Nervous about my first clinical

[emily12345]

I have my first clinical on Wednesday and I'm so nervous! I felt like an idiot when we had to interview the residents because my hands were shaking and my voice was shaking. I work as a waitress and I thought I'd be a step ahead a few people because I thought I developed people skills. Does everyone feel like this at some point? I'm sure I'll get used to it once I get the hang of things, but does anyone recommend what to do and what not to do at your first day of clinical? Any stories? Thanks for taking the time to reply!

[julieface]

Everything you are feeling is normal. After the first day, you will be more calm and able to remember the skills you learned in class. Do as much as you can, ask the CNAs at your clinical facility to observe skills you aren't yet comfortable with. Remember that no one wants you to fail, and it's in your best interest to do as much as you can so you will be more skilled when you don't have a teacher with you to help. Good luck!

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

You are used to walking up to total stranger and introducing yourself and having a conversation. Just substitute "Hi My name is Emily. I will be your server today. How are you today? Is there anything I can get you?" with "Hi My name is Emily. I will be your student nurse today. How are you today? Is there anything I can get you?" Treat them the same way as you did last week when you were serving them at your restaurant.

[Skayda]

I have my first clinical on Wednesday and I'm so nervous! I felt like an idiot when we had to interview the residents because my hands were shaking and my voice was shaking. I work as a waitress and I thought I'd be a step ahead a few people because I thought I developed people skills. Does everyone feel like this at some point? I'm sure I'll get used to it once I get the hang of things but does anyone recommend what to do and what not to do at your first day of clinical? Any stories? Thanks for taking the time to reply![/quote']

I felt the same way you did before clinicals, the only difference is we weren't introduced to the residents we'd be working with beforehand or the staff. They told us on day one of the class about clinicals but that was it. On day of clinicals we had a different teacher and she met us at the assisted living place and showed us out floors and have us in pairs to a CNA to shadow for the time we were there but after the first two days it became a breeze. But then we had awesome teachers who wouldn't let the staff bad mouth us or over work us and took us aside for breathers if we looked like we needed it. You will do great. It's not rocket science so as long as you follow instructions and remember what you were taught and have patience and kindness you'll do well.

[caskey09]

I am in the same boat as you!! I just finished my first week of clinicals and I was shaking bad when we went up to the floors for the first time. Honestly though...its mainly shadowing and your cna that you are with will expect you to be nervous and to make mistakes. I am more nervous now about getting onto the floor I am going to be working on. Just keep at it...you'll be fine. :) I was in the food industry too and thought my people skills would help but this is so different and nervewracking...but after my first couple patients I felt more comfortable.

[FutureL&DNurse13]

I just finished my CNA clinicals on May 29th and before I was a nervous wreck also. There is absolutely MANY things to be afraid and nervous about, if the nursing home is working with the school 9 times outta 10 the residents are used to the 'students' being there asking them questions and helping the regular CNA's. Your def going to have your problems with residents at times (but nothing they wouldnt give the regular CNA'S). My first day on the floor of the nursing home a alarm went off (meaning someone fell) && I was asked along with a fellow student to assist the CNA to help the resident whom fell on the floor, Cool, no problem! When the fellow student, the CNA and I walked into the room, the resident was on the floor w/o any underwear, boxer, brief NOTHING.Just laying there...At that time we went to pick him up (he needed assistance) and he just started SPITTING

[evmarie]

Clinicals are a little scary at first, but really its a great way to learn! And while at first you may be a little nervous it gets easier after the first time because then you know what to expect. Doing something for the first time is always nerve wracking, but then you get more confident! Try to have a positive attitude and it will get you through! :) Good luck!