Nervous- needing advice!

Hi MarAshJoe.

Sounds to me like you are a very caring, considerate person who cares not only for patients, but for families feelings as well. I understand wanting to be a positive part of the whole experience for these families. I'm pretty sure it's natural for you to feel the way you do, and I'm also pretty sure that you'll be just fine.

I guess my advice would be to harness a balance of proficiency and open communication. If you stay within your limits of what you can/can't do, or should/shouldn't do, while letting the patient/family know you're there not only to help but to learn as well, they will be more apt to accept your role.

As far as feeling intimitated, I think that's just something that goes away with time. Of course, the nurse who you get paired up with will make all the difference in the world. Hopefully he/she will be accepting of your role there, and willing/able to teach. Be as helpful as you can be within your allowed limits.

Realize that this is your classroom, glean as much as you can. Don't just try to "get through it" because you won't be taking full advantage of your learning opportunity.

I don't work in a hospital, but at a peds office. I do remember feeling the way you feel right now though, when I was in school. I just "got through it" and regret not trying harder to gain knowledge while I was in clinicals. I was a deer in the headlights most of the time, and felt like I was more in the way than anything else. Looking back, (and it wasn't very long ago) I realize I shorted myself.

I hope the experience is a great one for you, and one that you can look back on and feel good about. Good luck...

Blue

encourage the parents all the time.

they are not in control when they are on a peds ward with a sick child. but if you tell them they are doing a good job by being supportive with the child their confidence will grow, they will gain rapport with you faster and trust that you are doing all you can.

never lie to the family and if you dont know what to do just tell the parents that you will find someone that knows, and make sure you do.

when looking after the children get down to their level as it is scary for them if you are leaning over them with medical intrusments. on our ward, once the IV cannula is in we make sure we tell the kids that we wont be giving then needles if they are in pain. this makes a huge difference as they know they can tell you they do have pain and that it will be resolved either orally or via the IV cannula already in place. there have been many times when the ED dept have sent a child to us saying that their pain is minimal due to the fact that they thought they would get a needle but when they get to our ward they are in alot of pain.

get the kids to do lots of diversional activites (Play) so that they are not dwelling on the illness. include the parents in these activites. all kids love bubbles, so have a stash

make sure the child knows you are in control as if they can get the upper hand, they will! always give them an option when doing things, as long as the outcome satisfies both parties

have heaps of fun and dont be scard of the parents as they are also scared

good luck:nurse: