My first clinical ever is next week..

[courtney.2009]

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?

[1southernstudent]

If the clinical instructor asks for a volunteer to do a procedure, jump in and go for it. It'll get easier and more comfortable as you go. Everyone is nervous the first few days. This is the opportunity to put all that studying and practicing (over and over!!) to use.

[jamieslovingmom]

Look for ways to help...nurses and patients love that! Offer to change sheets, refill pt's water jug, etc. Utilize the CNAs as well as the nurses for questions about pt care. Ask questions at appropriate moments. When memorizing drugs, think about their indications and their contraindications. Remember that your patient is a person and someone's loved one and think about how you would like your family member treated if they were there. If you don't know how to do something, ask for help or at least watch someone else do it first. Always remember that you are on the ward's "turf"...be respectful of their space. :) Now that you are overwhelmed, I would like to say good luck...you will get through it.

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

Just approach your patient like a salesman. By that I mean walk up, greet, them, ask them if they want anything, and then proceed to offer your services. Take ownership of the situation then do whatever you are there to do that day.

[kalami08]

The best advice I can give you, as a fellow reserved person, is this.

At first you may feel very awkward walking in "cold," introducing yourself, taking vitals, etc. But remember: the patient is used to this! Especially in oncology, the patient has had MANY nurses take care of them, and for these patients, what you are doing is completely normal and not awkward in the least.

For me, that helped take the edge off my nervousness. Hope it helps! :)

[BEyourself]

My first day of clinical was just therapeutic communication where we we able to meet the patients and get introduced to the idea of clinical all together as a group. Day 2 we were paired with a patient, which helped reduce the anxiety. It is tough in the beginning but it will get better as you get used to it and develop your own stragety. It will be a breeze once you do. You might want to HAVE A PLAN. Write down what you are going to do first, second, third, and so on. Reheorifice what you are going say when you first walk in the room. Write down some questions you may want to ask your patient. And listen to your patient. If you go in there confident, as if you know everything, the patients won't mess with ya. Also, they love the students because we have time the time spend with them. Most of them loveee the attention. When in doubt, take a deep breath and say to yourself "I can do this" because you can. :) Dont worry, you'll be finnneee!

[rkitty198, BSN, RN]

I was told by my instructor one time "you are not here to clean patients, you are here to learn how to be a nurse."

It was the worst advice I had ever recieved before clinicals.

Remember nothing is "beneath you." Your CNA is always your friend an ally.

The nurse you work with will teach you more than your clinical instructor about your profession so befriend them.

Always remember, everyone likes chocolate :) Especially your nurses and CNA staff!

Good luck!