GI Surgery Clinical??

[carlyc93]

I'm a first semester nursing school student and we just got out assignments for our first clinical. Unfortunately, I got stuck in the GI Surgery clinical, which was one of my last choices. I'll be in this clinical for the entire fall semester. Has anyone here taken a GI clinical/been on a GI floor for clinical at some point? What did you do? Did you like it? Any responses would be appreciated because I have no idea what to expect in this clinical and am wondering how good or bad it will be!

[Tinker88]

I know you are unhappy with your placement, but this is a learning opportunity. Take it and make the best of it! You may be surprised about your experience and like it. If you don't like it then at least you know you don't. :)

[phuretrotr]

I spent half a semester on a GI floor and it wasn't too bad. Actually, probably the most laid back floor, patients and nurse wise (the nurses were very kind), I have had yet in clinical. You say it is a GI surgery unit, not sure if that includes regular GI patients or those only with surgery.

From my experience on a GI floor, the patients had a lot going on with them. You'll probably see a few gastric bypass surgeries, bowel resections, infections, ect.

You may think now that you won't like it, I know I thought the same when I saw my placement, but it actually taught me quite a lot. There seemed to be a lot going on that allowed me to learn about GI issues that aren't really emphasized in lecture. Also, my GI patients seemed like they really enjoyed talking to someone, I don't know why I feel these types of patients felt more like talking to me than other patients on other units, but I do...

Good luck, you'll learn a lot!