Apprehensive about my first clinical!

[ErinRN2B]

I had my orientation for my first clinical yesterday and had a tour of the facility. It's at a nursing home, and I have to say that I was a little taken aback. I have no experience whatsoever with geriatrics. Many of the patients couldn't speak or respond to the charge nurse who was giving us the tour when she asked them questions. It almost seemed like she was patronizing them.

I want to come out of this rotation with some good experience and a positive attitude. I know I'm not the only one in my clinical group who's nervous about starting - does anyone with experience working in geriatrics have any advice?

[Christine2009]

When I started clinicals we were also in a LTC and was shocked. But, found that the first rotation was straight basic patient care, so I just dug in and did it. After that experience, going to more advance procedures...suctioning, wound care, etc. seemed to be a breeze for me. I now can say that I appreciate all the work that CNA's do.

I suggest that you embrace every clinical rotation and try to learn what you can from the nurses there at the facility. Everytime the nurse would come in to do something, I would ask her to show me what she was doing. I would take notes and now use that information in my rotations.

Working with geriatric patients can be depressing, but rewarding at the same time. For instance, the day you get one of your non verbal patients to smile. Treat them as you would treat a family member in that situation.

Best of luck to you and HTH!