Advice for New BSN Student Going to First Clinical?

lcbradley · Dec 27, 2005

It's natural to feel nervous about something that is new to you. Have you ever worked in healthcare before? I found that this was very helpful to me. While I was teaching, I spent one summer becoming a patient care technician and even worked in the hospital. I also worked in a nursing home and an assisted living facility as a CNA. Don't worry. You will do fine. Just remember, you are not the only one there who is learning. During our first clinical assignment, my instructor allowed us to work with another student because he felt that we would encourage each other and be supportive. Patients whom I have dealt with have been wonderful because they truly love the special attention they receive.

lcbradley

wanna-be-nurse · Dec 28, 2005

Thanks that was actually helpful, especially about the patients, that is what I am most afraid of, the patients I guess.

BunnyRN · Dec 28, 2005

Take a deep breath!!! Before you know it will be all over when you start. First clinical students usually take the role of a nurse's aide by giving bedpan, making bed, emptying foley, assist client's with ADL's, , etc... In addition, you will administer medication, PO and injections, give food through nasogastric tube, change dressings, etc.. so don't be afraid. One trick I've learned during clinical is to stay calm and best of all be CONFIDENT. Even if you're afraid, don't let it be seen, especially by the patient, who then may feel uncomfortable of having you as his or her nurse. Not only the patient will see your fear, so will the INSTRUCTOR, and that's not a GOOD SIGHT!!!

I remembered a student whose lack of English, frustrated her client so much that the patient showed lack of interest in her care. Many of the patients I've worked with were pretty pleasant, but let's be real in this world that we live you find all types of people.

Oh, BTW bring your DRUG GUIDE, just in case you may be unfamiliar with some of the medications that your patient is on. This can also be found at the nursing station. Take initiative while you are at the clinical sites, believe your instructors make a note on that. For example, ask the instructor first if you may assist others in taking care of other clients. Every instructors are different, some are very difficult, and others are even much much more difficult. But just take every opportunity to learn and practice your nursing skills which will later on be very useful for the future.

Clinicals are the only time you can actually practice on a HUMAN.

Nursing labs have mannequins!!!

Good Luck at Lehman!!! :nurse:

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2005

Wow, that sounds like a heavy load. Good luck to you.

:)

purplemania, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2005

You can do it. We all did. take one day at a time.

It is a good idea to ask questions and not pretend you know what you really don't know.

BunnyRN · Dec 28, 2005

it is a good idea to ask questions and not pretend you know what you really don't know.

i agree with purplemania!!!

wanna-be-nurse · Dec 28, 2005

I love this site...you guys make this site so hospitable, thank you....so what would you say is the worst and best part of clinicals?

And please be honest...

ShayRN · Dec 29, 2005

I love this site...you guys make this site so hospitable, thank you....so what would you say is the worst and best part of clinicals?
And please be honest...

The worst part for me, a night owl, was the early mornings:roll I HATED them, lol. It was worse, too, because I worked every night until almost 5:30, so by the time I got home, cleaned up, ate and went for my assignment, it was after midnight before I was done with my care plans. So 7am came REAL soon. The best part was learning. Take in EVERYTHING. Ask the nurses on the floor if they are doing ANY procedures, to let you observe. Even something as simple as an NG tube flush, or to check for placement would be exciting for a first time in clinical. ALSO, enjoy your classmates, some will pass through your life, others will be friends forever, but your all in this together. People sometimes say that nurses eat their young (grrrr, I hate that expression:angryfire ,) but in my experience, while there are just plain ole nasty people out there, for the most part nurses are caring and fun loving. We enjoy having a good time at work with each other and our patients. :nurse: When students come around we love to share our knowledge and our experience. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

LeesieBug · Dec 29, 2005

My advice, take a deep breath and don't tie your shoes too tight! :lol2:

My first clinical day, I got there and noticed my feet were going numb/tingly. I had tied my shoes so tight that they were cutting off my circulation, I was so stinkin' nervous! :smokin:

Just rest assured that that first day is never actually as bad as the horrors we make up in our minds while waiting for it to arrive!

Good luck! You'll do fine!

PediRN2B2006 · Dec 29, 2005

Expect the unexpected. No matter how prepared you are, something will throw you for a loop. That's ok, just all a part of the learning experience and you just start going with the flow after a while. Best of luck! I was just as nervous as you. Now, only 4 months until graduation!!!!

MIA-RN1, RN · Dec 29, 2005

Bring a pocket calculator, your drug book, and small blank pocket-sized notebook to keep with you to write down vitals etc when you get them. And two black pens (retractable or with a top so you don't get ink on your whites when you pocket the pens)

Invest in some high-quality hand lotion, you'll be washing your hands a LOT and the hospital soap can do some serious damage to your skin.

Remember that you are there to learn and that you are not (can not!) be expected to know everything on your first clinical rotation. Keep your eyes open and ask questions. You'll do great! :)