Nursingstudent2188

There are so many things that have happened this first year that helped me realize that I absolutely LOVE nursing. I had a patient tell me that she thought I was going to be a great nurse. (Made my year, really). I've met so many new friends, and experienced so many new things. I love learning about all the medical stuff, interacting with patients. Really, now that I think about it..this whole nursing school thing...it's not that bad. :)

We practiced bed baths and assessments on each other at our school. We wore shorts and t shirts. It was no big deal. No body thought anything of it. We have all got to learn somehow, and I'd rather practice stuff in lab than on patients. I like to know what I'm doing before I go do it to a patient. I know bed baths are VERY basic and common sense...it's still way different when you get in that patient room. There's only so much you can learn from the dummy dolls. We even gave each other injections after we learned how. We had a mini flu-shot clinic. Everyone got a shot and gave a shot. It helped us all feel more comfortable when we started giving injections at the hospitals/LTCs.

Don't let it bother you! We've all had days like those. I had a pt that refused a flu vaccine from me one day. Said to the nurse, "I don't want THAT girl doing it." Some people just think students are going to mess everything up I guess. They don't realize we have 5 thousand people watching our every move. Things will be better next time!

I also have the Classic II S.E. I don't have any problems with it. I did have trouble hearing at first, but it was just because I didn't know what I was listening for. I got mine at our bookstore...it was 90 dollars...i think.

Wow. I know that putting the bed back down is very important, but everyone makes mistakes at clinical. Especially when you're rushed and having a crazy day. CrunchyMama, I don't know for sure what the policy at your school is, but I wouldn't beat yourself up too badly. Just remember to check it next time. I don't know if our school is just laid back or what, but just a few weeks ago I dropped meds on the floor, forgot what a med was for...all right in front of my instructor. And all I got was a "you need to do better on that next week". And I had to be reminded about a siderail once...but I think it was a fellow student who saw that...not sure.

Congrats on the A! Let us know what she tells you...but based on what your scores are,and the fact that you have improved, she's probably just wanting to let you know that you need to keep it up. It takes awhile to get used to how to study in nursing school, and how to take the tests. But apparently you're getting the hang of it! Keep it up! Hugs and prayers!!!!

Thank you so much! This means a lot to sooooo many students.

Wow. This totally describes my life right now! A couple weeks ago, I was WAY stressed out about school. But even over the last couple weeks, it has got a lot better. Don't quit. Here's what I decided about clinicals that really helped my lack of confidence/fear/dread thing: I am a student. I am here to learn. I will make mistakes. But everyone knows that...because I am a student. I can't be expected to just know all of this stuff naturally. It's going to take time. So hang in there! We can do this! Prayers and hugs to ya!

Only in nursing school is it completely acceptable to have practice medical equipment stored in your car and your house. I have tons of syringes and needles. Not to mention the IV tubing that I laid on top of my fridge...

I always studied with a friend. It helped a lot. I know they make flash cards for ipods and such. I wanted them, but ended up not buying them. Also, our textbook had a website that was really good (sorry I do not remember the name). So you might check into that. It had study resources and quizzes, etc.

I too feel overwhelmed. A lot of the people in my class who aren't overwhelmed...they aren't doing their homework. They are behind in the readings. Some of them still do fine on the tests, but I think it's going to catch up to them. We just need to hang in there I think. I keep telling myself millions of people have already gone through all this, and succeeded, so we can too!

I find it hard as well. The people who think it's easy...I'm happy for them. I just can't find time to get everything done. I feel like it's either a social life or a decent grade. Can't have both (or so it seems to me). Anyone else completely overwhelmed with readings and assignments???

Thank you all! So very much! I am definitely going to check out some "brains." I know that I'll eventually get it all down. I'm just stressin'. Thank you all again for your advice and ideas. I'll have to keep ya posted about how it goes this week! I have a good feeling that it will be better. :)

Hey! Glad you're loving school and clinicals! On the NCLEX style questions...they stink! :) Our professors always recommend that we buy NCLEX review books and just answer questions in them. One thing that frustrates me is how with one question, all of the answers could apply, and would be semi-correct. You have to go with the "best" one. What I've found is the "best" answer usually involves the thing most critical to the patient's health status. We always have to go through our ABCs when answering our questions, so that we make the right choice. For instance, if your patient is having trouble breathing, you're going to take care of that first...administer oxygen...whatever the case may be, before you would educate them about something. Hope this was helpful.... Good luck!

In addition to what every one else has said, I recommend a small bottle of hand sanitizer that will fit in your pocket. My first clinical was a nursing home, and it was difficult to find any! I also kept a small notepad in my pocket to take notes on during assessments, etc. Hope that helps!