Feeling unmotivated

Nolli · Mar 2, 2014

I hear you. We had a rather interesting Med-Surg instructor as well. Everyone hated going to clinical because we were so afraid of getting our heads bitten off. She had already brought several people to tears and we all thought we were next. You can do this though. It does get better and you may not always have the scary instructors I've practically had teddy bears for my last two. I loved them and they never ever yelled at us or even said a stern word, yet they were able to correct any deficiencies all the same.

Couple things I've used over the course of that initial semester:

Make sure you dot the i's and cross the t's.

Following the protocols to the letter be it hand-washing, identification of patients, and 5 rights of meds even when you don't think someone is watching is paramount. Don't do anything you are not supposed to do even if the nurse allows you to do it (people have been dismissed before because our program did not allow it). This includes uniform standards and being prepared. Some instructors get incredibly angry over colored sneakers, nail polish, and long hair, or earrings. If you don't show respect for the little rules they might think you will show the same amount for the bigger ones. Or worse they may categorize you as unprofessional and first impressions sometimes have a bad habit of sticking.

Put yourself out there

I went out of my way during that clinical and volunteered for the harder assignments etc because I know that if I did mess up she would be less likely to overreact than if I didn't put myself out there all semester. That doesn't mean you always have to, but by asking questions and putting yourself out there instead of waiting for the experiences to come to you, it shows you really want to learn.

Asking for help

If you are unsure, first look it up. If you are still unable to find the answer tell them that. Explain I looked this up in my book, app, etc but its unclear and or wasn't there. By trying to find out before asking shows initiative instead of expecting to be spoonfed and is something they look for. However, you are a student, and some things you cant find in books. You will make mistakes, it is part of learning. Taking the time to admit you made one and ask for their help improving and preventing the mistake next time goes a long way.

I wish you the best. Hang in there, it does get better.

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Mar 2, 2014

Very familiar with burn out. Thank God for the small things like Spring Break this coming week. Although that will be spent studying for the two tests I have when we go back. Not much more to add, Nolli's advice was spot on, except that the cure for burn out is stress relief like exercise or doing something you like to do. For me, that is walking on the beach and looking for sea glass and sharks teeth! Hang in there and keep looking at the BIG PICTURE! (Which is you passing the NCLEX and becoming a nurse!)