Practicums/Clinicals

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I'm wondering for all those who started their nursing program straight out of high school if you felt that you wern't ready for the practicums/clinicals at 17/18 years. Do you think that if you were a couple years older that you would be able to handle them any better?

Thanks!

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All i can say is that i'm older (24) and i went back to school. I think my life experience helped me. I feel i could establish rapport better with my pt. Not only that i knew i did not want to wait on tables anymore! i have more focus

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i started nursing school when i was 17. yes, i found it hard to build up my confidence... being so young. i found that getting a job as a special care aide REALLY helped to build up that confidence in myself. i kind of wish that i had worked as a special care aide before i started nursing. but, i have no regrets.

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Specializes in OB.

I started cliniclas when I was 19. I didn't have a clue what I was doing. At least half of my class was seeing a naked man/woman in the flesh for the first time. It was an experience...

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thats funny, lol how did you like your long term care placement? man i hated am care :(

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

When I first started it was right out of High School and I was NOT READY at all!

I had no idea what I was getting myself into.. lol

But I moved throught it and grew a ton and learned so much in the process!

GoodLuck:redpinkhe

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Yes, you will be unprepared at that age but so what? Who really is "prepared" when they're experiencing something new, no matter what age you are. The instructors do not expect you to know everything right of the bat. Just keep reminding yourself that you're in clinical to learn not to take over the Nurse's job. Also, I know people usually say "know your limits" if you're not comfortable doing something don't do it... BUT if you've reviewed a nursing skill already in class and lab, you should take every opportunity to practice them in clinical. Sounds like common sense right? I have so many classmates that are too afraid or disgusted to do some FUNDAMENTAL skills which impede their learning slightly advanced nursing skills.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Well.... I was 38 y.o., mom of two kids and had been a PSW for 8 years so I had pretty much seen it all by then.:rolleyes:

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

I started right out of high school. I had been babysitting since I was 11 or 12 so it definitely wasn't the first time I changed a diaper (brief), but it WAS the first time I changed someone that age. First time I saw a naked adult other than my bf. It was a little scary, but I got through it and you will too. Many of my classmates were the same age and many were older. I think we were all shocked at what we had gotten ourselves into! lol Now I've seen so much "nakedness" that I can see people clothed and know exactly what they look like naked *shudders*

I agree that getting a job as an aide/PSW will really help (and it's much better money than most student jobs). We were able to work as PSWs after first year...

Good luck!!!

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