How much did you get out of clinicals?

caliotter3 · Jun 14, 2008

I felt that my paid work experience, both as a CNA and as an LVN, gave me more confidence and critical thinking skills than any of my clinical experience in school. My last semester of clinical was close to being a joke. We were given a document that listed 8 procedures we were not allowed to do at all, even with proper supervision, including IV push. The others I can't remember. All I know is how in the world is one supposed to walk away from that and be expected to be a functioning GN? I think that you will have to be very assertive in seeing that you get the orientation that you need for your new job. Don't discount your previous experience. You are more familiar and confident in your new role than you believe yourself to be. Don't be afraid to ask your preceptor or your coworkers for their advice or help. You will be helping them on the job when you get your new legs working.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jun 15, 2008

I don't think that clinicals prepared me at all. I had great mentors and a bit of common sense. Anyone would be afraid, this is normal. Before, you didn't have a license to protect, and the responsibility of a nurse is overwhelming.

Even working at a health fair, like I did today, was easier than my regular job but it was not without a bit of fear. I had to watch the PCAs like hawks. I gave them parameters of vitals that needed to be reported to me, kept going to the table and still missed a few because they didn't take it as seriously as I. But, you get better, more organized and become less afraid to advocate for yourself when all you worked on is on the line. Be patient with yourself, ask questions, read policy and procedure. Most importantly, keep a keen eye on who you work with, who you can depend on for what.

Jules A, MSN · Jun 15, 2008

When the time comes, just tell your preceptor that you haven't given an IM injection and I'm sure they will give you a brief once over and after the first time you will feel like a pro. Foleys can take a bit more practice in women especially but again once you've done it a few times you will feel comfortable. It is natural to be nervous but your background sounds impressive and I just know you will do great! Congrats on this swanky LPN position. :)

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jun 15, 2008

When the time comes, just tell your preceptor that you haven't given an IM injection and I'm sure they will give you a brief once over and after the first time you will feel like a pro. Foleys can take a bit more practice in women especially but again once you've done it a few times you will feel comfortable. It is natural to be nervous but your background sounds impressive and I just know you will do great! Congrats on this swanky LPN position. :)

I only got to do one Foley and am dying for an opportunity to do another one, in fact, several! The first and only opportunity I had was with a 400 lb woman who had more folds than a sheet and hairy moles at that. I had to get a flash light in the middle of the day and still couldn't see. I just got lucky and got it with a 'blind stick', so to speak! I am still not comfortable with managing IVs, either. I work in a clinic, so that is not a factor, but it is foleys, G-tube feedings and IVs that I crave to gain skills in. Sorry to say, I am a bit jealous of you, Jules (just kidding)...but I really want to gain some of that!

Jules A, MSN · Jun 16, 2008

I only got to do one Foley and am dying for an opportunity to do another one, in fact, several! The first and only opportunity I had was with a 400 lb woman who had more folds than a sheet and hairy moles at that. I had to get a flash light in the middle of the day and still couldn't see. I just got lucky and got it with a 'blind stick', so to speak! I am still not comfortable with managing IVs, either. I work in a clinic, so that is not a factor, but it is foleys, G-tube feedings and IVs that I crave to gain skills in. Sorry to say, I am a bit jealous of you, Jules (just kidding)...but I really want to gain some of that!

Well don't be too jealous because I'm not doing much of that stuff anymore and if I'm not using a certain make of IV pump I am clueless for set-up! G-tubes I just love for some reason but they are super easy and if you have a pt with one for a day you will feel like a pro, same with trachs. Promise.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jun 16, 2008

Well don't be too jealous because I'm not doing much of that stuff anymore and if I'm not using a certain make of IV pump I am clueless for set-up! G-tubes I just love for some reason but they are super easy and if you have a pt with one for a day you will feel like a pro, same with trachs. Promise.

I did get to master trachs, because I had a home care pediatric case and got to use that skill to my heart's content. Well, if you promise, I'll take your word...

WickedRedRN, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2008

One of the frustrating parts of my clinicals was the never ending list of things we could *NOT* do. One of our instructors would tell us, "you will be taught that by your employers in orientation"

Well....I am a quick learner, but sadly wound up in a couple of positions that did not give me a huge wealth of clinical skills. Prior to starting my LPN to RN transition program, I went to an LTAC to gain clinical skills. The start for me was horribly rough since I only got one more week of orientation than everyone else, but now I am so glad I did it. Thank God for my co-workers, they were awesome at helping me learn!