Help! On the borderline with clinicals

[lalastudent]

I'm doing well in my academic classes so far (passing them all with Bs or more) but I'm worried I won't pass clinicals. My clinical instructor told me I was on the borderline. I asked her if I have a chance of passing and she told me "It's all up to you". My assignment grades in clinical are passing but there is also a subjective component, meaning you can fail clinical even if you technically have a passing grade. She told me she wants me to be more organized and thus more able to handle a greater client load. She is worried because she has said I have become more and more disorganized as time went on. She also told me my procedure of doing things was not methodical enough. I've been in clinicals for 5 weeks now and there are 3 more weeks to go. If I do as she says, what is my honest chance of passing?

[jtm802]

I had the same problem at first. I was really disorganized. But, I started making myself a "time management sheet," kind of like a schedule of what I had to get done that day. I put any care, procedures, drugs, etc. on it and try to stick to it. Also, when I get report from the nurse that day, I make a list of anything else that I have to do. I carry a pocket-sized notepad with me and I make lists of what supplies I need for each procedure and the steps to those procedures if I'm not familiar with them or if I think that I'll get off track. You just have to find a way of staying on track that works for you. Try writing a to-do or a schedule and see what happens. Oh, and good luck! I know you can do it! :)

[lalastudent]

I had the same problem at first. I was really disorganized. But, I started making myself a "time management sheet," kind of like a schedule of what I had to get done that day. I put any care, procedures, drugs, etc. on it and try to stick to it. Also, when I get report from the nurse that day, I make a list of anything else that I have to do. I carry a pocket-sized notepad with me and I make lists of what supplies I need for each procedure and the steps to those procedures if I'm not familiar with them or if I think that I'll get off track. You just have to find a way of staying on track that works for you. Try writing a to-do or a schedule and see what happens. Oh, and good luck! I know you can do it! :)

Thanks for the suggestion! I'm also looking up care plans beforehand so I can come up with a plan as soon as she asks. I'll also bring a clipboard with a pen and all forms attached, so I can get started much more easily. I'll also have all assignments done far beforehand, so there is no nervous typing at 1 AM and I get a good night's sleep. I'll have a schedule and do the entire assessment at once, then enter data, then retrieve pertinent info, then go ahead with the care plan. I will also come in assertive and confident, not looking needy or as if I don't know what I'm doing. I think I may pass if I do this.

[jtm802]

Yeah, if you do all of that, you'll be fine! I purchased a clipboard that has a compartment and a calculator on top and put a big notepad and extra paperwork forms in it and I carry it every day. It's really helped a lot. I also purchased a care plan book. Most retail chain book stores have them and they are an extremely valuable resource. I carry it with me and that way if I don't know what to do, it's right there in front of me.

[9livesRN, BSN, RN]

chill it!!! calm down, be prepared before clinicals, study your patients, meds, and your goals, prioritize, make check lists!!!

i relly like check lists,... they keep you on track of what to do next and you get a lot done!!!

[APSUgrl]

I am as freaked out as you are. I just finished my ICU clinicals and i'm about to start preceptorship. I consider myself pretty good at patient care but in ICU I found myself sooooo overwhelmed by the charting/documentation, patient care, and trying to put the pathophysiology and anticipate care for my patients that I lost it! My confidence was shattered and I almost got an unsat. I honestly don't know if I improved in 4 days but from that experience I learned that I need to be more organized and for me, that didn't mean more checklists or papers. I need to learn to keep it as simple as possible and try to concentrate more on what (and why) I'm actually doing. If you are allowed to get your patient info the night prior, definately do so, be over prepared and impress your instructor...lastly.....breathe and keep telling yourself, YOU CAN DO THIS!!!