So when do I stop feeling like a complete idiot at clinicals?
I'm in my second quarter of clinical and I get so frustrated at feeling completely helpless and stupid. Between nasty floor nurses and just trying to figure out where things are located, I'm on the brink of crying! I interrupted report the other morning because the unit clerk was yelling at me to go get a nurse NOW and since I couldn't find one on the floor, I went into report and of course was told to NEVER interrupt report and to go find a nurse on the floor. Talk about feeling stupid!
When it comes to assessing my patients, I'm constantly second guessing myself. Was that a wheeze I heard or was it crackles? Did I hear S1 and S2? Am I really sure?
I am in my second semester and starting clinicals for this semester tomorrow...I am depressed. I try my best to be helpful, pleasant and prepared, but it never fails I always manage to attract the burnt out-"I don't want to deal with a student" nurse. I enjoy nursing school, until I get to clinicals. I have clinicals two days a week and dread it the whole time I am there. I have worked at the hospital were clinicals are held, for the past 8 years. Yet when I step foot in the place for clinicals I feel as if I had never been there before! I feel I do well in clinicals, always try my best. But I cannot get past this feeling of being in the way and STUPID.
gosh are we at the same place?? I really dread clinical days lately. I'd say the majority of the nurses are the way you described at our clinical site. I am not criticizing, etc. but it's just the way it is. Last week one of thenurses actually said "gosh when i came up to the floor todayI was so glad to see there were no students" How are we supposed to work with that ? I understand they are stressed, didn't sign up to be teachers, etc. but it's all we've got. I wish there was a better way.
Last semester a few of us students arrived to report and sat towards the back of the table to allow plenty of room for others (it was a large floor). We were not offered a report sheet and then were asked to sit away from the table on folded chairs so the "real nurses would have room". Ouch! That made us feel welcomed. I have much respect for those that can teach us, but I don't need my face shoved in the carpet.
My supportive husband said-"it is a right of passage. We must do it, and that is all there is too it". I quess he is right-we really don't have a choice. I try not to take it personally, but it is very difficult.
I haven't started clinicals yet, but I think that I'll feel as ignorant as anyone who is beginning. It's just sooooo much to learn and take in that it really does leave you feeling incompetent. I really hope I can do well in clinicals. I'm in my first semester, but my friend who is in her second semester says that it really doesn't get easier. Nurses really are witches sometimes, and don't remember that they were nursing students at one point. But, like other posters have said, don't let that get to you. They're not worth it. I am insecure, but I pray and I hope God gives me the knowledge and confidence I need to do well in clinicals. Just hang in there. Remember, this is your career. Let NO ONE stop you from getting what you want. God bless you and good luck.
Talk about feeling stupid! 
FirstYear2005
74 Posts
gosh are we at the same place??
I really dread clinical days lately. I'd say the majority of the nurses are the way you described at our clinical site. I am not criticizing, etc. but it's just the way it is. Last week one of thenurses actually said "gosh when i came up to the floor todayI was so glad to see there were no students" 
How are we supposed to work with that ? I understand they are stressed, didn't sign up to be teachers, etc. but it's all we've got. I wish there was a better way.