What to expect in clinicals?

susanmary · May 20, 2003

You asked a good question and have gotten some great answers. Now ... I'm going to tell you what I expect from student nurses who I precept. Always come to clinical early. Do not show up 5-10-15 minutes late ... after the nurses have started/completed report. It's a waste of time going over report a second time. It's important for you to learn to give a concise, accurate report -- and you will learn by doing and from experience. Come prepared.

You will not know everything -- do not attempt to do things you are unsure of or have not been signed off by your clinical instructor. Don't be afraid of looking stupid -- what you are is inexperienced -- and that is the reason you are going to clinical. You need to apply your theory base to your patient -- hence critical-thinking skills. Always LOOK at your patient and trust your instincts. Does your patient's appearance seem a good "fit" for his/her vital signs? How have the patient's vital signs, I/Os, blood sugars been for the past 24 hours -- do you see any trends? Look at the big picture ... ask questions ... and really learn your medications -- never give a medication that you don't know -- take the time and look it up. You will never know everything -- the secret is to find your resources and use them. And remember to take constructive criticism with grace -- and learn from it.

Keep a positive attitude, keep current on your assignments. Nursing school is demanding & learn to let unimportant things go -- especially when you have clinical. You need to remember to prioritize -- and in nursing you will be constantly reprioritizing -- what was important 5 minutes ago may not be what is important currently. And remember to find support, stay away from toxic people, and get to know your instructors -- introduce yourself, meet with them regularly, and try to balance your life as much as possible. Best of luck to you.

Love-A-Nurse · May 20, 2003

susan, thank you for your post.

pokey sn · May 20, 2003

Hi! I have just finished the first year of my ADN program *whew* so I remeber how both anxious and excited you are about what to expect. Well in my program we took about six weeks before we touched a patient to learn the fundamental skills (bed baths, vital signs, po meds, injections, caths, transfers). Our first rotation was long term care and it was great. In the morning you have pre conference with your instructor where you'll go over your care plan, patient meds (why they are taking them, dose, side effects), and then once that is over you get report from the nurse caring for your patient. You wash, dress, get that patient up and give them their meds (first time instructor is right there). Our first year instructors were great. Be prepared (know your stuff!) and come on time, ask if you don't know, and most of all relax!! You are there to learn and the instructors understand that. Good luck!!!