Had first day of clinicals yesterday!!!

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Hey everyone! I had my first day of clinicals yesterday on an Ortho/Neuro floor. It wasnt that bad, although I didnt sleep a wink the night before. Now mind you, I have no PREVIOUS medical experience, (come from the corporate world) other than what I've learned so far in nursing school. Anyway, there were 2 student nurses paired up with a senior student nurse and we all shared our 2 patients. I gave two insulin injections, took vitals, listened to one patient's heart and actually heard a heart murmur and stated that, assisted with a bedbath, changed linen, helped positioned and turned one patient, did a sure step blood glucose on both patients, and just had very good patient interaction. Although our patients were very ill, they were grateful we were there to assist them. One patient even stated that he know we are students and to relax and we'll be ok and do just fine and this guy had +4 pitting edema in both legs as well as his scrotum (sp) was in a lot of pain and still had a sense of humor!

It's experiences like this that make me realize I choose the correct path. I am so grateful to these patients for understanding we are also trying to learn and they were willing to allow us to learn.

Can't wait until next semester! :monkeydance:

Congrats! They only get better because you get more and more independent. Keep us posted on how it goes! :monkeydance:

Specializes in ER/adult gero-NP.

Congrats! I cant wait till im there... I have a few questions for ya, Want type of program are you in (ADN, BSN, 2nddegree?) And how soon far into the program before you actually do your clinicals in a hospital. I am a hopefull fall07 nursing student, so any info is appreciated. Thanks!

Specializes in OB/Maternity.

I remember my first clinicals...I was scared to death. I also remember my last and it was very cool. I just finished nursing school in Feb 07 and just took the NCLEX yesterday. I wish you luck in all your clinicals,,,you'll have a blast. Good Luck

Congrats! I cant wait till im there... I have a few questions for ya, Want type of program are you in (ADN, BSN, 2nddegree?) And how soon far into the program before you actually do your clinicals in a hospital. I am a hopefull fall07 nursing student, so any info is appreciated. Thanks!

I'm in a BSN program and this is a second career for me. It is a traditional BSN program. I am a first semester nursing student and clinical was part of our foundations class. The only drawback is that we only get ONE day this semester in clinical, but starting in the fall, we'll have clinical twice a week.

Normally, my school will start off new nursing students in the nursing home, but decided with my class they will try something different this year. So, they started us right off in the hospital on the different floors. My clinical group got the Ortho/Neuro floor, while other groups got Med-Surg, Cardiac, and Oncology. We we actually paired with another student nurse (who is a senior) and I thought that worked out well.

I was scared to death with the thought of actually being on a hospital floor assisting patients because I have no previous medical experience, but it wasnt so bad. Plus, our patients really made a difference as well, since they were so understanding of our position and was more than willing to assist us in our learning.

They were also really encourging, although they were the ones who were sick. That was the part I enjoyed the most, just interacting with them and it made me get over my fears. I thought I would have a problem helping someone poop or urinate, but I jumped right in there and got over it. Plus, the patients positive attitude was a big plus.

Hang in there! You'll be there before you know it! Good luck to you!

It's great that the patients were so understanding and friendly, that makes a huge difference. I also have no medical experience and will start my accelerated BSN program in a few weeks. It was nice to hear of a positive experience, thanks for posting :)

Specializes in ER/adult gero-NP.

Thanks for posting a response so quickly. I hope you have many more smooth clinicals... :)

Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.
My clinical group got the Ortho/Neuro floor, while other groups got Med-Surg, Cardiac, and Oncology. We we actually paired with another student nurse (who is a senior) and I thought that worked out well.

We started first semester on med/surg and also med/oncology floors. I am amazed you were giving insulin so soon!! We didn't start doing that until well after the middle of the semester....

I think the pairing sounds like a terrific idea....I still feel so green and like I'm making it up as I go along since I had no one to role model for me how to do assessments, etc., in a timely manner.....that's still a huge issue for me....I'm doing an internship this summer and I'm hoping to get a better view of how to do this from the RN I'll be assigned to!!

Best wishes to you both!!

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