I'm going to throw up...

lalopop86 · Jun 22, 2012

First of all...breathe...and breathe again. Are you worried or nervous about any specific thing regarding clinical or just in general? Has your teacher or clinical instructor given you an idea of things you need? I was also nervous on my first day of clinical but let's face it- on the first day of clinical you haven't really earned the right to do a whole lot and they aren't just going to throw you to the wolves. At least in my program we had a clinical orientation day and they eased us into it each time we went. Just remember to never do anything by yourself that you are uncomfortable with. It'll be okay! :)

TopazLover, BSN, RN · Jun 22, 2012

I agree the list of needed items seems long in the beginning. You won't need everything at once. Of course you will learn how to use all those things so you need them to work with. In actuality it is easier than a walk in the park with your child. Less things and a great deal less responsibility. This is an experience you will cherish in the future. You are giving birth to your new career. Take time to smell the new smells, see how people respond to being in whatever clinical situation you find yourself. Also think of it as a time to learn. You don't have to know everything.

KJoRN81, RN · Jun 22, 2012

First of all...breathe...and breathe again. Are you worried or nervous about any specific thing regarding clinical or just in general? Has your teacher or clinical instructor given you an idea of things you need? I was also nervous on my first day of clinical but let's face it- on the first day of clinical you haven't really earned the right to do a whole lot and they aren't just going to throw you to the wolves. At least in my program we had a clinical orientation day and they eased us into it each time we went. Just remember to never do anything by yourself that you are uncomfortable with. It'll be okay! :)

THANK you, that was very helpful. I'm just worried I guess in general because I have so much going on outside of school that I am worried I'm going to have a mental breakdown...I've heard nursing school is a lot of work & I don't want to fail before I've even started. I haven't had any sort of contact with my teachers (is that normal? We start in 2 weeks), & I just feel like things are very unorganized (this is a new ADN program so maybe that's typical).

Thanks for the reassurance about being thrown to the wolves. I've been in the medical field for some time, so I suppose I am more confident than someone who's never had any experience at all.

I'm sorry for rambling, I am just extremely nervous....

Thank you for taking time to respond to a crazy student!!

KJoRN81, RN · Jun 22, 2012

I agree the list of needed items seems long in the beginning. You won't need everything at once. Of course you will learn how to use all those things so you need them to work with. In actuality it is easier than a walk in the park with your child. Less things and a great deal less responsibility. This is an experience you will cherish in the future. You are giving birth to your new career. Take time to smell the new smells, see how people respond to being in whatever clinical situation you find yourself. Also think of it as a time to learn. You don't have to know everything.

That was extremely helpful. I loved the "take time to smell the new smells"....I think I will really cherish this, so long as I can live in the moment & not get caught up in everything. In all honesty, I just have no idea what to expect, & it's making me anxious. (Xanax time? LOL) My nursing class is incredibly small (only about 6 of us in each "section" of clinics) but I don't know if that's good or bad?!

Anyway, thank you for replying. I really appreciate it. :)

Nolli · Jun 22, 2012

As someone who just finished my first clinical let me reassure you that it is not all that bad. Like previous posters said slow down, breathe, and take time to smell those roses. Most of what we did was repositioning, ADLs, small restocking jobs, and a whole lot of bed changing. Heck you might even get a bit bored or feel like you are not able to do much and that is true. Rest assured that it will not stay like this (although some days you might find yourself longing for the days of bedpaning). It is so you can ease into nursing and perfect skills like positioning and bathing which although basic are important (bedsores anyone?). It also gives you time to perfect your patient interview technique and chat with your patient when you aren't under pressure to get something done. Enjoy it and don't be too nervous, most of the staff and patients realize that you are a student and shouldn't give you a hard time.

EmpRN · Jun 23, 2012

I also have just completed my first semester in nursing school in the Spring. I can tell you that my first day in clinical was very interesting. I was excited to see what the hospital environment is like from the perspective of a nurse or healthcare provider rather than perspective from a visitor. It's quiet different. You mentioned that you have been in the medical field for some time so the environment may not be completely new to you. As for the many things or items you need to begin, two weeks is plenty of time to gather the items you'll need. You may not have to purchase them all at once. Spread things out little by little. Stay organized. If you're allowed to, take a notepad with you to jot down notes. Your clinical instructor is there to help you and it is his/her job to ensure that you get the best experience possible. Don't worry about perfecting your A&P terminology. You will hear those terms over and over again and that will jog your memory when the knowledge you gained in A&P is actually applied to a real-life setting. Do not be afraid to ask questions!! Instructors appreciate that you are willing to learn. Asking questions, no matter how silly they may seem, will get you farther than never asking them at all. Nursing school is challenging and rewarding. It's a great learning experience so far for me. Breathe, relax, and learn. I wish you the best of luck!

EmpRN · Jun 23, 2012

Oops I meant quite* and not quiet. lol

KJoRN81, RN · Oct 24, 2012

I also have just completed my first semester in nursing school in the Spring. I can tell you that my first day in clinical was very interesting. I was excited to see what the hospital environment is like from the perspective of a nurse or healthcare provider rather than perspective from a visitor. It's quiet different. You mentioned that you have been in the medical field for some time so the environment may not be completely new to you. As for the many things or items you need to begin, two weeks is plenty of time to gather the items you'll need. You may not have to purchase them all at once. Spread things out little by little. Stay organized. If you're allowed to, take a notepad with you to jot down notes. Your clinical instructor is there to help you and it is his/her job to ensure that you get the best experience possible. Don't worry about perfecting your A&P terminology. You will hear those terms over and over again and that will jog your memory when the knowledge you gained in A&P is actually applied to a real-life setting. Do not be afraid to ask questions!! Instructors appreciate that you are willing to learn. Asking questions, no matter how silly they may seem, will get you farther than never asking them at all. Nursing school is challenging and rewarding. It's a great learning experience so far for me. Breathe, relax, and learn. I wish you the best of luck!

I just wanted to thank you for your detailed and supportive response! I am in my 2nd term now (just did 2 days of clinics) & have learned so much. I've also acquired a lot of nursing stuff along the way, and have asked many a "dumb" question.

I hope you are doing well, too! :)

TopazLover, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2012

Good going. Congrats. See, a walk in the park, notice I did not say which park:yes:. So now you have some idea about what cliicals are like. Somewhere along the line we all ask dumb questions. My favorite is the one asked by so many getting off the cruise ship, "What is the altitude." Duh, you stepped off sea level so maybe 30 ft? This was not the first stop for the ships BTW. I am sure your questions make more sense. Best wishes.

queen2bee · Oct 24, 2012

i am so anxious right now. my first day of clinical is july 6th (2 wks from today!!) & i haven't done a damn thing to prepare. i don't feel like i even have a good grasp of human anatomy, which is freaking me out...
i've been going through the threads about what to get for clinicals, but i'm just getting overwhelmed at the sheer amount of things i need (stethoscope, shoes, notebooks, binders, bp cuffs, bandage scissors..good grief!!!) that my pulse is racing lol.can anyone give me some advice? a vacation is not in the cards as i have a 6-yr.-old son & he's with my 90% of the time....

Hi Kari what nursing program do you attend??

queen2bee · Oct 25, 2012

Hi Kari what nursing program do you attend??

I mean what school? Lol