First day of clinicals!!!

[coronel23]

I'm starting the nursing program this week coming up and I'm really nervous about clinical days. Does anybody have any advice I can use? Like what to expect? And how was your first day?

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

Expect to be a hands-on customer service representative, especially if you are starting at at LTC, SNF, nursing home, etc. Expect to take care of your patient(s) fully :). And, if you are working with the elderly, they are very sweet and kind, it might take awhile to get to them but you will, it will be a great experience. My first day? Our first day was orientation the whole day. The next day was super easy for me, probably cuz I'm used to it at work. Everyone is nervous, even I was (even being exposed to the setting), so it's not so bad. You're in it together with your classmates

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

The first few clinicals can be nerve racking! It takes some time to get used to touching patients and having to do things to them. Laugh your way through it. Always tell the patient what you are about to do so they will have some warning. Ask questions and volunteer to help, even of it's giving a bed bath. Make sure when you see the nurse you are assigned to do something, go with them. And never question why your nurse is doing something in front of the patient or their family. If you want to know why they did something a certain way, ask them when you are alone.

[coronel23]

Thanks for the advice :) I think km just nervous about having the patient nurse interaction or forgetting to do stuff.