First clinical and I want to quit

[Burkeeexoh]

Today I had my second day at our clinical site. We only take care of one patient each day and it's been miserable for me. I haven't had a patient that is up to talking or communicating and I feel like I'm doing everything wrong. I definitely learn something new everyday I'm there, but I can't help but leaving thinking how horrible of a nurse im going to make or how much I hate clinical. Any advice? Would I know that I had it in me to be a nurse right away or is it something that takes time?!

[Everline]

As others have said, this is normal. There may be some people out there who will claim they loved every single clinical day in nursing school. But most of us had our ups and downs. One of my first clinical days, I came home, got in the shower and cried. I actually never got to the point where I loved clinical. But I did have good days mixed in with the not so good. The problem with clinical for me was having a clinical instructor over me, judging me and with the potential to fail me at any wrong turn...or at least that's how it felt. I have since graduated and would not want to go back and redo all that again. But I do look forward to building my own nursing practice. You will get through. Just take it easy on yourself. This is new to you. Give it time.

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

Don't get discouraged because it's way too early and I know exactly how you feel. My first clinical day I had one patient (as did all the other students) I really lucked out because I was assigned to the combative dementia patient that they sat it front of the nurses desk in the hospital with a wheel chair and a bedside table in front (apparently she needed to be monitored 24/7). Well, when I finally got her to go into her room so that I could do the assessment she slapped me. Then when I tried to help her with a bath she poured the bedside basin all over the front of my uniform before I knew what she was doing! I didn't want to go back but I did. Eventually clinicals got better and I've been doing this for years. If I had given up nursing and went back for something different based on that first experience I would have regretted it. You'll do fine, just give it time.

[XNavyCorpsman]

I am sure most new nursing students feel the same about beginning clinical. Talk with your instructor. Be open about how you feel. Remember this is all new and can be very intimidating at first. Remember to ask questions if you don't feel comfortable with something and never do something you are not allowed to do.