Advice for starting clinical!

Countrym101 · Jun 26, 2016

Honestly you don't want to bring too much, unless you have a safe place to keep them. You're not able to physically look at an iPad, or really pull out a book while you're in a patient's room talking to them. Work on your therapeutic communication with your patient. They love just talking to the students and that's when you'll learn most. I usually would bring a nurse "dictionary" that would fit in my pocket and not wear me down too much. Look for something small that has lab values, EKG readings, assessment tips, etc. The lab values are especially important.

LeChien, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2016

Our school gave us a list of what items to bring/not bring.

BrandNewShoes · Jun 26, 2016

Thanks for your response! A few of us bought clinical reference books that may be helpful if we need to look something up quickly. It's always nice to get advice rom those who have already experienced it.

Countrym101 · Jun 26, 2016

Yes those will help! And usually the units you're on will have a Davis drug guide available for you to look up info about your patients meds.

dressagerdr · Jun 26, 2016

The only book I've ever actually used in clinical is a pediatrics anesthesia and drug book. I've found that I'm too busy getting ready for the case, doing the case, and getting ready for the next one to spend too much time flipping through books. There's a good app called Vargo Anesthesia that my classmates and I use pretty regularly; I find it's quick and to-the-point, with valuable information about cases. It was only about $40. Just make sure your site and your CRNA for the day is okay with you having your phone with you as a reference; it hasn't been a problem for me, but you never know.

Otherwise, the advice I can offer is to get yourself a good pair of compression stockings and shoes. Always wear your stethoscope; I can't tell you how many times I've had MDAs grab mine from me since they never seem to have their own. Make sure to have a stash of pens in your locker, it's amazing how they just walk off. I invested in a clipboard with a calculator built-in for the whopping price of $15; it's been invaluable. I typed up a template to use to keep track of the info needed for Typhon that I always keep on my clipboard to track my cases for the day. Also, I like to always have a blank piece of paper on my clipboard for writing down notes about cases or things I'd like to look up once I get home and can sit down and digest the information.

And most importantly, be a sponge. You're going to have a crapton of info thrown at you, and it's going to be overwhelming. It gets better. Stay humble, stay interested, stay motivated. Help your clinicalmates, and they'll help you. I found that establishing a routine and organization in the morning during set-up is key to getting a good, smooth start to your day which should hopefully transmit into a good day overall. You'll be amazed how much you'll learn and grow in just a few months.

Best of luck!

Kuriin, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2016

edit: Wow just realized this was in SRNA...so, yeah, nevermind on my suggestions. Lol!

akkl · Jun 28, 2016

Oops sorry left a long comment, but then realized it was in the wrong section!

BrandNewShoes · Jun 28, 2016

@dressagerdr, thank you so much for this post! This information is extremely helpful! Even though I'm extremely nervous to start clinical, I'm really looking forward to it. Thanks again!

jj224 · Jun 28, 2016

I have laminated flash cards with dosages, mechanism of action, adverse effects, etc for our anesthesia meds. The only book I have with me is Pocket Anesthesia which has some good tips for cases. Other than that, I recommend getting there earlier than you have to so you have plenty of time to do your machine check, look up your patient history, meds, labs, calculate your fluid plan, and draw up appropriate induction meds. Know your intubation doses while you're drawing up your meds so you have more if needed. Have your airway stuff ready to go and don't forget to turn on the vent after you've attached your circuit! So many people get so excited to get their intubation they forget the simple stuff. Also - be prepared to have crappy days - i had a terrible day yesterday where I felt like I couldn't do anything right. Shake it off and start the next day like it didn't happen. Good luck!