Advice for New BSN Student Going to First Clinical?

[wanna-be-nurse]

I am a wreck!! So nervous because I do not know what to expect in my first semester as a nursing student. I got accepted into the BSN program..yeh! at Lehman College in NYC. I am scheduled for my clinicals on Wed. and Thurs from 8am to 3pm and taking NUR301 Therapeutic Intervention I, NUR300Nursing as a Human Science, NUR344 Altered Health States and HIN269 Analysis and Action for Community Health. AAAHHHH:bluecry1: I would appreciate any advice any of you might have for me. Thanks much and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

[lcbradley]

I love this site...you guys make this site so hospitable, thank you....so what would you say is the worst and best part of clinicals?

And please be honest...

The worst part of clinical for me is cleaning crap. But once you do it a few times, you become immune. The best part of clinical is when your patient smiles at you because you have made them feel better or special.

[ejonesstudent]

I was absolutely terrified my first clinical day. I have never worked in a hospital or any kind of health care setting before in my life, and my anxiety problem I already had didn't help. I was determined to do it. At first, I felt completely lost and overwhelmed, but by the end of the semester, things were making sense. I had really learned alot. Everyone has some anxiety about the first day. But know that everyone is in the same shoes. No one knows what to expect. Just take it one clinical at a time, and you will be fine. If I can do it, anyone can! I hope this helps:)

[wanna-be-nurse]

The worst part for me, a night owl, was the early mornings:roll I HATED them, lol. It was worse, too, because I worked every night until almost 5:30, so by the time I got home, cleaned up, ate and went for my assignment, it was after midnight before I was done with my care plans. So 7am came REAL soon. The best part was learning. Take in EVERYTHING. Ask the nurses on the floor if they are doing ANY procedures, to let you observe. Even something as simple as an NG tube flush, or to check for placement would be exciting for a first time in clinical. ALSO, enjoy your classmates, some will pass through your life, others will be friends forever, but your all in this together. People sometimes say that nurses eat their young (grrrr, I hate that expression:angryfire ,) but in my experience, while there are just plain ole nasty people out there, for the most part nurses are caring and fun loving. We enjoy having a good time at work with each other and our patients. When students come around we love to share our knowledge and our experience. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

I know that must be tought. Im a waitress and I work evenings so I really don't go to bed until 1am and get up at around 12pm. I love it. I know my body's gonna be shocked at the fact that I have to get up at 6.30am for 3 days in a row... lol,

[wanna-be-nurse]

The worst part of clinical for me is cleaning crap. But once you do it a few times, you become immune. The best part of clinical is when your patient smiles at you because you have made them feel better or special.

I think that would be a tough one too.

[wanna-be-nurse]

Bring a pocket calculator, your drug book, and small blank pocket-sized notebook to keep with you to write down vitals etc when you get them. And two black pens (retractable or with a top so you don't get ink on your whites when you pocket the pens)

Invest in some high-quality hand lotion, you'll be washing your hands a LOT and the hospital soap can do some serious damage to your skin.

Remember that you are there to learn and that you are not (can not!) be expected to know everything on your first clinical rotation. Keep your eyes open and ask questions. You'll do great! :)

You have been the first to mentioned good lotion and thanks for that. I was just thinking about that because I get dry skin now and I now I will when I start my clinicals.

[wanna-be-nurse]

Expect the unexpected. No matter how prepared you are, something will throw you for a loop. That's ok, just all a part of the learning experience and you just start going with the flow after a while. Best of luck! I was just as nervous as you. Now, only 4 months until graduation!!!!

:smiley_aa

[wanna-be-nurse]

:smackingf

My advice, take a deep breath and don't tie your shoes too tight!

My first clinical day, I got there and noticed my feet were going numb/tingly. I had tied my shoes so tight that they were cutting off my circulation, I was so stinkin' nervous!

Just rest assured that that first day is never actually as bad as the horrors we make up in our minds while waiting for it to arrive!

Good luck! You'll do fine!

:smackingf That is soooo funny!!