Discouraged about clinicals

ashulee89 · Mar 9, 2012

I've been there. I think its normal to feel down when everyone else has moved on, but i think the best thing to do is focus on yourself. Take it one day at a time. Focus on your 5 rights and the reason as to why you almost made the med error to prevent it from happening. Try not to think about how you haven't passed to check offs and everyone else has, in my opinion it only makes matters worse. Focus on passing the checks. I'm in my second semester and in med surg as well and that is something I had to realize. I go at my own pace. I may take a little longer than others but i'm GOING to pass it. Just know you aren't alone! Hope that helps. :)

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2012

students make errors, and instructors are there to catch them. not an epic fail by any stretch of the imagination. as to the rest: practice, practice, practice.

tell yourself that these are skills we teach lay people, and they learn it, and you can too. remember what it is about the skill that is hard to grasp, so you can empathize with a patient later and perhaps head off a mistake he's about to make because you made it once. no experience is ever wasted.

Mike R, ADN, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2012

If I may ask, what do you think your weaknesses are? It's hard to overcome a difficulty if you don't know where to begin.

I<3PedsRN · Mar 10, 2012

thanks guys :) it just helps to be less discouraged when you hear about others experiences. I do try and tell myself not to worry about what everyone else is doing. my weaknesses are mostly skill related so practicing would be a really good idea. I should take time in the remediation room at school. I also feel pressured to go quickly with my meds, and I should just slow down and focus. My organization is off sometimes too. I have made some adaptations like making lists and putting sticky notes on my reminder sheet to help remember certain things. I'm doing well in theory , (isn't that always the case) and just so frustrated with my performance! I wish I had more than 2 days a week of clinicals it's just not enough time to master tgese skills. I applied for the externship this summer and hope I get it as I think it will help boost my confidence.

grpman · Mar 10, 2012

I actually run through mock scenarios before every clinical. I obviously can't see everything that will happen that day, but I do know that every day I'll give meds. I practice what I will say, what I'll explain, etc. It makes me feel a little better prepared. Being better prepared equals less stress which in turn equals less mistakes. After awhile I'll stop this b/c I feel like I have it down and then I'll start practicing something else. It works for me, but nothing is better than doing it over and over thousands of times.

Experience often masquerades as genius. Once you have done it for awhile, you'll feel a lot better. Hang in there.

I<3PedsRN · Mar 10, 2012

Thank you grpman. So grateful for this group forum. it is nice to have a supportive place to talk and express feelings. :loveya: