Help please!

[>--stethoscope--o]

I'm in my critical care rotation and I need help with making clinicals run more smoothly. I have needed help with clinicals in past, but it never has been this bad. I also have problems with anxiety and when my instructor is asking me questions my mind goes blank and I feel like I can't concentrate. I also feel unorganized when it comes to everything. There are times where I just feel like me and my stuff (clip board and load of paper work) is just in the way. I want to learn and I don't want to be just an average nurse. I want to be an awesome nurse that is able to think quickly and make decision quickly. I feel as though everyone has it together in my class except me. Could y'all give me tips to being successful while at clinicals? It will be greatly appreciated.

[Certifiable, BSN, RN]

If you feel uncomfortable speaking to your current clinical instructor about your anxiety b/c you may feel that it could effect your grades/her perception of you--- schedule time with a previous instructor and ask her.

Trust me- no one has it "together" all the time.

Does it help if you are sitting down when someone asks you a question? sometimes people really can't think on their feet when they feel that their grade depends on it.

What is it about the situation when she asks you a question that makes you go blank? are there other ppl listening? is it busy around you? or is it just flat out OMG OMG OMG i should know this/i do know this/what did she say...

[>--stethoscope--o]

In the back of my mind I always think my clinical instructor is going to fail me. (This is every semester.) It's a combination of all three. Sometimes she will also ask me questions in a room where others are around and it's embarrassing when I don't know an answer to a question she asks. I'm already nervous and me being around other people just makes things worse. It is always busy around me. And I do think...."OMG OMG OMG i should know this/ I do know this/ what did she say?" I also feel a little sleep deprived when I go to clinicals. I know everyone but it doesn't stop them from being able to think. What also doesn't help is me crying and telling her that I didn't feel like had time to sit down night before and really think about my patient because I had exams this week. And also telling her that meds are my weak area. I've already made my self a target. How do I get my self out of this situation?

[Certifiable, BSN, RN]

From my experience, instructors are not only impressed by those know it alls, but the people who stand out even brighter are those who IMPROVE--- everytime you come across a med you don't know, jot it down in an ABC organiser (those book telephone number/address thingys). that way, if you have a spare minute during clinicals, you can open it and review (it is the size of your palm usually) and it doesn't look like your reading a drug book... this way you'll never forget a drug. Having problems with a specific drug? stick a post-it on your bathroom mirror/shower door--- that way you'll see it twice a day at least.

You cried in front of her? it happens. Hopefully she remembers what it's like to be a student and won't think much of it. worried that now everytime she see's you she's going to wonder when the water works will start? remedy that: Stick a BIG smile on your face at ALL times--- ever heard "fake it till you make it"--- very true.

You feel sleep deprived or you ARE sleep deprived? big difference and different ways to fix that. if you ARE- just get some more sleep. if you just feel like you are-- wake up earlier, eat breakfast, read the paper--- make your body feel like it's any other day even though it is still dark outside.

Sometimes it takes a while for all that theoretical knowledge to sink in, but when it does, i'm telling you, it'll feel like you've been hit by some awesome bus!

[>--stethoscope--o]

Thanks so much!!!