cons in clinicals

RNSuzq1, RN · May 4, 2004

Okay, call me crazy, but I am looking forward to all of this. Not that I like gross stuff or like to see others suffer, but I am so interested in the whole biological/physiological aspect of human life. Are we not amazing or what? And to have the knowledge, skills and fortitude to help those in need.....WOW. To see them laugh when we brought snow into the building for them to enjoy, or their faces light up when an aide they were fond of was working. Yes, there were a lot of depends to change, bedpans to clean, and other necessary unpleasant moments, but the wonderful moments of human to human contact more than makes up for all of that. Never forget.....there, but for the grace of God, go I.
Love this web page!

Stressgal, After reading your post and seeing your profile - we're very much alike (camping, quilting, etc). And, you Get It (Nursing that is). You took the words right out of my mouth - Nursing is so much more than the obvious (traumas, blood, guts, etc). It's a chance to be there for our fellow humans, connect with them and make a difference in their lives when they really need it the most. I'm drawn to this not for myself but for what I can give to others, can't imagine another job where I could contribute so much.

A Nurse has so many amazing and humbling experiences/opportunities - you can be the last hand someone reaches out to when they are leaving this World and the same pair of hands can catch a newborn baby as it takes it's first breath coming into the World - to me that's an awesome thing. This is a career your heart has to be in, it's not just a job...

After the birth of our last Son, I thanked my little old Ob Doc. for all he had done. He said he always felt honored to be included in helping bring a new life into the World (what a great guy)... Like you, I can't wait to experience all that Nursing has to offer. SusanNC

alk3rainbow · May 4, 2004

One of the students in my group got assigned a client with a gangrenous foot, and when we were discussing the dressing change in pre-conference the instructor told him to be prepared for the idea that the toe may fall off. For some reason that gave me the major giggles, because what exactly do you DO in that situation?
"Whoopsie, sorry about that, your toe just fell off. Let me just pop this in the waste basket and we'll continue."
Man, I love learning to be a nurse!
I agree with KittyKat that C-Diff poop does have a very "distinct" odor. :chuckle

Ugh I had to give my first bedbath in my CNA clinicals to someone like that, the smell from her foot alone nearly made me pass out. It was my first day, I totally wasn't expecting that. I'm toughening up, but geez...toes falling off. Disturbing.

Oh yea and seeing someone thats impacted...kind of cool but kind of gross as well. Its amazing how the human body works and fails sometimes.

fnimat1 · May 4, 2004

I start my nursing program in the Fall also, and I must say I am looking forward to seeing a little bit of everything.....the good and the not-so-good. How can we get any experience if we don't get to experience the full gamut of nursing...from A to Z. My only concern is learning how to keep a straight face when seeing something that I've never seen before....so far the mint suggestion sounds promising...lol

Fatima

FutureNurse2005 · May 4, 2004

ha ha! When I met with the University this past weekend, there was a younger girl in our tour group. When the 2nd and 3rd year students started talking about stuff at clinicals, this girl actually said "but I wont have to do that, my father is a doctor, he'll make sure I get the good patients". Oh lord...the professor rolled her eyes and many of us started laughing.

I admit, it'll be an experience at first, but I sure am excited about it all!