How do you study for clinical check offs?

lorettap · May 4, 2009

well that is a good question i am currently in a lpn refresher class and having been out of the feild for quite a few years(more then 10) i will be interested to see the answers you get. i am scheduled to do my clinicals toward the middle of may so any help would be greatly appreciated.

DaniLPN2RN · May 4, 2009

I think the most important thing is to have confidence in yourself. Even if you haven't done the skill before. We practiced our skills in lab, but we had kits that we could take home. Familiarize yourself with the process and the steps involved. It can be intimidating at times, but having confidence in yourself is an important part of getting it done without any major issues.

bcskittlez · May 4, 2009

I really appreciate it dbezaury. We have not received a kit yet, but we are suppose to receive something. All that weve learned so far didnt require a kit.

Lorretap I hope all goes well!

leqwedz · May 4, 2009

hi,some school give the kits just before the clinical..like my school.be patient.

good luck to you all.allnurses is doing a very good job.

LaneRN · Jun 2, 2009

We received a kit and also received DVD's that contain the clinical skills. We were required to watch the videos before coming to lab so we at least had some idea of what to do. good Luck

MissGwen · Jun 2, 2009

Practice makes perfect! We do not get kits or dvd's, so I used a baby doll since I am the only human that lives in this place. LOL

We just had our first check offs last week and man, I thought I was going to freak out. LOL My anxiety level went through the roof the night before and during the time before we began our check offs. LOL When I woke up that morning, I immediately got sick. I almost burst into tears a few minutes before we started, but somehow I made myself not do that.

Take it slow and keep your mind on what you are doing. Also, read your scenarios thoroughly.

:)

g

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jun 2, 2009

Treat the check off as if you were preparing to perform on a stage in front of an audience, except your audience will be your instructor. (Actors not only know their lines by heart, but every step and motion they make--its called blocking--is also worked out ahead and performed exactly the same at each performance.) Practice the skill by performing it over and over until you can do it in your sleep. You should have a list of the steps to follow for each skill.

One way to practice is with a partner. One holds the list of steps and prompts the other who performs the skill. Correct errors immediately when they are done wrong.

ZanatuBelmont · Jun 2, 2009

Treat the check off as if you were preparing to perform on a stage in front of an audience, except your audience will be your instructor. (Actors not only know their lines by heart, but every step and motion they make--its called blocking--is also worked out ahead and performed exactly the same at each performance.) Practice the skill by performing it over and over until you can do it in your sleep. You should have a list of the steps to follow for each skill.
One way to practice is with a partner. One holds the list of steps and prompts the other who performs the skill. Correct errors immediately when they are done wrong.

I'd like to add: You can do what a married couple did in my program first semester: practice placing a foley and NG tube into your significant other or any willing close family member!

NamasteNurse, BSN, RN · Jun 4, 2009

I'd like to add: You can do what a married couple did in my program first semester: practice placing a foley and NG tube into your significant other or any willing close family member!

I would not recommend doing this to someone who doesn't need it. Why introduce pathogens unecessarily? Practice on manequins. I'm lucky in that we have lots of practice at my school. But excpet for non-invasive skills I would not do it on my family!