How much does an attitude weigh in clinicals?

Larry77, RN · Oct 23, 2003

I think attitude is a huge facter! If the instructor wants to hound you they can always find something that you are doing wrong. You have to have confidence in yourself but you won't succeed if your overconfident because they seem to see you as a "know it all." I have been very successful in my clinicals thus far. I have tried to be eager to learn but not afraid to do the "bedpan duty".

I'm sure you'll do great!

susanmary · Oct 23, 2003

Attitude factors not only into clinicals -- but your career and personal life as well. Do not let other's experiences with their clinicals influence you -- go in with a positive attitude & don't listen to other's horror stories. Both positive and negative attitudes are infectious -- which would you rather be around?

amber1188 · Oct 23, 2003

That is a good point that Susan made. Make sure you keep a good attitude and take all of the opportunities you can. Even if you've done it a 1000 times, do it again because you can never get enough experience. This may even free up some time for your nurse and you will be able to experience many other things if you are ougoing and upbeat.

zambezi, BSN, RN · Oct 23, 2003

I agree with what has been said so far, attitude plays a big part in how others react and work with you. We had a girl in my class who never got along with any of her preceptors, all of her experiences were negative and everyone had it out for her, etc...She was on the same floors as all of the rest of us and no one else always had these complaints...after getting to know her, I am convinced it was her attitude. Not only was she negative but she was sure she knew everything, was not willing to learn and listen or take constructive criticism...Granted you may not always have good days and some days mabye you will have "bedpan" duty, but that is part of nursing...Tackle it with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and you will be fine.

SJSU_Mami · Oct 23, 2003

There will always be things that you don't like to do.. but attitude is a big factor. If you come in there with a bad one, you will give your patient a bad experience. Think about your patient first. Nurses and clinical instructors won't always have great attitudes, but you gotta get past it and stay positive so that you can work your best potential. If your friend just started nursing school, I'm assuming she hasn't given meds, started IV's, etc. She's still learning the basics, like vital signs and bedpans. It'll get better. There are more interesting things. Just stay positive and get into the tasks. In the beginning you wont be qualified to do much other than vitals, baths, linen changes, ambulating, etc. The dirty work comes first, but its not forever.. Theyre only horror stories if you let them be.