clinicals start tuesday - need advice!

Busia · Jul 10, 2009

I just finished up my clinicals a week ago, and passed my state test this past Tuesday. DON'T WORRY! Clinicals are such an awesome experience. Most of the residents absolutely loved having us there, and most were very patient with us, even encouraging us and telling us how good we're doing. If there are any skills you are concerned about performing in clinicals, don't worry, you kinda go into overdrive when you start doing those skill on a real resident, and forget that you were even nervous about it! Enjoy your clinical time, it goes by fast! And you'll do great!

Jillian01520 · Jul 10, 2009

I just finished my first week of clinicals and believe what they say when you are told class is nothing like the "real world" oh you need to practice the 7 principles of care always, but even our instructor told us, it's not going to be perfect lile it was when we were doing our skills.

At our clinical site, the residents get bed baths 2x a day, in the morning and at night. Well after we helped them with dinner, took out 20 min-1/2 hr dinner, get them to the bathroom and in bed, they were all falling asleep. Most of them slept through the entire bed bath, I felt awfull having to turn them, and only having the bath blanket on them, when all they wanted to do was go to sleep.

Anyway, yes the 1st day is nerve wracking, but the 2nd day you'll have it down.

TinaWright · Jul 10, 2009

Be calm, be yourself and ask for help if you need it. You will have other students with you that feel the same way. You'll be fine and will do well. Good luck and have fun with it!

nkara, CNA · Jul 10, 2009

Don't be nervous. The facilities you go to are used to having students there. The residents love having new people to chat with and they will tell you what they want done. You won't be left alone and ask any questions you need to. Have fun... it will be the only time you can "take your time" with the residents too.

Karla.S · Jul 10, 2009

I am going onto my second round of clinicals tomorrow all day and let me tell you, there's nothing to worry about! Like many have said, the residents are used to new students coming in and are so cheery to see new faces! I was really suprised at how many people were saying hi to us as we walked in the door. They joke around and laugh with you too, it makes it seem easier! You'll do fine!! :)

tishirajan · Jul 11, 2009

Clinicals are not bad at all. You will learn so much and it will be a great experience. You are going to do fine. Just ask questions when you don't understand something and all will be well.

Good luck to you and let us know how it goes!

Tom1988 · Jul 11, 2009

Your first day of clinicals will most likely just be an orientation day to help familiarize everyone with the facility. Your instructor will go over what is expected out of the students, facility policies, etc. Remember you are there to learn. Don't be afraid to ask questions and express any concern with your instructor. Take advantage of your clinical experience and don't slack off. Now will be the time to build up your confidence. A patient will be hesitant of a student who seems nervous and lacks self motivation. As long as you know your skills and apply them to the clincal setting, you will be fine. Just acquaint youself with each resident before providing care. Introduce yourself and let them know what you will be doing. And remember, a resident has a right to refuse care. If they do so, don't feel bad. Just move on and continue on with your clinical experience. Have fun!

futuresobright · Jul 13, 2009

thanks for all the encouragment! i REALLY appreciate it! :)

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Jul 13, 2009

Based on my clinical experience I would say:

This is your opportunity to practice your skills, so get as much as you can. The CNAs you're shadowing have their own routine down and stopping to teach a student is not their priority. So you have to be proactive. Ask most of your questions during a quiet time (like right before supper). If you want to try a particular skill then this is the time to ask them the who/what/when for the task and if you can assist them or do it yourself (depends on your school policy I guess). When i did my clinical I felt like I was wasting a lot of time trying to keep up with the CNAs, who were zipping in and out of rooms at warp speed. Now I realize how busy they were, and how slowly we students were doing everything!

Not all the CNAs are going to be nice either. Get over it because that's practice for the job too! lol. Give them a break too. If you see them doing stuff that's not by the book, or acting unprofessional with a resident, let it go, as long as it isn't outright abuse. They know the residents better than you do, and no one does everything by the book because there isn't any time, and sometimes the real way makes more sense.

As long as you know how to do the skills for the test, you're all set. I doubt your test subject is going to be a frail, contracted little old lady who screams and pinches when you try to put her on a bedpan.