First day of clinicals tomorrow! Nervous!

[Coriander, BSN, RN]

Usually I wouldn't post a new thread on something like this, but I'm nervous, anxious, excited and jumpy all at the same time. I figured there is probably more than just one of us going through the same emotions...

I can't believe it's midway through our first semester already! It seems like we've worked so hard in lab getting ready for this, but now that it's here, I don't feel ready at all. I've practiced in the Skills Lab and I know that I know what I'm doing, but the skills were on mannequins, not living people who have been through a lot already.

Tomorrow is technically orientation, however our clinical instructor has told us that she's already informed the nurses we'll be partnered with that we are allowed to do just about anything. Eep. LOL

Much love and much respect to you all who are ahead of me. I love this board, because I'm able to see where things will lead. I know that a lot of you have already gone through the first day jitters.

*big breath* It will be ok.

[criswithnoh]

Good luck! Be sure to post what it was like!

[Clorae]

Good luck!! Remember to just go for it (while being safe). If someone offers you a task, jump in!! Also, ask questions and be respectful. Don't forget to thank the staff that helps you!

[jenmarie610]

You will do fine and good luck!! It is scary walking in that room for the first time, but it will get easier! You'll relax and develop your own routine and style. Remember you are the nurse on that day and that is what your patient expects and deserves, so SMILE, do your best, and pretend you have done this a million times! Best wishes!!

[Coriander, BSN, RN]

Thanks guys! I had a fantastic time. :)

My nurse was super sweet, and I was able to do a lot on my first day. I gave an IV push on a saline lock, hung an IV piggyback, did a dressing change, discontinued two IVs, emptied a urine collection bag (not a big deal, did it before LOL) and thorougly enjoyed my patients.

Can't wait to go back on Monday, when we'll have our own patient for the whole day. Everyone on the floor is incredibly nice, and the energy was excellent.

[criswithnoh]

That's great :) I hope I have that good of an experience during my first clinical (whenever that may be...still waiting on my letter).

[9livesRN, BSN, RN]

that is great! wow!!!

i did not get to hang pigs untill I got onto medsurge, nor could we give meds until we had passed pharm.

IV push? we could not do it, other than saline flushes!

it seems like you will learn a lot!!! get on and get going, it only gets better

[Cynders]

That is great! I hope that you will continue to enjoy it!! :)

[Meredith09]

Thanks guys! I had a fantastic time. :)

My nurse was super sweet, and I was able to do a lot on my first day. I gave an IV push on a saline lock, hung an IV piggyback, did a dressing change, discontinued two IVs, emptied a urine collection bag (not a big deal, did it before LOL) and thorougly enjoyed my patients.

Can't wait to go back on Monday, when we'll have our own patient for the whole day. Everyone on the floor is incredibly nice, and the energy was excellent.

So awesome to hear some positives! I get nervous about starting NS sometimes because I have worked in a crazy busy, understaffed inner-city ER (which I loved), and because I hear so many negative things about clinical experiences... I know the realities of this job, and I just want to love it as much at the end of clinicals (and NS) as I do now.

[CrunchyMama, ASN, RN]

Your 1st day sounded like mine. We were basically thrown into it and did quite a bit. Anyway...the 1st semester is scary and I was sooooo nervous. I'm now into my 2nd semester and it's a little easier, things get better over time. Good luck!