I feel like Im going to fail clinical!!! what do I do

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I am currently in Medsurg 2. My professor has told me that I am not properly doing a head-to-toe assessment. Also, I've been informed that my skills are not where they should be at as a second year nursing student. I've worked so hard to accomplish this dream of becoming a nurse but now I feel like all my hard work will just be for nothing. I am on the verge of failing clinical, I am afraid to ask questions during clinical. Previously when I've asked questions or was not sure on things my professor took that as me being unprepared or lacking skills. I am afraid if I seek help this will be another thing held against me. I really want to become a nurse but at this point feel as if its pointless. Im passing my class portion but struggling in clinical. What should I do? is it even worth it ?

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There are some quality videos on YouTube on how to complete a head to toe assessment.

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Breathe. Try to shove the anxiety off a cliff. So let's look at some things here...

1) have you asked your instructor specifically what you need to work on?

2) do you have a clinical study buddy, or can you goto your skills lab and ask for some one on one time to refresh?

3) did your instructors give you a "cheat sheet" for assessments, what to look for in each area? Would recommend making one yourself if you aren't given one.

Repition. The only way to get comfy with the skills is to practice.

Like the PP said, youtube has some great head to toe assessment videos.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's better to ASK then to ASSUME and make a big mistake.

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See if there is someone you can practice your assessments on to get the flow of assessments. My poor husband knew what to check for assessments because I did them on him so often when I first started nursing school. Do you have a skills lab or a partner/ friend in your class you could work with?

I've always felt it's unfair for students to be judged negatively for asking questions. I personally am more concerned when I'm not being asked questions by a student. How you frame a question makes a difference as well. "I've looked at the policy and am not sure how to do this step" or "xyz is happening with my patient. I think it's related to this, but I'm not sure" sounds a lot better than "I don't know how to do xyz" instructors like to know your thought processes so they can nudge your critical thinking.

Worst case scenario, failing isn't the end of the world, it just means you need some more practice/ time to improve your skills and knowledge so you can provide safe care as you advance. It's better to have a strong foundation early on, opposed to almost finishing and feeling as if you are drowning.

Only you can answer if it's worth it for you to continue. I personally love being a nurse and can't imagine being in a different career, but everyone is different.

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Thanks guys we have a skills lab at my school. I've scheduled appointments so hopefully this will help.

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Thanks guys we have a skills lab at my school. I've scheduled appointments so hopefully this will help.

That's the spirit í ½í¸† good luck!

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Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.

Edit.

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Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.
I am currently in Medsurg 2. My professor has told me that I am not properly doing a head-to-toe assessment. Also, I've been informed that my skills are not where they should be at as a second year nursing student. I've worked so hard to accomplish this dream of becoming a nurse but now I feel like all my hard work will just be for nothing. I am on the verge of failing clinical, I am afraid to ask questions during clinical. Previously when I've asked questions or was not sure on things my professor took that as me being unprepared or lacking skills. I am afraid if I seek help this will be another thing held against me. I really want to become a nurse but at this point feel as if its pointless. Im passing my class portion but struggling in clinical. What should I do? is it even worth it ?

In your user name line it says you already have an ADN. That means you already have a nursing degree. What are you in clinicals for?

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Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

Off topic, OP.....are you already a holder of an associate degree in nursing? If not, do not call yourself ADN----you are not yet a nurse and it is illegal to call oneself a nurse. If you have an associate degree already, carry on!

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I do not call myself a nurse. Im a frequent visitor of this site but never had an account . I recently made a account and when making the account I was trying to put ADN for my major not as my title. After seeing this mistake I've fixed it but thanks for your concern.

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Im not struggling with the actual head-to-toe assessment what I am struggling with is getting my charting done in a timely manner. Now I do struggle with other skills but I've scheduled for help in the skills lab. Thanks everyone for your suggestions they are gladly appreciated. I think in my previous post was a little misleading to what I am actually struggling with. Since my charting is not where it should be my professor considers that as me not knowing how to do a head-to-toe assessment.

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additionally, talk to the course professor, ask for extra help! Go to the labs and find a co student who is good and practice, practice, practice.

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