How to Study "Hands on Care"

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Hi All!

I'm a newby to the medical field and I wanted to know how I can ensure that I study the skills effectively.

I'm not having much of a problem with the book portion, but the skills part is just a little scary because I've never done hands on care. I'm not put off by bodily fluids or anything. I'm more afraid of hurting someone or just not doing the skill correctly.

Any suggestions anyone?

Thx in advance for your help!:redpinkhe

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Specializes in E.R..

The big thing is practice, practice, practice in the skills lab. That is the only way I know to get your skills more developed, besides practicing on real people.:twocents:

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Specializes in Emergency, Psych.

I echo intuitions comment above, take the time to read about the procedures and then get into your skills lab and practice until your comfortable and confident. Good Luck

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Thanks alot! Intuition and Baseball Nut (BTW I love those names!)

I will have to carve out time to go to the skills lab. I feel stupid talking to myself LOL! I plan on trying to find some video's of good bedside care. And I love to read so I'm looking for books.

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Specializes in HCA, Physch, WC, Management.

Like the PPs have said: practice, practice, practice. Get all the time in in lab that you can, ask family and friends to let you practice skills on them. I wouldn't have made it through lab had my friends and family members not stepped up and let me practice my skills on them. It's hard to think back and realize that in September I had no idea how to take a manual blood pressure, find someone's apical pulse, count respirations, or do what now seems like the most basic of health assessment skills. And I STILL watch my skills DVDs that came with my book. I spent literally HOURS a day in the skills lab in my first semester. When I wasn't practicing my skills, I was watching others and trying to learn their techniques, watching and listening to my instructor, etc. I had a lot of invaluable experiences given to me in that time when I didn't "have" to be there.

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