I wanted to share my first clinical experience and ask what I should expect for my second.
My first day of clinicals was great! The night before I spent over 6 hours devising a care plan for my pt. I never used it, but I learned a lot about putting one together. The next day, I introduced myself to my pt, to vital for six pts, and then I got a unique request. There was a verbally abusive male pt on the floor refusing pain meds. I was requested to feed the pt, and feed him I did. I used my skills to get breakfast into him with little difficulty and even a thank you afterwards. Feeling proud of that task I went back to my pt and offered a bath. When he declined, I went and found a CNA and asked if she had any pts that required AM care. I was assigned to a pt who had right side paralysis and a NG tube, so I got to practice pericare, bed baths, and linen changes. After this I answered several call lights, emptied a few bedpans, and charted I/O's, again I get to practice skills I learned in class. Then my entire clinical class (6 of us) were invited to observe a VAC bandage dressing change. The wound care nurse allowed us to aid in the preparation and application of the bandage. Then after we were done with that we had scheduled post-conference, but missed it because one of my classmates had passed out. Instead we went to the ICU with the wound care nurse where we observed a case of degloving (and I saw critical thinking in action, pt was bleeding too much) and then to a bandage change on a pt with a recent case of narcotizing fasciitis. All the students left at 1230 when the end of our shift came around, but I asked to remain until the procedure was finished. At 1330 I went to the lobby, walking out of the hospital thinking that this may be the best day ever.
Could all the nurses let me know what I did right, what needs work, and what I should be expecting in my next clinical day. In addition to vitals, this week I should be able to pass enteral meds.
