general question

[studentrn2014]

We are getting ready to go to clinical, and I have a general question. When I learn new procedures I never seem to get them right away like the other students. I always have to go before/after class to practice until I get somewhat comfortable in what I am doing. I always wanted to be a nurse, and Love learning new things related to the field. But should I be concerned that it takes me longer to catch on to certain procedures compared to other students? Or how can I just be confident like the other students?

I am just worried about messing up when I get on the floor I want to know what to make sure I got it right idea before we get there.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I am definitely not a 'hands-on' type of person by nature. I prefer to read or think rather than use my hands.

I've been a nurse for more than six years and still fumble with hands-on procedural skills. For instance, I am terrible at starting peripheral IVs and have never learned to insert a NG tube.

However, book-learning and theory is the key to passing NCLEX (state board exam). A student can be wonderful at the hands-on stuff and outshine his/her classmates at clinical rotations, but will never earn the title of 'nurse' without learning the theory.

I suppose I am trying to say that the skills will come later, and they do come a whole lot later to those of us who are not hands-on people. After all, practice makes perfect. Good luck!

[jacquelyn.]

Just be prepared and most likely your instructor will be there with you guiding you. I had an experience where I was supposed to cath a two year old boy and I was freaking out. But another student came with me and my instructor and I did really good. Luckily he was paraplegic but it was great practice. Its like all the adrenaline and then you just do it. Goodluck, Just do it :)

[loriangel14, RN]

Don't waste time comparing yourself to others. Everyone is different and everyone learns differently.Just focus on being yourself and doing the best you can.

[Snowbird17]

As soon as you start your clinical, let your preceptor and the other nurses know you want to do anything that pops up. Caths, NGTs, IVs, etc. The more you practice the better you will become. Seasoned nurses miss IVs, curl NGTS , need a second help with catheters all the time. You will get it. Do not shy away from trying for fear of failing, you will never improve.

Most importantly be confident, but not cocky, in front of the patient! They don't want the student who seems timid and afraid poking them!

[Stephalump]

People excel in different areas - just do your best. :)

We watched videos on procedures during our first few weeks and we were supposed to be able to get up and replicate them afterward. Um, no. I can't follow dance steps by watching someone else, and I can't replicate a clinical skill that easily, either. It takes me a few tries to get in there and DO it before I get it. So I'll probably be one of the people spending the most time in open lab.