Major anxiety over first clinical

ivikatasha · Sep 1, 2012

This might sound.... rude and uncaring.....(sorry!!! :uhoh21: ) but honestly you just suck it up and get through it.

You just have to do it, there is no getting around it. I was freaked out my first clinical too, it was in a nursing home and I had to give baths and do other things of the sort, but I told myself "all right! there is no getting out of this unless I quit nursing school and I worked too damn hard to get here, so lets get this done!" After your first time its gets easier and easier.

As for like offensive odors and such, I just tried to ignore it and focus on the patient.

Certifiable, BSN, RN · Sep 1, 2012

Remember, it's your first clinical. Your instructor knows this! If you feel uncomfortable ask for help--- it's not something to be ashamed of- you're human! My most recent bed bath was an end stage cancer patient with a history of polio (so he couldn't help us with positioning etc'), ascites and bed sores- it took 3 of us to properly take care of him (2 students AND our instructor)--- we were all pretty exhausted by the end, but the patient was so grateful to feel properly cleansed.

When in doubt, ask for help. Don't worry about looking weak or about your grade.

EdistoDan · Sep 1, 2012

Our class are able to work in teams of two. Each of us are assigned an individual Pt, but we can help each other with any procedure we feel we need help with. As for the nasty part of the job, just grin & bear it. If smells bother you bring a small jar of Vicks vapor rub and dab a little under your nose before going in the room.

sapphire18 · Sep 1, 2012

Just remember, you get used to anything with time. And develop the technique of breathing through your mouth without your patient noticing;)

Just have fun with it, and learn as much as you can!

TheAmazingMrsA · Sep 2, 2012

If bed baths are your biggest fear, then you'll be fine. Though I haven't even started my clinicals, I am well versed from CNA clinicals in a LTC facility. I was pretty freaked out my first day, but quickly realized that it wasn't nearly as bad as my mind had created.

What got me through: "how would I want my grandmother to be cared for if she were in this facility". It completely took away the anxiety and treated each person as if they were a dearly loved family member that I would do anything for. I stopped seeing changing a brief as gross, and saw the human aspect of someone needing me to help them and what I could learn in the situation.

Think about how hard you worked to get where you are now. Embrace where you are at, challenge yourself to overcome your fear and always look for ways to learn in the midst of uncertainty. You can do it!

Racer15, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2012

It'll be fine! I remember my first clinical. My partner and I went to our patient's room, the door was closed. We dithered around in front of the door for probably five minutes before we got our instructor and asked her what to do, lol. Now I knock and walk on in. If it's a man and you have to give a bed bath, just ask if he would like to clean his own privates...I've yet to have one that said no, most patients will help where they can. And even if they say no, big deal, they are ok with it so you'll get some experience. It isn't nearly as awkward as you'd imagine.

nu2icu · Sep 2, 2012

Another thing, remember that it is not THEIR first bath by a nurse. The patients (sadly) are used to being assisted with very personal activities.

PinkCupcake · Sep 2, 2012

We have to do catheters on our 4th or 5th day of clinicals :uhoh21: ...I'm slightly nervous but I'm sure I'll do fine.

You will learn to step out of your comfort zone and the more you do it the easier it gets. Remember these pts are used to being bathed by other people so fake the confidence until you have it. You'll be fine I promise! :)

EireEllada · Sep 2, 2012

I think bed baths and helping with toileting is something you get used to over time, and most patients are used to/expecting you to help them wash up! Acting totally normal and not embarrassed helps patients feel more comfortable - remember, they are likely feeling helpless and frustrated and allowing them to feel relaxed and respected!

Dive in head first and don't let anything, and I mean anything shock you and you'll be fine!

FLmed · Sep 2, 2012

If bed baths are your biggest fear, then you'll be fine. Though I haven't even started my clinicals, I am well versed from CNA clinicals in a LTC facility. I was pretty freaked out my first day, but quickly realized that it wasn't nearly as bad as my mind had created.
What got me through: "how would I want my grandmother to be cared for if she were in this facility". It completely took away the anxiety and treated each person as if they were a dearly loved family member that I would do anything for. I stopped seeing changing a brief as gross, and saw the human aspect of someone needing me to help them and what I could learn in the situation.
Think about how hard you worked to get where you are now. Embrace where you are at, challenge yourself to overcome your fear and always look for ways to learn in the midst of uncertainty. You can do it!

I LOVE what you wrote!!!! I completely agree.

gummi bear · Sep 2, 2012

This is why I think being a CNA for a certain amount of time should be required. Being a CNA will help you get used to these kinds of things. I think that you'll get used to it. A bed bath is the worst of your problems. Wait until you have to squeeze the goodies out of a fat juicy ostomy bag! :) Seriously, some people never get over these kinds of things. And then they become the nurses that avoid the "messy patients" as much as possible. Not saying that this will be you OP, but there are several students in my school that think that becoming an RN will make them immune to incontinence care and toileting patients. Boy, are they in for a rude awakening.