Nervous about CNA clinicals start tomorrow

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

Does anyone have any advice for surviving clinicals?....I just finished the classroom portion of my course and for the next week I will be caring for a woman with parkinsons and dementia....nobody to 'shadow', just me...and during any skill assessment an instructor will be watching every little thing I do and say (or forget due to nerves!)....I'm feeling kind of overwhelmed and anxious....slightly terrified...

I've been doing lots of readings about both conditions and practicing my 'skills' but still I worry about forgetting something...also I have to get in the mindset of making decisions for my patient...I've never been around someone that has these challenges....I want to do well...I worry that my patient will loathe me....My instructors seem to have faith in me but I just haven't built up the experience or confidence yet....I feel alot of "Aagghhhhh!!!"....is this normal???? Thank-you so much! I would welcome any feedback!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A few thoughts. Ask the instructor why a cna will not be with you for orientation of this patient. At the very least you should be given report and intro to pt and level of assistance needed for adl's. I am in clinicals and I love the patients. Talking to them, assisting them. Safety first and don't do transfers unobserved. I am working on knowing their level of independence and allowing them to do as much self care as possible. Usually when they are agitated or combative they need a basic need like toileting or bed rest or a snack or a walk. It is an honor to help these folks and I remember to respect that I am in their home' to help them.

You will do very well as long as you remember safety first.

I'm impressed with your attitude and concern. Have fun

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC/Rehab.

I wish you well. I start clinicals tommorrow and it will last 3 days from 7am to roughly 3pm. Hopefully, you are doing clinicals in the day as well because my instuctor said thats when you most likely to do stuff that will help you practice your skills.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You will do fine! Don't worry! I am in the midst of clinical now. Just remember:

-safety for your residents when performing your skills

-infection control...wash your hands, wash your hands, when in doubt...wash your hands

-infection control...use gloves

-always treat the residents like human beings, talk to them, and show them respect

-when in doubt of something...ASK. It's better to ask than to do something wrong or the unsafe way

I'm surprised you won't either be working with your instructor, another CNA, or one of your classmates. We are not allowed do certain things alone. We also work in teams. For instance, we are not allowed to use the sit to stand, or mechanical lift without our instructor or someone from staff present. You will do fine, have confidence in yourself, you can do it! :yeah:

Good luck!!! :up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank-you for the replies! I ended clinicals and it went great! I was amazed at how much I recalled from practicing and studying! it was a really good experience and my patient was very sad to see my clinicals come to an end...I tried my best and also made an effort to help my classmates at the same time....now I have to get thru the state exam but I'm now more confident....Thank-you again! I'm so grateful!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If your patient will "miss you", that means you did a great job.

Congratulations!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment