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I was wondering what exactly does one do in clinicals for med surg? I'm asking because I haven't had a chance to practice my skills (foley, ng, wound care etc..) b/c I have to retake and pass a math test to stay in the program... and i know that's a lame excuse, but i just feel overwhelmed, and am terrified of this coming thursday (first actual clinical day) and even tomorrow(math re-test). TIA.
Huh. My first day of clinical I was expected to shadow my nurse. I actually shadowed the first day of each new rotation (although I'd actually pass the meds, give the tx, etc.). I'm in preceptorship now, and even my first day here - I didn't exactly "shadow," but I followed her lead and wanted to see how she charted, how she organized her day, etc. since she's the one who determines if I pass or fail. I was much more independent my second day, I just needed to learn the ropes first. Every school is different though! I wish both of you luck!
Well, tomorrow is officially my second day at clinical, and I'm terrified. I really don't know what the heck I'm doing on the floor, and my CI is incredibly scary.. So I was thinking that I was going to do what natania does, because natania's process seems organized. I think I'll ask for two patients so I can have more meds to give, and always have something to do so it doesn't look like I'm a slacker. =)
I must say, would you like to be the patient of your's on the second day that does not know what they are doing? Chill out and take it one day at a time. People know if you are faking it, it is better to be honest and admit you need more time. I have seen a few fake nurses not taking care of their patients and I would NEVER want them for a nurse. Please be YOURSELF!
My last day of clinical for med-surg is tomorrow =/. I got a Unsatisfactory for my mid-term for clinical, and tomorrow is my last day and i'm so down, and just can't wait until tomorrow is over, pass or fail. I just wanna get out of this class/clinical, and see where the heck i'll end up. blah.
My last day of clinical for med-surg is tomorrow =/. I got a Unsatisfactory for my mid-term for clinical, and tomorrow is my last day and i'm so down, and just can't wait until tomorrow is over, pass or fail. I just wanna get out of this class/clinical, and see where the heck i'll end up. blah.
Do you think you've improved since your mid-term eval? Good luck with tomorrow!
Serendipity33
14 Posts
Don't let her kick you out!! Prove her wrong and show her that you deserve to stay in your program. Don't give up. :heartbeat
And about the following a nurse..... I have no idea why instructors would not support this! It really bothers me!! I feel like I can only learn so much from textbooks and lab demonstrations... there is a wealth of knowledge to be learned from watching nurses who have been doing this for years, see how they manage their time, how they interact with their patients, how they perform certain tasks, etc etc etc... Why in the world would anyone think this is a bad thing?? I have never been able to wrap my head around it. Maybe you can talk to your instructor... make sure she knows you're not trying to avoid work by following a nurse, but that you're just trying to gain a little real-world knowledge from her.
Good luck with everything. :)