First-Time Clinicals --Looking for Advice

Nursing Students General Students

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I've been an AllNurses reader for quite some time, and while I know that many perennial topics have been "discussed to death," I also know that new threads often elicit fresh thoughts from particularly nurturing colleagues both seasoned and new.

Soooo... what advice do YOU have for a BRAND-NEW, highly motivated, super-excited mid-life career-changing nursing student soon embarking on his/her first clinical assignment/adventure?

In an effort to connect you [virtually] with my current range of emotions,

please note the following: :eek: :blink: :nurse: :D :woot: :wideyed: :) :p :nailbiting: :bookworm: :snurse: :cool: :wacky:

There's no "Gary Busey meets the Amazon Fire Stick" emoticon, so please form your own mental image for purposes of this thread. (smile)

Specializes in ICU.

Your first clinical rotation will be mainly about learning assessment. You will get very good at it. Let the CNAs know you are there and ask what you can do to help. I did that every week. I got told my last day how I was their favorite student because I was so helpful. I got to do and see things my classmates didn't. I talked with the nurses and communicated with them. I learned about our residents and really and truly loved it in my facility.

My last day, I was met with one of the most awful code browns I had ever dealt with, but the resident felt comfortable enough with me to ask me for help. The smile on her face when we got her cleaned up and dressed made my day.

You will be nervous your first week and that's ok. It will get easier!

Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

Don't cross your clinical instructor.

Be humble.

Specializes in LTC.

1) Be helpful.

2) Unless urgency dictates, never interupt.

3) Smile.

4) Be humble.

5) Never miss an opportunity to learn, offer to do just about anything you are able to do.

6) Be nice to the CNA staff. Help them as well.

7) Ask if you don't know. There is no shame in not knowing.

8) Insert every single thing you can (foley, NG, IV) as often as you can.

9) Learn your critical lab values.

10) Don't participate in clinical drama/gossip.

11) Do not make your instructor angry. Seriously.

12) POKER FACE.

13) Feign confidence about things even if you are shaking inside the patient needn't know that.

1. Find a great nursing assistant at each clinical rotation and befriend them. They are invaluable and can really teach you a LOT! (these are the people who will teach you about the ins and outs of the unit, the politics, where the linens are, how to get a tray for a patient, etc. these are ESSENTIAL daily skills!).

2. ask EVERY question that crosses your brain. try to work with a variety of nurses in each clinical rotation so you will find people who teach you in different ways.

3. be prepared to absorb about 50% of everything that is going on. there is no way you will listen, hear, remember, write down, memorize, and retain EVERYTHING that will be happening!

4. Treat every patient and their families as if they were YOUR family. remember that even though YOU are supposed to know everything medical, they DON'T. use normal language. sit with them and explain things. answer their questions.

5. remember to keep a good sense of humor and be able to laugh at yourself.

i have been a RN-BSN for 17 years and am half-way through my FNP program. being a nurse is a super rewarding career. best of luck to you!

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