Nervous about clinicals.. HELP!

kcochrane · Jan 30, 2010

Believe me it does get better with time. I was just as nervous when I started clinicals for my LPN. I was even nervous starting clinicals for my RN after working as a LPN for 5 years.

I think time and experience is what works the best. Just try to be sincere and do your best. As you get more exposure to patients it will get better. As you are doing care, ask about kids, grandkids, what they do for work, hobbies, etc. Most times if you ask an open ended questions, they will rattle on. There may also be some people that you can tell just don't want to talk and that's ok. Tell them what you are doing and always ask if you can do anything else for them.

TerpGal02, ASN · Jan 30, 2010

We don't start in the actual hospital until Feb 20, but already I'm getting pretty anxious about it. I just had my first skills lab today and I could barely sleep last night I was so nervous. I think its just one of those things that the more you interact with the pts, the more confident you will feel :) But I'm right there with ya though.

CharlieT · Feb 1, 2010

Ask about the patient's children or grandchildren. People love to talk about their offspring.

jschut, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2010

Please don't be nervous! :) Just be yourself when you walk in their room, introduce yourself and ask them some questions. Like the above poster mentioned... open ended questions are great... ask about their children....

You can do this, and I promise... it does get easier with time....

Good luck! :)

tiffanyleigh0212 · Feb 1, 2010

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm glad to know I'm not alone and I know it will get easier in time. Right now I'm on an all women's floor, so I'm sure they will love to talk about their children!