First Day Of Clinical - What to Do / What to Bring?

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Aug 16, 2004

Remembering my first clinical experience. Heck, it wasn't that long ago so it's still pretty fresh in my head. We got our assignments when we all met together at the designated spot. Our instructor told us at that time what we should be doing. Two of us had one patient. We introduced ourselves, made beds and bathed the patient. We were given easy patients who were able to ambulate from bed to chair at the very least. We did very limited assessments and VS. I think it took us one solid hour just to make the bed and do the bed bath. It was actually pretty comical. I think we would have killed really sick patients by exhausting them. I was so nervous that I broke out into a soaking sweat. Then we did our IPR (interpersonal communication recording) where we had to practice therapeutic communication and record the responses. Then it was off to the chart to record labs and meds. After it was all over, we had lunch and met for post-conference where we all discussed our experiences.

Altra, BSN, RN · Aug 16, 2004

I think it took us one solid hour just to make the bed and do the bed bath. It was actually pretty comical. I think we would have killed really sick patients by exhausting them. I was so nervous that I broke out into a soaking sweat.

:rotfl: Sounds pretty much like my first clinical day. It did take me a solid hour to give a bed bath and oh, so gingerly help the pt. into a chair & change the linens. My pt. finally said to me, as she watched me scurry from one side of the bed to the other, "honey, you're gonna get faster at this, right?" :rolleyes: :chuckle

To the OP, if you're not doing any pre-prep then I would bet that the day will consist of bathing, VS & other basic stuff. If you're truly on your own for an hour or so I would spend some time with your pt., and if you see a CNA/PCT buzzing around, ask them if there's anything you can do while you're waiting for your instructor. They'll greatly appreciate it.

What to bring: your steth, a small notebook that fits in your pocket, at least 2 pens, penlight, bandage scissors and don't forget your ID. Good luck! :)

allthingsbright · Aug 16, 2004

I think its important to remember not to do *anything* that is outside your scope of practice as a nursing student-which means, if you have not been shown how to do it-checked off in lab-or whatever, don't even go there. You could get in some BIG trouble! :uhoh21:

I personally would observe the patients nurse and how she does fundamental techniques if/when she is in the room, get to know the patient as much as possible and make sure you introduce yourself and explain why you are hanging out in the room. You could always bring some reading, notecards, etc to look at discreetly while waiting. Also, have you thought about touching base w/ the instructor and asking the same question! S/he may have some expectations of you for that time period. Take care and best of luck! :coollook: Let us know how it goes!

PennyLane, RN · Aug 16, 2004

Wow, that seems like a strange way to start off your first clinical. We met with our instructor before each clinical and he/she went over exactly what we would be doing our first day, had a tour of the unit, etc.

If it were me, I'd get started on a.m. care with your patient. Offer to help them brush their teeth, offer a bed bath, get them out of bed (if allowed--you will need to check with the nurse or tech first) and change their gown and linens. Most likely the techs will come around to take 8 a.m. vitals--offer to take them for him/her.

Bring your stethescope, a notepad, a few black pens (for charting), one of a different color (helps when you're writing things down), your drug guide, penlight, bandage scissors, hemostats, and anything else you think you may want. You may want to bring your text books if you want to look up a disease process.

I did my last med/surg clincial on a GI/GU surgical floor. Get ready for some stinky odors~~!!! And have fun! Relax and get to know your patient. You'll be fine.

totallytheresa · Aug 17, 2004

I usually take that time to really read their chart, find out their history from it, etc... sometimes sit with them and get to know them, if there's time. I also see what my classmates are up to, if they need help with anything. :)

RNinRubySlippers, BSN, RN · Aug 17, 2004

What did you instructor say you were allowed to do? Sounds like you were not very well informed in regards to your first day. DO NOT do anything you were not told you could do. Even the slightest thing. This does not demonstrate responsibility and looks poor. Especially on day one!

Maybe when you get there you will be told to research in your pts. chart his/her history. This is invaluble! You can learn so much! What year are you? I take it you are first semester?

Know your thereapeutic communication skills and get to know your pt. Sometimes, they really appreciate someone to talk to.

GI surg? So a surgical floor then? Are you giving meds? I need more info on what you are ALLOWED to do and where you are in your program, then I will be able to help you a bit better.

Hope your first day is wonderful and just be a sponge!

HTH! B :)

truern · Aug 17, 2004

We weren't allowed to give patient care until AFTER pre-conference with our clinical instructor. She would post our responsibilities in a designated place that we were to check each day of clinical.

I believe you'll find that it's much more organized and structured than you think once you actually get to clinicals :)

Take advantage of the time you get to spend just talking with your patients...you'll get some great experience with therapeutic communication and they'll be excited to have a captive audience LOL

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Aug 17, 2004

I'm not sure whether this will be comforting, but as a "first day clinicals" nursing student, you are pretty much basically unable to do anything, and no one will expect you to do anything, until you are told to do something.

What you can do, though, is "visit" a bit with your patient. Introduce yourself (briefly--), offer to straighten the bedsheets, fluff pillows, sometimes patients like to talk, and so you'll talk.

Our first day, we all met in the day room type area, and didn't go to the patients' rooms until after we had been briefed by our instructor.

Basically, don't worry. You will be told what to do and when. In fact, soon you will be told to do so much that you will wish for that first day when you pretty much didn't have anything to do! (Here's what I did: I found my classmates and stuck close to them, and they with me, and all of us with each other. Like a bunch of baby chicks.)

Have fun! Clinicals were great. It's getting to do nursing. Wow.

jschut, BSN, RN · Aug 17, 2004

Bring your brain.....

By that I mean, don't do anythng you aren't allowed to do, and what you are allowed to do, do it correctly.

Have a blast and make clinicals fun! :)

SirJohnny · Aug 17, 2004

All:

- Thanks for the responses.

- We are meeting in the student lounge from 7am - 8am for a pre-clinical conference.

- I am hoping it's just the pre-clinical jitters. Will have to practice my bed-making

skills that Friday before clinical on Sat.

- I thought too that they would pair us up - but nope - we are on our own.

- I agree with the other posts - definitely talk with the nurse or aide (duh!! - you

can see where my brain has been). At least no exams that weekend -- so can

concentrate on the experience.

- Thanks,

John Coxey

Evansville, Indiana

LeesieBug · Aug 17, 2004

What to do for an hour? Why, practice "therapeutic communication" of course!

I remember our first clinical...we weren't allowed to do anything yet, so we did communication for THREE HOURS STRAIGHT! Let me tell you, that is more utterly exhausting than three hours spent doing ROM, turns, bed baths, meds, assessments,etc.....especially when you have a client with dementia who continually focuses on one topic....(they're coming to take me away..hee heee, ha ha.......I had to slap myself in the face a few times after that clinical to snap myself out of my stupor)