Preparing to care for my 1st patient in clinical.

[Piggles]

am so excited to be in nursing school. It is my 1st semester. I heeded the advice of many of you on this site as well as experienced nurses and students that I meet. I am trying to expose myself the most challenging cases possible. That being said, I got what I asked for. I am about to care for someone who is in really bad shape.

I feel like I am really lucky because not much happens at this facility. It is a LTC/ rehab facility with a very low census. My patient is the only one with acute issues. He is on IV antibiotics, has a wound vac and a picc line. Mrsa and sepsis...

I am really scared but also welcoming the experience of being of service during a difficult time. If you have an experience you can share, or just some general wisdom, please share. Thank you!

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

My #1 advice would be RELAX! Focus on what you've been taught in lecture and skills. Now you're using what you've been taught on an actual person. Our clinical instructor is usually with us when we perform something new for the 1st time. At first it can seem overwhelming, but you'll get comfortable with it over time. Good luck!! Clinical is the best part of nursing school (in my opinion lol) :)

[KingsMommy]

First of all that is awesome that you know about your patient before going in. Clinicals won't just be you thrown in to be the RN- it's about learning. Review your basics but never be afraid to ask for help- if you don't ask you won't learn- and if you don't learn it wont be good when it is your time to be the RN. Take your skills and build- use critical thinking to put the evidence behind what you are doing. Congrats on making it this far and keep up the good work!