What to expect in clinicals?!

[Froyoagogo]

Hey guys I just finished my last semester of pre-reqs this summer and in a few weeks I will begin my 1st of 4 upper division semesters. Everyone says that it's hard, but that doesn't tell me anything!!! What are the clinicals like? My schedule? The classes? I'm at Arizona State University doing my BSN. Out of all my prerequisites I got all A's and 1 B, will I survive upper division? In clinicals are you just shadowing for awhile or are you taking care of patients right away? Any advice or tips is appreciated!

[TexRN, BSN, RN]

I have never done clinicals for nursing, but I did them for my lab tech school. It was basically like OJT. Not sure.

btw, I'm from AZ. Love it there. My best friend just graduated from ASU I think she's a counselor there! Ashley! Say hi from ratlady if you happen upon her.

[Julesmama28]

It really depends on where you are! We get assigned to groups of 7-9 people and one clinical instructor. Then we get scheduled to different areas of the hospital or community on specific days. Then we show up and have prepared information about our patient(s). Then we basically do all the care for that patient for our shift. Depending on what you've learned, we were able to do a lot. IVs, blood draws, vital signs, meds, assessments, etc.

It's nerve wracking but really cool if you get some good nurses to shadow. Jump in there and do what you've been taught! Don't be afraid to ask questions, everyone is learning. Good luck!

[elkpark]

In clinicals, you will be practicing in "real life" what you are learning in the classroom. Typically, clinicals start out pretty slow and work up over time -- you might be focusing primarily on assessment, vital signs, and personal care (baths, toileting) to begin with, and your responsibilities will grow as you get more experience. You will always have an instructor who is there to supervise you.

[DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN]

For me, clinicals are what makes the late night studying, all of the reading and the overall stress worth it. Like the pp said, it depends on your school, but for me, we did (2) 10 hour shifts are various locations in the health care field. Rotations in med-surg, OR, ER, ortho, psych, peds, gyn, L&D, home health and the list goes on and on. We shadowed a nurse for the whole day, watched what the did and even were able to preform procedures and assessments. It is an amazing time that truly gives you the nursing feeling.

Congrats on your admission. Good luck