Just started clinicals

[Alexandra888]

I just started my clinical rotations and this is my second day. I realize it's only my second day but I'm feeling very foolish and discouraged, does everyone experience that their first time out in the field????

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I remember feeling very awkward, and I had worked as a CNA for several years.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Totally normal.

[AliNajaCat]

Yep. We were all like that. Look round at all the nurses on that floor. They were too. And your faculty. And the supervisor, and the charge nurse. All of us.

You'll get there. It gets better.

[HeySis, BSN, RN]

Been there, done that!

It's a pretty common feeling, clinicals are overwhelming at first, then you'll graduate and being a newbie will be overwhelming at first. It all takes time, as they say "Rome wasn't built in a day" or two.

If your a person that likes to keep a journal, it maybe nice to write this done and then each clinical find one thing that overwhelmed you before that doesn't now (now as in after future clinicals). that way you can look back and see the progress. And when you start as a new nurse and those feelings come back you can look back and see you have done this before and it does get better.

Good Luck!

[marrr123]

Congrats starting your clinical rotations! I am a new graduate RN and I still remember my first clinical day. I kept thinking I'm messing up and I felt really down at one moment. My instructor noticed my mood change so I confided in her and told her I wasn't feeling too confident. She gave me a great pep talk and told me that it is completely normal! Don't feel down. Each day you will gain more experience and become more confident. Never be afraid to ask questions either.

[midwifemae]

For sure. I took the first day or two to get to know the unit, the staff, where everything was and asking my precasting nurse questions when they came out. By day 3 or so I felt so much more comfortable and willing to jump in to help pass meds, educate, place IVs, etc. It takes some time but you will get there. Congrats!!

[SaltySarcasticSally, LPN, RN]

I've been an LPN for 8 years and I still feel that way at times during my RN clinicals, it's normal!

[Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN]

From everything I have read and learned here and on other sites, this is TOTALLY normal. In fact, most graduate nurses will tell you that the first year on the floor as a FULLY QUALIFIED nurse is overwhelming and leaves one feeling out of their depth - never mind being a student nurse when everyone and their mother feels like they know more than you do!

Chin up!! You're not alone!!

[em3120]

Yes 100%! The best advice I have for you is to JUMP IN. It's scary but take all the opportunities you can to practice your skills and observe everything you can. Really the only thing you can do is bite the bullet and things will get easier.

[Flightless Bird]

I am now in my 5th term and less than a year from graduation and still get the butterflies before every clinical. I think every student has that epiphany where they don't think this is for them. Don't believe that feeling, I know many people who dropped out of nursing school because of that feeling. Sometimes I feel foolish and disheartened but I know it's because I am still learning. It hasn't gotten easier for me. I still get stressed the night before clinical but I go in with an open mind and try to be kind to myself.

[al3x117, RN, EMT-B]

Seriously don't sweat it! You will get better over time! :) clinical are really fun if you have the right attitude. Overtime you will know how to adapt in the hospital setting.