My first clinical ever is next week..

mercuryrawks · Feb 18, 2011

Don't be scared of your nurses. Even though some FORGET they were students once, most are VERY helpful and kind. Also, the students who jump right in, get the most out of the day. Good luck and have fun!

noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP · Feb 18, 2011

This is a toughy.

The first two semesters were very awkward and nerve wracking for me. My only advice is rest assure in the fact that it will get less uncomfortable as time goes on. By semester three (middle to end of semester three for me), things start to come together and you start to establish some confidence.

In the meantime, try not to be too hard on yourself and be willing to laugh at the awkward things you might say to patients while trying your best to be therapeutic.

Another thing, bond with your nursing buddies over this challenging experience. It helps so much to have pals to vent to in the parking lot after clinical.

courtney.2009 · Feb 18, 2011

Thanks guys. I should probably add that I will be on the oncology floor, so it will probably be very emotional..

CariocaRN · Feb 18, 2011

Review the skills you are expected to perform. YouTube has great little tutorials.

I also wrote a step-by-step on my notepad with everything I had to do once I was on the floor. Like for example "1) introduce myself to the nurse/get report, 2) introduce myself to patient, 3) get vitals, etc,etc,etc.

Seems redundant but I was really nervous on my first semester so it was easy to forget.

I would also get a small clinical book. It helped me a lot. And remember, even if you feel awkward and insecure, try to have a smile on your face. Sometimes that's all the patient needs at that particular moment.

Good luck! :)

MikeyBSN · Feb 18, 2011

Which clinical do you have first? I was relatively shy as well when I started but it's something I have grown out of, at least when it comes to work. I'm still a relatively shy person in general, but I've learned to switch on a "work mode" attitude. It's interesting really because I'm still fairly shy in other situations but no so much while I'm at work. It takes a little getting used to but you will eventually be able to do it.

Mommy2NQ · Feb 18, 2011

It is ok to feel like a fish out of water at first...after awhile things start to come together. Good luck

AgentBeast, BSN, RN · Feb 18, 2011

I was where you are now a couple of weeks ago. After the first day I thought **** it and just started doing stuff. Now I feel like I actually belong. The best part for me is interacting with my patients and joking around with the staff. Granted I'm not a shy person at all.

kool-aide, RN · Feb 19, 2011

Which clinical do you have first? I was relatively shy as well when I started but it's something I have grown out of, at least when it comes to work. I'm still a relatively shy person in general, but I've learned to switch on a "work mode" attitude. It's interesting really because I'm still fairly shy in other situations but no so much while I'm at work. It takes a little getting used to but you will eventually be able to do it.

Mikey, I'm the same way. I'm pretty shy around new people or awkward situations in the "real world," but when I'm at work, I'm very confident.

OP: You'll get better at being confident around your pts, just try not to stress too much. Use humor to your advantage. Learn how to laugh at yourself when you do something stupid...

otownnurse2be · Feb 19, 2011

I started clinicals 2 weeks ago and I was soooo nervous. However when we got to the nursing home and were assigned to our pts I just jumped right in. I'm in an LPN program so your experience maybe a little different than mine but its like everything we've learned so far just clicked. Good Luck! I hope you have as much fun as I'm having!

ticklemenita · Feb 19, 2011

It's stressfull due to the unknown. Just relax and prepare yourself on what you can, and don't worry about the unknown. What I mean is things like having a professional appearance neatly pressed uniform, everything you need for your assessment, pen, paper, stethescope, watch, penlight, be on time on the floor and to conference, eat a good breakfast, get a good night sleep, and read up on the common issues in the unit you may be on if possible, etc. Otherwise here is a good video I love that shows you how to do a rapid head to toe assessment. You will be great! Let us know how it went!

I'm am extremely nervous about starting clinicals next week. I've been reading some of the threads on here, but I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions for the first few clinicals. Things such as what to expect, and maybe how to reduce my anxiety about the whole thing. I'm somewhat of a shy person, so i'm not sure how i'll be when I confront my patient for the first time. Suggestions?

courtney.2009 · Feb 19, 2011

Thanks everyone for the encouragement! It means a lot! :)