Just started clinicals and I almost failed. Do not know anymore.

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Yesterday was my first day of clinicals and it just went downhill from there. Got disciplined because my instructor thought I was rude to another student, got disciplined for putting my patient out in the social area and then almost failed because he thought I gave a medicated ointment to the patient, but I just was holding it for the staff nurse who asked me to help him (we are not allowed to do any medications yet) And then got called out during our 'student' wrap up for those things. And then was the subject of gossip for the rest of my group. I actually cried on the bus home. I feel like if this was my first day then I am really screwed for the rest of my schooling. I am not sure I want to continue because I feel like the idiot now. I felt really singled out because he tends to joke, gossip and laugh with the other students and I get the opposite. I feel like I have to walk on eggshells compared to the other students now and that scares me because I do not want to fail at something I infested all this time in.

Has anyone felt like this? First day out of the box and bam, mistakes galore? I am so confused?

Any advice for not failing.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

That was just one day.Don't worry they won't all be like that. Sounds like you got off to a rough start. I got sent home early my first day.I was mortified, and no, I don't want to share the details.lol Needless to say I survived clinicals.

Why did you get in trouble for putting a patient in the social area? I wouldn't owrry about the ointment thing, that was just a misunderstanding.I know it's tough but try to put it behind you and start the next day with a clean slate.

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Specializes in NP student.

Hi there , heads up girl

There is no failure there is only feedback! Give yourself some time , ok? Try to be positive, friendly and do your job it's just the beginning and people adjusting to new environment and new situations. First days are sometimes challenging.:cat: HUGS

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Specializes in family practice and school nursing.

failed my 1st clinical bed bath. didnt get the "crusties out of my patient's eyes. She didn't open them herself and I didn't think to open them for her when I washed her face. This was 30 yrs ago... it does get better...

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Just Learn from the mistakes you made it will only make you better, it was your first clinical. Don't be yourself up it will get better.

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Welcome to the rollercoaster that is nursing school. Some days you will leave feeling high as a kite, other days you will want to turn your back on the medical field entirely! It does get better, I can promise you that, but so much of it is your attitude. If you walk into clinicals thinking you are doomed for failure then it shall be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Now remember, nobody ever said nursing school was easy. The next couple of years may be the most difficult of your life. Never forget how badly you wanted to do this, and how rewarding it will be when it is all over. The happiest day of my life will remain the day I graduated (until I marry or have a child, of course). Hang on tight! And when you have a blissful day at school, write yourself a letter detailing how wonderous it feels, so that next time you bomb at clinicals you can remind yourself that nursing school has its highs as well as lows.

Now, if you continue to feel singled-out by your clinical instructor, I suggest approaching it in the most mature and honest fashion - discuss it openly with him. He may not realize how blatantly obvious his demeanor towards you is, and it will also show him your communication and problem solving skills. If you cower down in his presence then he may see it as weakness, and he could feel justified in making clinicals difficult for you. If you attempt to bring the issue to another faculty member, you risk being accused of insubordination (this happened to a classmate of mine). Be direct but polite, and only work your way up the chain of command if you feel it falls on deaf ears.

I wish you the best of luck with all my heart!

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7:30 pm by loriangel14 7:30 pm by loriangel14 A member since Oct '04 - from 'Ontario Canada'. loriangel14 has '4' year(s) of nursing experience and specializes in 'acute care, rehab, palliative'. Posts: 3,320 Likes: 3,251

Age: 47

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Why did you get in trouble for putting a patient in the social area?

I was originally in the patients room that they share with another patient when a staff nurse told me to leave so they could do wound care on this other patient. They said to bring my patient to the social area and then come back. I did not get a chance to check my patient's temperature, so I asked my instructor, while in the social area if I could do it (it was not a rectal) and that's when I was disciplined again. I should know not to do it in public, he said. I was basically disciplined for listening to the staff.

I know that I should just get over it, but I kinda feel like I am in high school when it comes to the gossip about what happened and how I almost failed. Gossip is a big thing in the class I am in and whatever happens to anyone, it is like wildfire. Gossip usually does not bother me, but this time I feel like everyone thinks I am an idiot. I should not care, but this time I do.


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It is 2 year program and graduation is a long time away so that's why I am so stressed out too.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

[i know that I should just get over it, but I kinda feel like I am in high school when it comes to the gossip about what happened and how I almost failed. Gossip is a big thing in the class I am in and whatever happens to anyone, it is like wildfire. Gossip usually does not bother me, but this time I feel like everyone thinks I am an idiot. I should not care, but this time I do.]

Yeah, you may THINK you are going to school with adults but it is really just high school all over again. Don't worry, someone else will mess up and they will be the gossip.Nursing students can be very mean and competitive. Try not to let it get to you.

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Keep your head down. It's pretty vital advice to follow in nursing school. Be positive, nice, helpful, ask questions, and watch what everyone else is doing (or the good ones anyway lol). Don't have an attitude, and be careful about what you say during class/clinicals. I'm not saying you necessarily have these problems but it's general advice for anyone to consider.

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Specializes in LTC, Education, Management, QAPI.

First, repeat after me, "I did not almost fail, I had difficulty but succeeded." Do that 3 times. Now, do it 3 more times. You will do this again and you will have difficulty again. If it was easy, there'd be no school for it. I'll tell you this- do not walk on egg shells. Walk tall and proud and if you do not know something, admit it- if you have a concern, ask a question. If you protect your patients' safety and dignity, you will succeed. Do not let this day throw you, you will have more of them and will be better for it. I'll root for you! Nursing school is one of the hardest things I have done in my life. By the end, it felt like an initiation/ hazing, not school. That's not good, but it is what it is right now. Head up, smile, keep your patient safe and secure, and your instructor will follow suit.

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I agree with admitting if you don't know something. Our instructor has us find the answer and report it at the debriefing.

It was your first day. It will improve. Try to ignore the gossip as much as possible.

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