About to start clinicals... A little freaked out!

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Ok, freaked out is a bit of an understatement. I'm a nervous wreck. I'm in an online FNP program (University of South Alabama) and I am feeling a little alone. I have to find preceptors, get contracts signed, and dive into clinicals all within the next month. I also need to go and buy some 'professional' clothes and labcoats. I guess I'm just a bit overwhelmed. I've been doing didactics only for the past year, but I in NO WAY feel ready for clinicals. :eek:

Does anyone have any words of wisdom or encouragement? I'm such a wreck... Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated! :D

OK..I am at USA as well...started my last semester of clinicals this past week...Please let me know if I can help with any advice on preceptors. I am in your region. Loved getting back in the clinical setting..hope you have had a good experience so far..

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Ok, I think this will be my 15th post, and if I remember correctly, I will be able to finally send a PM!! Woot woot!!:yeah:

Anyhow, BlessedX3, watch for a message from me, because I am in need of your help big time!!

Going to start my preceptor hunting on Friday with a co-worker and fellow classmate at USA. I need recs for my 5 observation days.

I'm praying to overcome these nerves and get excited. I'm just so doggone scared! Glad to hear that it's normal to be feeling like this (petrified).

I'll keep you updated, but for right now, I'm just peeing my pants every time I think about it. :eek:

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I PM'd you some good info!:)

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I stayed freaked out the whole time. I just couldn't imagine myself actually going to work and doing this stuff on my own. I felt dumb as dirt. (and I had excellent preceptors, very user friendly). I just wanted to get it over with and see how bad I would fall on my face when i got a job.

But guess what, I was so terrified before I started my NP job but it all falls in place. You do learn some stuff in school even though it feels like you don't. Once you start working you seem to just know it. When I was studdying for boards I would be trying to memorize the smallest things and couldn't keep them in my head, but when I started to work on my own It was just there and I remembered it with no problem.

Just go with the flow and everything will be fine.

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too funny...one of my 1st days in the speciality I work in(which is like being a student again) I wa staring so intently at the chart that I said my name is ...and I blurted out the patients name...thank god we all laughed about it and I brushed it off but boy did I feel I had to walk an uphill battle after that

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I stayed freaked out the whole time. I just couldn't imagine myself actually going to work and doing this stuff on my own. I felt dumb as dirt. (and I had excellent preceptors, very user friendly). I just wanted to get it over with and see how bad I would fall on my face when i got a job.

But guess what, I was so terrified before I started my NP job but it all falls in place. You do learn some stuff in school even though it feels like you don't. Once you start working you seem to just know it. When I was studdying for boards I would be trying to memorize the smallest things and couldn't keep them in my head, but when I started to work on my own It was just there and I remembered it with no problem.

Just go with the flow and everything will be fine.

yes...great advice it was very nerveracking because you go from knowing it (as an experienced nurse) to feeling dumb every day ! Everyone went through it and you will be great

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, CCRN-CMC (critical care).

Nervous is a good thing - it will keep you honest, humble, and on your toes. Use your preceptors, that's what they're there for. They know you're nervous so tell them what you need - ask them to come do your first couple of H&Ps with you, and give you pointers to improve. Then gradually work your way up to the point where you're doing the exams on your own and presenting to them, etc. You'll need their support, validation, and expertise a lot in the beginning and will find a way that works for both of you (or all of you) to wean that down gradually as you gain confidence in yourself and they in you.

In all honesty, you're not gonna suddenly not be nervous after you graduate. I've interviewed for 2 jobs so far and I'm scared out of my wits about the prospect of actually getting one... while I'm no longer a student, I AM a brand new NP, and my first year to two years on the job (per what I've heard from many other NPs) will be very much like being a student or like my first couple of years as a RN were... full of nerves, uncertainty, and feelings of inadequacy. That, too, will pass...

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