First day of clinicals on Monday... any advice?

[natd9]

Our first day was actually Friday, but all we did was sit around and do busywork, so no interaction with the residents. Each student is assigned to one resident on Monday, and we will have to do bed bath, shower, perineal care, transferring, etc. I'm a nervous wreck. It's one thing to practice in class on dummies and healthy people, but entirely different to work on the elderly people. The only thing that's going to keep me going is that I only have four more days of this clinicals, but I have to pass first. Please give me any advice, tips, whatever.

[danny8823]

im on my 2nd weeek of clinicals...my advice is to get as much as hands on experience as you can because thats all that matters during clinicals. And always ask a cna if u have questions or ask him / her to help you. I was nervous to but you just gotta do it

[Ev1987]

My experience with clinicals wasn't really that bad. I was also assigned one resident. The first day, we had to take notes on their diet, shower days, allergies, skin care and if they need assistance with ambulation. I didn't feel uncomfortable bathing the resident. Just follow the steps and rules that you were taught and everything will be just fine. Take this learning experience as a positive one, and don't be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help. The Resident's safety and care is top priority.

[Dorali, BSN, LPN, RN]

The best thing you could do is jump right in. You'll impress the people you're working with and surprise yourself! There's no better way to get past being nervous about something than just getting it over with.

Ask questions and pay attention. This is what you'll be doing when you start working.

[lina.561]

Aww dont be nervous;)! It was my first day in clinicals at a nursing home yesterday and I go back today! Im in the same boat.

I wasnt assigned to just one pt. We were paired up with a CNA who will walk you through the ADL's. It was very exciting and I was not nervous at all. Jus remember that they are humans to, just like you, and they just need a little assistance thats all. Just greet them and do your thing!

I was answering call lights and Kept my eye on this little guy with Dementia who kept getting out of his wheelchair. Pay attention to those alarms! You'll do just fine! I like feeding them they are tooo cute!!

I even polished finger nails- thats always fun. We did a bed bath, and shower baths. Peri care and changed the briefs, hair care, Denture care, record Intake during Dinner time, I even did a mechanical lift to a lady with the CNA!

Good Luck to you. DONT BE NERVOUS its fun!

Your teacher will check up on you from time to time.

[sakura_k]

I have three bits of advice:

1. Be fearless...you'll get more hands-on experience if you push yourself to be the volunteer, to be the first to take on more than one resident, etc.

2. Always carry a ballpoint pen. :)

and

3. Ask questions if you aren't sure.

When I did clinicals, I was told by the staff and my clinical instructor that the residents LOVED students because it was someone new and exciting and fun. Keep that in mind and go in with a smile - yes, you're there to learn but you're also there to care for these people and brighten their day. :)

[muffinCNA15]

do as much as you can, if they need help giving a shower or feeding or taking vitals, do it!! :)

try to get experience with the hoyer lift, transferring, bed baths, and making occupied beds.

a personal opinion--if you are assigned to a CNA & if he/she isn't really teaching you anything, ask you instructor if there is another CNA avail.

[aztova]

Bring a big jar of Vicks because some of the smells that you are about to experience are enough to make you barf.

[aztova]

And I think that if you are lucky enough to get a CNA who doesn't make you do a bunch of nasty stuff then you should stick with them!! I never planned on working in a LTC facility so I just wanted to get through the awful 12 hour clinical days.

[lina.561]

And I think that if you are lucky enough to get a CNA who doesn't make you do a bunch of nasty stuff then you should stick with them!! I never planned on working in a LTC facility so I just wanted to get through the awful 12 hour clinical days.

12 hour clinical days?? Really Geez. Thats pretty long. We only have 5 hours.

Anywhere you go you'll be doing the NASTY STUFF! Its in our job description:lol2:

[aztova]

Oh, my program was a weekend course so we did our clinicals in 2 weekends, 12 hours each day. And the nasty stuff is why I am not working as a CNA. :)

[natd9]

Thanks for replying, everyone. Tonight was my last day of clinicals, and I passed! I'm so relieved right now; the course seems to have lasted forever. I really enjoyed going to the LTC everyday, and getting to know the residents. I will try to take my state exam in the upcoming months.

Yay!