FAILED first clinical evaluation head to toe

[jpd1g]

I FAILED my first clinical evaluation. The next one is my final one, and if I fail it, I fail the course.

Without going into too much detail, I was not scheduled for this particular evaluation on that day, but due to a mistake in the schedule, I was selected as the "lucky one" and moved to do my evaluation at the very first day of clinical. I was notified about 12 hours before the day. I couldn't do anything about it.

On that day, I had no choice but to cram and rush because there was so much going on, there were other students who had to be evaluated too and I only got the chance to do the cephalocaudal assessment at about an hour before we are supposed to be out of the facility.

Amongst all the other stuff I forgot to do or assess (there were a lot), I missed critical things such as wearing gloves. I did wash my hands. The biggest thing I missed was VS. Yup, that's right. VS. The whole thing. I forgot to bring in the machine inside with me, and just forgot it. I think it also did not help that I have never used one before. I just remember being spooked/deer and headlights feeling the whole time I was doing the assessment. I could not be more embarrassed and humiliated. I might have as well just jumped out the window.

Right now, some time has passed but I still feel completely mortified. While I am determined to get more practice, I am most afraid of becoming so nervous at my final evaluation that I screw it up again. I was already so anxiety-ridden at my first one, but now I cannot imagine feeling any better on my final one. In fact, I feel somewhat traumatized by what happened. I know there is no way that I will be able to keep calm or completely focused on the next one. I will be so filled with fear of failing for sure.

I just would like to hear if anybody had a similar experience with mine. What did you do to overcome? I also want to hear other students' thoughts regarding my situation. I would like to hear from everyone.

Thank you very much in advance.

[andrea3434]

They never gave you a chance to practice on a VS machine before a test out???

I have failed test outs before on the first time, but never because I wasn't given ample time to practice (failed because dumb errors on my part).

The best thing you can do is practice so much that it is second nature. So sorry this happened!

[jvanwoman]

Well, on a good note, a head to toe assessment is pretty basic/ almost common sense when you aren't stressed about passing/failing. I remember how flustered I got during my check-off, though! Just get some practice in (on family and friends) and literally go from head to toe.

[NICUismylife, ADN, BSN, RN]

Figure out a systematic way to do it (everyone has their own way that makes sense to them), then do it that way every time. Practice, practice, practice. I practiced on my kids every day. As I was falling asleep at night, or driving in the car, I'd run through my routine in my brain, or say it out loud as if I was doing it. It became routine. When I did my test off, I was crazy nervous at first, but as I started going, my routine took over and it was automatic. The instructor said she had never seen a more perfect head-to-toe. Is it because I'm a badass? NOPE! I just practiced my butt off until it was a part of me.