LPN Clinicals- what are they like?

VictoriaGayle · Jun 12, 2012

I mean I should be able to do everything except heavy lifting. I really don't want to look like I'm getting special treatment, or miss out on valuable experience. How soon do clinicals usually start? Hopefully I will deliver before they are in full swing.

Merlyn · Jun 12, 2012

This thread is so helpfull!
I am really nervous about clinicals.
I've worked as an RA before and I think I will be good at clinicals, as patient care is the main reason I want to be a nurse, but I don't know how much heavy lifting I will be doing at first.
I have no problem with physical labor, but I am entering my third trimester, and am not suppose to do heavy lifting, but I really want to stand out and be as active a participant in clinicals as possible. School starts July 26, and I'm due October 13th...would we be starting clinicals by then, and if so, do you think being pregnant will get in the way?
My biggest concern is that I'm to eager, and might end up taking on more than is physically safe. I've always done the majority of the heavy lifting at my job at an assisted living facility, even though I was the smallest RA, so being less involved and letting someone else do lifting would be a huge challenge for me.

Hey, kid. Don't do anything that will endanger your baby. Nursing can wait. don't go into training until you are safe. There will be a lot of heavy lifting. Even with proper body mechanics, you still could hurt yourself and possibly the baby.

garnetgirl29, BSN, RN · Jun 12, 2012

One of my classmates gave birth in our 2nd semester. The instructors didn't give her any restrictions & she didn't have to do a lot of lifting since we always paired up for anything like that. Although, she didn't pass the class & failed out. It just depends on your program & where your clinicals start.

VictoriaGayle · Jun 12, 2012

Hey, kid. Don't do anything that will endanger your baby. Nursing can wait. don't go into training until you are safe. There will be a lot of heavy lifting. Even with proper body mechanics, you still could hurt yourself and possibly the baby.

I don't plan on it!

I'm just usually so gung-ho and don't like to feel useless...its going to be odd for me. I'm just afraid I will miss judge how much I can lift.

One of my classmates gave birth in our 2nd semester. The instructors didn't give her any restrictions & she didn't have to do a lot of lifting since we always paired up for anything like that. Although, she didn't pass the class & failed out. It just depends on your program & where your clinicals start.

If we are in pairs I should be good, it's only heavy lifting I am worried about.

My cousin is in the same class, if we get paired up I'm sure she will work with me on dividing up the work.

Garnet girl? Is that referring to garnet career center in wv? Not trying to pry, but that is where I am going.

garnetgirl29, BSN, RN · Jun 13, 2012

hahah, no, it's my birth stone. I've never heard of garnet career center.

Cyndibelle · Jun 13, 2012

My Clinicals all involve being in long term care. We have two patients that we do total care on. ADL's, treatments, medication, etc. We have pre clinical forms, drug logs, patho forms, care plans, narratives, and data collection. There is alot involved with the day but by the end of the term you will feel like it all is much easier and you are ready to take on more!!

Merlyn · Jun 14, 2012

I don't plan on it!
I'm just usually so gung-ho and don't like to feel useless...its going to be odd for me. I'm just afraid I will miss judge how much I can lift.
If we are in pairs I should be good, it's only heavy lifting I am worried about.
My cousin is in the same class, if we get paired up I'm sure she will work with me on dividing up the work.
Garnet girl? Is that referring to garnet career center in wv? Not trying to pry, but that is where I am going.

You are not useless. You are growing a life. As Thornton Wilder wrote in the play, Our Town "Every baby born is Nature's way of trying to make a perfect human being" Let's hope in your case, Nature succeeds.