Clinical suggestions

Clovery · Sep 10, 2011

My first clinical was in a nursing home too. For the most part, the residents really like having the nursing students and, if your instructor wants to ease you into things like mine did, they'll assign you a patient who is capable of telling you their daily routine and exactly what you need to do to assist with their ADLs. I never had to do much paperwork there, besides recording vitals. What kind of paperwork are you expected to do at your first clinical?

geneva007 · Sep 10, 2011

Thank you for your response! We have about 14 papers to fill out concerning skin integrity, cardiovascular assessment, respiratory assessment etc. Basically assessments Subjective/Objective of all the body systems including neurological and ADL's.

Clovery · Sep 10, 2011

I'm sure it'll be fine if it's your first clinical... just go over your papers beforehand and be sure to ask your instructor if anything is unclear. It might be helpful to make multiple copies of the papers or have a small notepad to take notes on so when you do the "official" documentation it'll be more neat and organized.

It does sound overwhelming, though! My first time all I had to do was help the residents with dinner, do vitals and then PM care. Good luck!