clinicals

[JNH]

Since I just started college I was wondering what I will be doing when I start my clinicals. Can anyone give me some information on what we do?

Jenna

[Donnetterr]

I hope you are enjoying your classes. I'm a senior, and at my school, clinicals began in the first semester of our junior year. We went to clinicals in groups of 10, and during our time "on the floor" we worked with patients by providing assistance with activities of daily life (such as bathing, bed making, bathroom assistance, ambulating, etc.). As we progressed we started helping with passing medications, performing assessments, computerized charting, and patient education. We have been placed in med/surg, pediatrics, mother/baby, and mental health/psychiatric. Med/surg is a general area, and you will encounter a variety of patients facing complex (some more than others) health situations.

The best piece of advice I can give you is to listen to the wisdom of the CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and anyone else willing to help you learn. All members of the healthcare team have a lot of knowledge, and if you demonstrate that you have a good attitude, you will find many professionals that will take you under their wings. Good luck!