How to beat the clinical nerves

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So I am a first year BSN student and I am about to finish my first semester of nursing school. So in January, I start my clinical and I am so nervous. I have been given the green light to go to clinical but I just don't feel like I am ready. I barely understand charting and I am nervous to try any of my skills on actual living people... let alone elderly people. My mom has been a nurse for 15 years and she is a pretty good nurse and seems to have a good idea of what she is doing. Its not that I am afraid to go to clinical really (I am terrified of heights but I still made a jump into the ocean that was about the height of a low rise apartment building) but at the same time I am afraid because if I am nervous then the patient will know I am nervous and they will not have faith in my abilities and then I am not really at a very good start then...

I would love to hear about other people's first clinical experience and how they felt going into it. I really would like to know because I think it would help me a great deal and take some of the stress off of my mind.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello,

It is natural to be anxious before entering clinicals. A little anxiety is healthy.

Your mom has years of experience and I'll bet if you asked her, she'd tell you that she, too, was nervous before taking care of patients. It is just normal. I remember mine. And, yes, I was very anxious.

Hang in there!!

Others will come along and reply, too.

GOOD LUCK!

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I just finished clinical for my first semester. Feeling nervous before your first clinical is normal! When you meet your patient, let them know that you're a nursing student so they know what to expect. You probably won't be doing anything complex your first clinical, for me it was just bed baths and vitals that first day. I remember feeling awkward and terrified, but it went fine! You will feel more comfortable as you get more experience.

I know it's scary, but you won't be there alone! Your instructor and other students will be there too. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it, you're there to learn! Good luck! :)

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Totally normal to be nervous- you're touching real people in intimate ways when they are their most vulnerable. Take a deep breath, relax as best you can, take your time, and treat your patients like you'd want a student to treat your loved ones. Listen to your patients- if something hurts, ask how to handle it. Respect that often, they are the experts. Patients that feel heard will be a lot more comfortable with you, even if you're awkward at first and still learning your way. :)

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Thank you :) I will do my best to not get too overcome with nerves. Thanks its good to hear someone who has don their clinical say its nothing too complicated the first day

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I did talk with my mom and she said that she is glad that I didn't say that I knew everything that I was supposed to do. My mom actually used to be a clinical instructor so she will explain to me what to expect when I go in :) I think asking her was a pretty good idea

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Thank you :) that is really good advice! I will keep that in mind when I go to clinical in January

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