Kind of a werid question about nursing school

angelchick · Mar 23, 2008

Hi there!

Well over here in New Zealand we practise on each other in Lab, my first year I was dreaded it, as I am overweight, and have some scars and when having to do abdominal assessments, cardiac, resp, I felt embarrassed, but everyone is in the same boat! And after the first time it's nothing now, we are training as professionals, and most students respect each other and make one another feel as safe and decent as possible. It's actually good to experience being a vunerable patient, it does make one realise just how our patients feel.

Good luck!!:heartbeat

AprilRNhere · Mar 23, 2008

I think it really differs not only per state, but also per school and per instructor.

We practiced assessments on each other..but not complete assessments. And- when we did baths..we were fully clothed...no water...just doing mock runs. BUT- I have heard stories about much more in depth practice.

angelchick · Mar 23, 2008

Yeah we had to do baths in swimmers/togs. But have had to pee a sample, had blood sugars practised, we have a really awesome fake arm, it's incredible it has veins and arteries, and feels like an arm, fake blood even comes out of it! We practise on that, and on the manniquin for giving injections. (THANK GOD)! lol

Sarahb392 · Mar 23, 2008

Thank you for your answers! :nuke: It makes me a bit nervous but, I guess I'll find out in a couple of weeks. BTW, I'm in Washington state in the U.S. Thanks again.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 23, 2008

We practiced on each other...to a point. We weren't doing Foleys or breast exams on each other But we'd practice basic physical assessment, interviewing, bed changes, restraints, lifts, bathing (well, fully-clothed dry runs), etc.

JenniG48 · Mar 23, 2008

Where I live, a CNA is not a pre-req but we do a class called fundamentals of nursing (basic care). We practiced some things on each other like basic head to toe assessments, transferring and log rolling, vitals signs, bed changing with a person in the bed, we had to do baths (but we could wear bathing suits or shorts and t-shirts) and only washed exposed areas. I think a lot just depends on where you get your CNA. When I got my CNA (many years ago) I was working in a nursing home and they taught the class, so I actually practiced on real pts.

tachybradyRN · Mar 23, 2008

(In lab for nursing schoool) We only practiced on mannequins in the lab for baths, injections, NG tubes, etc. For assessments, we were able to take each others vitals and practice feeding on each other (yogurts and whatnot). A lot of skills were mannequin only, though.. so the first time we did it for real was the FIRST time. I used to go home and practice assessments (head to toe) on my boyfriend because it was private, so he wouldn't get embarrassed.

tachybradyRN · Mar 23, 2008

Oh and transfers, log rolls, positioning, etc we practiced on each other in the hospital beds we had in lab.

southernbelle08 · Mar 23, 2008

Pretty much everything noninvasive, we did on each other. I think the most fun I have had was the day we got to practice c collar and spine board and actually strap a classmate to the board. That was very neat (and fun)! :)

Good luck to you!

Nurseinprocess · Mar 24, 2008

In my program we havn't had to touch each other much, besides doing vitals and repositioning/transferring in bed. Of course that is about to change soon when we start doing full body assessments. I can't wait to have others visualize and touch my jelly belly abdomen :no: . At least most of the class is middle-aged so we all have our share of flab. I wish we got to practice injections on each other but we're not allowed to.

Sarahb392 · Mar 24, 2008

Thanks again to everyone for answering my question. I appreciate it. :)