LPN Student first day of clinical tomorrow!

[beetlebug424]

Hi!

I am in my first semester about 6 weeks in to this practical nursing student experience. Whew! I didn't expect it to be easy but I definately recognize that I will not have much of a social life for the next year LOL. We have had two orientation sessions at different nursing homes (this will be our first clinical rotation) and tomorrow is the first day we are assigned patients. From what I can tell we will mostly be doing the stuff usually done by the CNA in the beginning. I will be completely honest and say I'm super nervous! If anyone has any advice or can give me an idea of what to expect I would appreciate it!

Also, next week we have two all day clinical sessions and three tests, any hints on time management and helpful ways to study better would be great too!

[CloudySue]

Good luck to you! Just keep plugging along. You will feel awkward and shy, and maybe even squeamish. You're going to see things that aren't pretty. Human biological functions can get a newbie pretty grossed out. My first few weeks learning bed baths and ADLs were so uncomfortable, but I eventually got used to it. Now nothing phases me, after working about 2 1/2 years. It's business as usual, I may as well be doing office work or ringing up customers. You WILL get used to it. When you are feeling uncomfortable or grossed out, just try not to think about it too much. Find your happy place!

[sayahhh]

So, your first few days have already come and gone and I'm sure you did fine. I just finished my LVN program in December. I can remember that first day of clinical. It was pretty scary but over time you do adjust and it becomes second nature. You will loose that shyness and the awkwardness of seeing things doesn't even phase you. They like to start you out with the basics to help build a good foundation of nursing skills. No nurse is above changing a bed or cleaning a patient regardless of the letters behind your name. Plus, if something happens and you don't make it all the way through the program your school will usually present you with your CNA certification so you can at least work. As far as studying goes, make sure you read all of the assigned material. It's a lot but it will only benefit you in the end. Be sure to read for understanding and not memorization. There's no way to memorize it all but if you can develop a good understanding of the why's and how's it'll help you on your school tests as well as the NCLEX. Best of luck throughout your program!!