New Here; Not Feeling Right During Clinicals

scallywags · Jun 24, 2006

Hello All,
I am new to this site. My name is Alli. I am wondering if what I am feeling during clinicals is normal. I do pretty well in class, but when it comes to being out on the floor, I feel overwhelmed and I feel like I should know more than I do. I am no prior medical experience whatsoever and most of the class does so I have been telling myself that that is the problem. Everyone else seems to jump right on their patients and I dread it in a way because, like I said, I feel like I should know a lot more and 2) I am afraid of making a mistake. Has anyone else ever felt this way and does this ever get better?
TIA!
Alli

Hi Alli,

I know exactly what you are going through. I thought I was the only one feeling this way.

I started clinicals a few weeks ago, and felt so unsure of my abilities. I was shaking through some of the procedures, second guessing myself, and having no confidence. Most of my classmates are CNAs and medical assistants, and they are really great with the patients.

I do great in class and have no problem with the material or test taking. It is the clinicals that seem to scare me. I talked to my friend about this and she said that the more experience I get, the more confident I will become. Also, I am making note of what I am having to do in clinicals, and doing some research on it. If I can remember the key points, I think I will be better when I actually have to do the procedure.

This is all so new to us. Pretty soon, it will be like second nature and I am praying the nerves go away. Don't despair...it will get better :)

tatgirl · Jun 24, 2006

If you're feeling unsure about something, ask your instructor. They are there to help and guide you through procedures. I felt the same way too. After a while I just started jumping in and doing things and felt good about my abilities. Alot in my class were CNA's too. Pair up with one and let them teach you the "tricks of the trade". Thanks to my best friend in school, I can make an occupied bed, and do brief changes with no problems by myself. believe me some of this will come in handy when you graduate and start working on the floor. As you attend more clinicals, your confidence will grow.

Wendy

LPN and darn proud to be one!!!

J Lynn · Jun 24, 2006

Alli and scallywaggs, just remember that what you're feeling is perfectly normal. I felt the same way over 2 yrs ago in clinicals. I even felt that way after I started working. Now, I practically run the joint :lol2: . Hopefully, you have a good instructor that encourages you to do your best. Ask lots of questions.

beautifulb · Jun 25, 2006

Alli, I felt like that in clinicals and that was 12 yrs ago. I think that if I had had CNA experience I would have felt more confident.

It does get better. Don't be too hard on yourself while you are at clinical because that could end up getting in the way. Focus on one thing at a time. Write checklists to remind you of what to do and check them off as you go. Carry a helpful medsurg or assessment pocket book. Also, take time off during your shift to sit down, have a drink (non-alcoholic! LOL!), and let your mind rest. Also, I kept a little card in my pocket with an inspirational message and I would look at it throughout the day.

Good luck with your clinicals.

scallywags · Jun 25, 2006

Alli and scallywaggs, just remember that what you're feeling is perfectly normal. I felt the same way over 2 yrs ago in clinicals. I even felt that way after I started working. Now, I practically run the joint . Hopefully, you have a good instructor that encourages you to do your best. Ask lots of questions.

Thanks! It is good to know that there is hope for me yet :)

I have a great instructor, and the nurse I have been assigned to has been so helpful. He is not afraid to criticize, which I appreciate as it has been constructive, but is also very encouraging.

lisalpn06 · Jun 26, 2006

I felt exactly the same way last summer when I started LPN clinicals, and I am feeling the same way right now as I am getting ready to start RN clinicals. You are by no means alone! Everything always seems to have a way of working out in the end though..so hang in there!

LPN2006STU · Jun 29, 2006

hi, i felt that way, i think a lot of people do. some people are better hiding it. i think a lot depends on the instructors too if they encourage you and promote your confidence. i went to a school where most of the instructors were like nazi's. i never felt confident in what i was doing and i didn't know if what i was doing was right, but at the end of the program it all clicked i got an instructor who just backed off and let me do my thing and i realized i can do this. when you get out there you will be surprised on how much you will remember and just know that the art of nursing isn't just what you learn in school it is the experience like any job. that is how you learn. i was you last august.

don't worry you will be fine!

AuntieRN · Jun 29, 2006

I have 23 years experience as a CNA and I am in my 5th and last semester of the ADN program and I am still nervous at clinicals. Every rotation is something new that you are learning. You have different instructors and they all do things differently, you have different nurses on the floors and they all do things differently. I think a little fear is good though, you don't want to get overly confident, then you really make stupid mistakes. It does get easier though as you go thru your rotations. I wish you the best of luck!! I will tell you what my first semester professor told us...(I forget to do it sometimes...LOL:lol2: )...she told us to always remember to BREATH...it does help.....

Guitar_Heroine · Jun 29, 2006

I know how you feel too and it's totally normal. As my teacher told us, you should be scared! It's a huge responsibility but you can do it!

PhoenixGirl · Jul 6, 2006

You will get more comfortable. Try not to worry. And if all else fails, just fake that you are comfortable! Seriously, it works. Talk to your pt's as if you were talking to a regular friend. They are there, scared, lonely and depressed to be in the hospital so a cheery nurse can really matter a lot.

I work 3, 12 hr shifts a week. My first day on i feel like a bumbling idiot. I don't know my pts as well. Day two is better, I know their likes and dislikes, how they like their meds, how oriented they are. By day 3 I feel very comfortable but that's my last day on and then the next week I'll get a new assignment and have to do it all over again. That's similar to how clinicals are. You get a few weeks in a specialty at a certain hospital, then when you start to feel a bit comfortable, they change it up on you!

Hang in there, you are not the only one that goes through this. It is very normal and you will do well. Have confidence.

Good luck.

Rebecca

Hairstylingnurse · Jul 9, 2006

perfectly normal!!!!!!!!! \

I was a hairdresser when I decided to go to LPN school. I was the only student in my LPN class with NO medical training at all. Everyone else were CNA's and I was a slon owner. I was soooooo scared of everything in clinicals especially the first bed bath. Ofcourse my instructor insisted on being there (I was glad she was). All went really well. I just got really familiar with my fundamentas book and jumped at any and every chance to see & do anything at clinicals. I loved it and couldn't get enough of it. All my co-students were thrilled to help a newbie out. Best of luck and let us know how it goes.