how many nursing students are scared of what they are going to be facing....

journey_bound · Mar 27, 2009

Are you in your last practicum placement right now? If you feel concerned that you aren't getting enough experience with certain skills talk to the nurses on the floor and tell them that you'd like to try this, to come get you when it comes up... And, if this isn't an option, practice with someone in lab. At least you'll have the theory of it down... When it comes to working as an LPN, observe other nurses doing procedures when you have a moment, and have someone accompany you when you do yours. Someone will walk you through it. I will be graduating as an RN this May and am feeling nervous myself about what I have done and not done... I'm getting a lot more in fortunately in this last placement I'm doing.. If you are unable to get experience with these skills you talk about then spend your time getting down the other part of nursing - that is knowing what's going on with your patients at all times... Follow-up on lab work, talk to the physicians when they make rounds to get a feel for talking to them cause you'll need to when you're working, talk to other nurses about the process. I know it probably feels intimidating that you don't have as much experience as you'd expected at this point but if you can get what being an LPN is all about, the skills are secondary. Obviously they're essential but they are simply a means to an end if that makes sense. For instance, patient A needs a catheter.. why does he need a cather? does he have urinary retention? why? what are the risks of putting in a catheter, what is the patient teaching to go along with that? Patient B is getting a CT scan, does he need prep, what is it for? what happens when he gets back up on the floor? Try to think of the bigger picture. If you understand the process of nursing you'll feel more comfortable tackling skills you have little experience with later.

Not sure if that helps or not.. hope it does! and good luck!!! :)