First clinical today

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Was wonderful! Today was my first day in the hospital on the Med Surg floor. It was beyond amazing. I just wanted to come share my experience and maybe hear some other stories as well.

I started out so ridiculously nervous, we had to go meet our patients the day before and it took me 20 minutes just to gain the courage to knock on the door. When I finally did it took me about 10 seconds to get out and take a breathe. I felt like an idiot.

I went home and just decided that I was gonna go in today, own it and be confident even if I had no idea what was going on (I swear this is the best advice I have ever taken). It helped so much. I basically talked myself to sleep figuring out what I was going to say and do when I walked in my patient's room the next day. I got to do my first med, an IM injection, got to watch a PICC line inserted, NG tube insertion, fingersticks, IV, it was so exciting. I loved my patient, and felt like interacting with them came really easy. I know it might not seem like much but for me it was great.

And here I am basically dripping with excitement for my next one (which is a whole two weeks away!!) It was just an experience I am happy to say I made a career path. I am hoping this feeling stays with me throughout my career, It really reassured me that this is what I want to do. I saw a few nurses who just seemed burnt out...I have to say it worried me a bit. But nonetheless I am stoked!!!

Just wanted to share and brag a bit!!!

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Specializes in ED.

LOL, my first clinical day, my partner and I had to go get our instructor because the patient's door was closed and we didn't know what to do. It makes me laugh now, first clinical days are always so exciting/stressful, glad yours went well!

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.
:cool: thumbs up! welcome to nursing
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I love the excitement! I'm very happy for you and hope you continue sharing your experiences.

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My first day of clinical as a student we got the tour, and then went to pass breakfast trays. One of my classmates found her patient stone cold dead in the bed.

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Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.

LOL! wow...

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My first day of clinical as a student we got the tour and then went to pass breakfast trays. One of my classmates found her patient stone cold dead in the bed. [/quote']

One of my classmates (the youngest age-wise and life-experience wise) found her patient masterbating!

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WOW is right! Mine was memorable but not THAT memorable haha.

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My first day of clinical I had a patient who had c.diff and had just came off hand restraints but I really learn a lot that day, will never forget that patient...I truly learn about the "art" of nursing on that day! I looked like a deer in headlights when I got morning report from nurse

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