Clinical Question

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Hello! I know this has been asked multiple times, but I'm looking for some updated or newer responses! How do you prepare for clinicals? What extra things to bring (if any). Any tips or tricks to getting the most out of your clinical experience? Thanks so much!

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Specializes in Education, research, neuro.

Good stethoscope, ballpoint pen, pen-light, bandage scissors and I recommend hemostats. Also a watch with a sweep second hand. If you use a watch with the digital display you'd be surprised how many patients will have a pulse of 60.

Probably a good pharmacology source (either a book or hopefully your clinical site will have "Micromedix" available on their internet.) You need to know why you're giving the medications you'll give and what precautions to take, what side-effects to watch for.

That's probably a start but... CHECK YOUR SYLLABUS. That's where your instructor should spell out that which he/she wants you to bring to clinicals.

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Thank you! I appreciate the response! Pardon my ignorance but what is a hemostat?

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Specializes in Hospice.

I've had two semesters of clinicals and haven't used a hemostat yet..... In your first semester all you will need is steth, your BP cuff if your instructor doesn't want you using the vitals machines, a closed clipboard for your clinical paperwork, ink pen, penlight, paper, maybe a drug book if you are passing meds first semester. Bottle of water, snack.....

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I bring my stethoscope, pen light, watch with second hand, drug guide, a couple pens and a brain sheet. And mints. I like to keep it simple so I can keep everything with me in my pockets. (Except drug guide)

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Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

Know your drugs.

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Specializes in Education, research, neuro.

Hemostats are like little pliers that lock (Where they sell scissors, they'll be probably in the same display). I use mine a lot because I have arthritis in my hands.

We don't let students have their own sphygmomanometers for a couple of reasons. When different machines are used to take a blood pressure they should be calibrated to each other. So if the BP is up we don't know if it's up or if your instrument is reading it higher. Also do you use the same cuff on multiple patients? If so, not sure I like that idea from a standpoint of infection control.

Anyhow... back to OP. Check the syllabus and talk to your upper classmen and you'll know what you need for your clinical.

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