Ok, so I've been in school for about 6 or 7 weeks. We've learned everything from giving bedbaths to administerating medications. I've passed all by exams with a B and I've passed all of my check offs. We start clinicals in about two weeks and I'm terrified!!!!! We had a care mapping lecture today and it all seemed overwheliming. We have so much to do the night before we go to the hospital and then when we get to the hospital. I think I may need someone to actually knock on the patient's door for me and push me in otherwise I won't get in there to do my initial assessment.
Anyone else nervous about their first day of clinicals?
Anyone experienced with clinicals and have suggestions on how to deal with the nervousness and anxiety?
Thanks for the advice, Mitchsmom. I do have an assessment chart that I'll take in with me.
And to you, NurseBunky, sorry to hear that you are feeling so nervous. You would be abnormal NOT to be nervous. Four of my classmates were in tears just on our orientation day, due to nerves! I think part of the problem in my class is that it is sooooo accelerated (only 10 months long, full time). It's moving along more quickly than we are comfortable with. No matter how much time you spend in lab practicing, it's just not the same and I don't think anybody feels that they are really ready to handle a live patient instead of a dummy. Oh well, no choice but to jump in with both feet, like Mitchsmom says. All we can do is practice, study, and be prepared. Good luck to you!
I have finally started clinicals after going part time for a year, and I'm just so glad to finally be "in there"!! I'm no pro or anything but here are some ideas:
Just try to relax and jump in with both feet forward- this is what you are in the nursing program for!
It won't be as bad as you think.
Stay busy and volunteer to do things when your instructor asks.
If you are strained for conversation with a patient, start questions with "so, tell me about... (how you are feeling, yourself, how you slept last night, where you lived before here, your family, your job, etc. etc.).
Find the helpful/knowledgeable/open staff members and stick to them like glue, be a sponge.
I am in LTC also and I've been taking a little checklist for my clipboard so I'll remember everything. The facility also has a general outline of the days events/routine for the CNA's that we got a copy of. Would you be allowed to keep something like that until you get more comfortable with it?
That sucks that you got a bad CNA, good ones do help a lot. If the instructor is open to moving you, let her. You could always bring bribery for the CNA... some kind of treat or something to try and get her in a good mood/ on your side. She may be insecure, if it seems that way you could try showing that you respect her knowledge by asking her things that she can help you with, asking her opinion on something, etc. (although I know she may just be a biddy and doesn't want anyone around period...???).
I think everyone is nervous about their first clincal...it will soon pass as you find your sealegs :-)
Just "fake it till you make it"...and you'll be OK. Go in with a big smile and full of confidence even if you don't feel it at first. Remember that your patients are humans...so look at it all through their eyes, be loving, kind and attentive. You'll be GREAT - you'll see :-)
Diane M
15 Posts
Thanks for the advice, Mitchsmom. I do have an assessment chart that I'll take in with me.
And to you, NurseBunky, sorry to hear that you are feeling so nervous. You would be abnormal NOT to be nervous. Four of my classmates were in tears just on our orientation day, due to nerves! I think part of the problem in my class is that it is sooooo accelerated (only 10 months long, full time). It's moving along more quickly than we are comfortable with. No matter how much time you spend in lab practicing, it's just not the same and I don't think anybody feels that they are really ready to handle a live patient instead of a dummy. Oh well, no choice but to jump in with both feet, like Mitchsmom says. All we can do is practice, study, and be prepared. Good luck to you!