what to expect on the "big day"

Clovery · Sep 10, 2011

My instructor was really nice. We were at a nursing home and we were partnered with another student. It was at night so we helped the residents with dinner, feeding those who couldn't feed themselves, then we did vitals, and "PM care" which is just helping them wash up and change for bed. Our instructor talked to the nurses before assigning us patients and made sure we got easy ones, who were okay with nursing students and could tell us how we could help them with their routines.

Since you'll be in a hospital, it'll probably be a little different. Unless you've already done a lot of lab work and are capable of giving meds, doing assessments and vitals, I can't imagine they'll have you doing much more than feeding, bed baths, reading charts, looking up the drugs the patients are on, getting pitchers of water/ice, emptying bed pans, etc. Just try to relax - they know everyone is nervous.

SnMrsSmiley · Sep 11, 2011

thanks for replying! we have done extensive work in lab already. So far i am "checked off" for bed/bath, vitals, sterile wound care, Enema, and foley caths.

Our instructor said that we would be able to perform any of these duties in clinical if needed so Im expecting a good deal of work to go into it. Im just nervous and needing some "you can do it" type things lol. I love to read other peoples first clinical day experiences too it helps me to mentally prepare :)

thanks again!

butterfly134 · Sep 11, 2011

To be honest my first day is a bit of a blur but I remember being quite nervous. I was introduced to the other members of staff. I don't think much was expected of me on my very first day. I observed and followed my preceptor ( which is an RN-im in ireland...things are a bit different, but still a BSN) I watched her take vital signs, she showed me how to work the bp machine and watched while I did it and Im pretty sure she showed me how to chart the vital signs, even though we learned in college. I helped with bed baths and toileting although I was shown everything first and not really thrown into the deep end which was good! People were generally quite friendly and helpful.....especially the older students. Best of luck :) It'll be fun!! I cant wait to get back out onto the wards :)

tkm2005 · Sep 11, 2011

You'll probably do a lot of standing around, bed baths, and bed changes. Nothing to be nervous about. If you do get nervous, ask your instructor for help, that's what she's there for. More than likely you'll have a partner too, so don't sweat it. Just go in there and be the best nurse you can be!

jbee · Sep 12, 2011

My first clinical was in a nursing home and for the first week we were paired with another student with a "complete care" patient. With the help of the clinical instructor, we did vitals, turns, feeds, etc. The clinical instructor helped us every bit of the way- although we had done these things in a lab setting, it's very different with real live patients!

My first hospital clinical was on a medical floor. The first day the clinical instructor showed us around the unit and assigned us to an RN who acted as a preceptor for the day- just to get the feel of the unit and to see how a day runs from beginning to end. For the rest of the first week we were all assigned really 'easy' patients so that we could get used to the floor, learn where to find items, observe things like VAC dressings, etc. Once again, the clinical instructor (and the nurses!) helped and/or supervised us whenever necessary... nothing to worry about!

Also, prior to getting started on the floors, a lot of clinical instructors like to meet with their students as a group and discuss what you're going to see and general expectations- I always found that this calmed my nerves, hopefully it helps you, too.

As the previous posters have said, try not to be nervous! I know it's easier said than done (I swear, I didn't sleep a wink the night before ANY clinical I ever had), but clinical instructors are there to help and guide you. They are NOT going to let you get in over your head... ask them, your assigned RN/LPN, or even another student if you have any questions or need any help.

Have fun and good luck!

Student1989 · Sep 12, 2011

For my first clinical day we were on a TCU unit. It was kind of overwhelming at first, but you will get used to it fast. I'm going into leadership and were going to be a Christ hospital in Cincinnati, Oh. We get to do more in Cincinnati opposed to the other hospitals I have been to for my rotations. You will have fun and learn alot though. :)