DUMB question!! But really...

[itsnever2L8]

So when do you actually learn the procedures of things? During clinicals? I guess I'm just confused because I always here people say things like "well this semester during my med/surg clinicals" or "this semester in peds I'm doing". I guess I just thought the classes would be called Pediatrics in nursing etc. Is this a dumb question. I think it is, isn't it.

[nyteshade, BSN]

The first day on the job!

[blakese]

I guess that I have just been lucky. During my clinicals my instructors and some of the RN's made a point of finding things that we had not done on "live" pt's yet and taught us hands on. We were able to learn a lot. I know it is not even close to all we will be expected to know but it sure helps.

[itsnever2L8]

We had lecture class, and then we would practice in lab. We then checked off in clinical in front of our instructor, and then could do it on our own in clinical. The problem was that L&D, Peds, and psych were fast tracked and there were literally 4 clinical days. Needless to say we didn't do much there as far as skills. The first semester we basically got used to being in the hospital, taking vitals, and passing meds. The second semester was med/surg and everyone already had IV's, NG's etc so other than injections we didn't practice many new skills. The last semester I was lucky enough to get ER were I got to do IV's, NG tubes, foleys, pull out sutures etc. There were only a few spots, and I was lucky enough to get one. Most of my class graduated and had never done a real IV, or inserted a foley, NG tube etc. There is a giant difference between doing something to a dummie in the lab, and to a patient in the hospital. You also have to make sure your assertive in your clinicals. If you are shy, stand in the back, and don't take in on yourself to say "Hey I want to do this" a lot of times you will never get a chance.

Thank you and everyone else for the reply's. Yeah because I had no clue. Now one more question when you are doing all of the things you listed does your instructor always have to be present? I'd feel so nervous without them there! But I'm sure after doing it a few times it might not be so nerve racking!