Nervous in clinicals

[coronel23]

Does anyone have any tips for being extremely nervous during clinicals? I get really nervous and I can't carry out a conversation with patients. I have only gone to clinicals twice but I feel like I'm going to be like this throughout the program.

[Swellz]

It gets easier. You just need to practice! Remember to listen to them, don't just wait to talk. And tell them what you are going to do before you do it. Answer their questions, and if you can't, find out and get back to them. I was always nervous too. It helped to have an externship because I was constantly in contact with patients, so when I went back for my second year, that aspect of clinicals was no big deal. Good luck!