm sweating bullets now.
I appreciate this thread and advice given, def. has eased my mind a bit

How was class? Do you start clinicals right away?

[Carebear77]

Originally Posted by dolcebellaluna

How was class? Do you start clinicals right away?

Class was ok, it was the first day back so I'm sure it will get more intense next week. We have 2 days of clinicals (once a week, tom. and next wednesday) and then clinicals start the week after. I'm so nervous about that.