I need advice, I'm a 1st semester nsg student, and I'm extremely...

Angels_wearScrubs · Nov 26, 2009

I was the same way. I'm a first semester student and the first few clinicals were rough. Our clinicals were on a step-down unit and almost all my my patients have had trachs, been on vents, had IV lines, PICC lines, corpaks, peg tubes, restraints, you name it. Way to throw us first semester students into the fire!!! I was SO freaked out the first few clincals because I have never had any form of patient contact. I was trying to find pedal pulse on a pt with 3+ pitting edema and wasn't pressing down hard enough b/c I didn't want to hurt him. I asked my clinical instructors and other nurses for advice, they all said it will come with time. The last half of my clinical semester had been fine. I am more comfortable. I don't know how to explain it. Just keep working at it, be more assertive, watch other nurses.

jcummins32 · Nov 26, 2009

I know how you feel, I am currently doing Peds and OB and this is difficult too, having to go into a childs room with their parents staring at you wondering what you are going to do to their child or why they have a student instead of an actual nurse. I have just come to the conclusion that when I go into a room I just tell the patients that I am going to do their assessment and really don't give them a choice, I know that sounds kinda harsh but we are busy and have a lot of things going on and several patients to take care of as nurses and we have to set schedules and the patients have to follow them. Unless the patient is in extreme pain or something is going on with them they can stand to have an assessment done, and if they are in pain I am sure they would like our help to get them some medication or some other intervention.

kitti419 · Nov 26, 2009

I'm also a new student w/ a total on 4 clinical days under my belt on a step down unit. I think watching some of the nurses is great advice. They don't have time to mess around. One thing I've learned is not to ask for permission or "do you mind" for every little thing (some stuff you do, don't get me wrong-I never violate). I just explain who I am, what I need to do and what I am going to do before I do it. I also have them participate if possible. They don't expect you to walk in and just stand there. My clinical instructor is my lifeline and the other nurses are a valuable resource as well. I also find it helpful to go in with my folder and use the downtime flow sheet for assessment hints when I get nervous or forgetful. It's really more of having the confidence and assertiveness to get in there and get it done. Just tell yourself, "I'm not walking out of this room w/o my vitals, no matter who is in there." My instructor is very laid back but you don't come out of there w/o your vitals! "You can take BP while they eat" LOL Good luck!!

A Nsg Student · Nov 26, 2009

I appreciate the advice. Thanks. I thought I was the one falling short thinking Im just not a good nurse because the rest of my clinical group is doing just fine.

comfyslippers · Dec 1, 2009

i am a 1st semester student as well, with about 3 weeks to go til the end of this semester! ( :yeah: )

i am just now starting to feel a bit less anxious with patients, seriously it took almost the entire semester. i was told also, to just get in there , do your assessment, get those vitals and get out. i was afraid to wake the patient or honestly sometimes it was hard to even walk into the room. i think confidence will come in time. i'm thankful for getting into this program, and some days i even like it----but there are those days when i think "what the heck am i doing???" i just take it one day at a time.

there is on rn who i shadowed a week ago who was great, just a great all around nurse. she told me that she hated nsg school but loves the job. so there's hope :)