Do you get nervous before going to clinical?

brendel · Feb 5, 2005

How many people get really nervous before going to clinical? This is my second semester and I still get really nervous every time before I have to go in. I don't know why, I've never had a bad experience and I usually calm down after I'm there about an hour (I guess I realize I'm going to survive :chuckle )... I'm a really shy, introverted person by nature so I don't know if that's completely what it is or if other people go through this too. Also, anyone go through this and have it go away at some point in their student career? If so, WHEN?!!!

it actually depends on the area where i will be assigned. i'm confident in the medical-surgical floor and the different wards but it's a different story once i'm in the operating and delivery rooms.

CNM-to-be · Feb 5, 2005

but it's a different story once i'm in the operating and delivery rooms.

I'm right there w/ you on this one. I love birth so being in a delivery room is no problem but an OR...that's a whole nuther story. I am so incredibly nervous about my AMSU/OR rotation. Its over a month away and I already have sweaty palms thinking about it!

jennielynn · Feb 5, 2005

I'm in my second semester of clinicals; and I still get nervous! I think it's only natural; it's something that will diminish with time. We are starting meds next week; and I'm really nervous about that. It's not like giving a bath--if you don't do it correctly; (the bath) you survive--lol! We have our clinical instructor with us though--and she is very kind and helpful. That gives me some piece of mind!!! I can't wait to give my first injection!!!!

smiles13 · Feb 5, 2005

I just graduated and every clinical I had to take a deep breathe before I got there :rolleyes: Some days were better and even now I can feel my stomach turn at times. It does get better... in my last semester, I felt pretty confident in my skills and I have gotten to the point where I realize that I will do the best I can for my patients. My patients also can tell that I care, which makes it a lot easier when you are trying to do something for the very first time, or you are nervous. Hang in there! My 3rd semester, I was terrifed of killing my patients and my instructor was pushing me to do things that now I do without blinking an eye. :)

hangnon · Feb 5, 2005

I'm in my second quarter of clinicals and I'm always really nervous. I don't sleep well the night before at all. After a bad day at clinical, I don't sleep well for a few nights either, as I keep replaying the experiance in my head.

chilloutrelax · Feb 6, 2005

I'm in 3rd semester, and I'm terrified too. First semester was hell for me, 2nd semester..it got better towards the end. And inserting a cath isn't that bad! Feel lucky that you get to do it on someone who isn't awake...that will be much easier for you! I get nervous when I"ll be around all these tubes I know nothing about. I'm nervous around the IV pump, sometimes I go blank. I'm scared to death of having a patient with a chest tube, or any type of GI tube....I just hope my instructor this semester will explain it to me. And remember...if you don't know something, ASK! Just say, I have never done this before, could you review it with me before I do it.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2005

I still get the jitters. At least this semester, we know the night before our patient assignment and can brush up on what we might have to do.