encouragement for first clinical

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Feb 6, 2005

I am so nervous!! I am starting my first rpn clinical next week.
How did you all get through your first day? Did you feel like you knew anything? I have my orientation tomorrow ( it's a ltc placement) and my first shift is Wednesday. I haven't met the rpn I am paired with but I think they said I will meet her tomorrow. They haven't said much about what we will be doing except that we will observe the rpn role in that facility. Does anyone have any advice on how to get the most out of my clinical hours? Maybe some stories about yours? I guess we all go through the jitters at first but I feel better having allnurses to share how I feel.
Thanks for listening.

Oh, how well I remember that first clinical day.......It was late October, and as I put on my student uniform for the very first time, I felt like the world's biggest fraud!! Here I was, thirty-six years old, dressing up as a nurse for Halloween.......I almost quit right then and there.

Then, to make matters worse, one of the CNAs called out as our clinical group marched through the facility: "Oh, look, here come the baby nurses!" That was exactly what I felt like, too; I didn't know anything about taking care of people, and there were all these nursing-home residents sitting around the halls in their wheelchairs and geri-chairs, goggling at us, most nodding approvingly at our starched white uniforms and neatly restrained hair.

That was ten years ago, and all I can say is, I'm glad I didn't give up. You will be too, ten years from now when you're an experienced nurse looking back on your clinical days. You'll get over the nervousness.....trust me. :)

NCLEX_CareBear · Feb 6, 2005

Hi! I remembered my first day of clinical. I was also really nervous. I didn't know what to expect. I don't think I slept much the night before either. Too nervous to sleep. =) Here are some advice for you:

* Eat breakfast. Or at least bring a snack for later on in the morning.

* Arrive on-time and dress appropriately. Come prepare. Bring paper and pen. Wear a watch.

* Ask questions. If you don't understand something...ASK! The only stupid question is the one you didn't ask.

* Find out from your school what you are and are not allowed to do at clinical. For example, I wasn't allowed to start IVs.

* To ensure you get the most out of your clinical...communicate with your preceptor. Tell him/ her what your learning objectives are for the day; what tasks/ skills you want to do today.

First day is nerve racking. We've all been there...and survived. YOU WILL TOO!!! Good luck!

loriangel14, RN · Feb 6, 2005

Thanks for the replies and the advice. I expect I will feel like a complete fraud dressed up like a nurse.:rotfl: I had already thought about the breakfast thing. I am not a brekkie person but I will have force some food into my queasy stomach. I guess you are right about communicating with my rpn what my learning goals are.I have worked as a PSW for 5 yrs so I am not uncomfortable with the personal care part. My teacher says that she has outlined the expectations with the rpns we are matched up with. They are not supposed to be using us as extra aides, but having us observe their jobs.

mjlrn97 I can identify with the age thing, I am 39! My one of my teachers is only 30 and she works at the facility where the placement is and is doing the orientation.

Thanks for the support.