Faith07

...hmm..we'll my first clinical experience was pretty much a scary feeling & somewhat exciting..not knowing what to expect.its a whole new world, you meet many different people with different personalities, some you'll like and some, well, not so much (but don't let em get to ya!).you can never be fully prepared, but if you want to be somewhat prepared, you must prepare yourself mentally, physically and emotionally. the night before you come to clinical, know your vitals, lab values, meds, know the floor you'll be based in & find out about possible patient diagnoses.i remember my first few clinicals, during patient reports, i didn't have a clue what they were saying.so it would help if you knew some nursing abbreviations e.g. npo means nothing by mouth, any word that ends with itis means inflammation etc. sleep for at least 7-8 hours the night before & prepare what you're gonna need ahead of time. eat a good breakfast before clinical (really important).come to clinical with enthusiasm and know that you are there to learn, so if you don't know, ask! alot of nurses will be happy to help you.if you're unsure whether to trust what the nurses say, make sure you ask your clinical instructor first (know your school policy!) because you have a different policies as a nursing student.most patients are also willing to tell you about their condition, dx and tx so don't be afraid to ask (of course after you've introduced yourself as a nursing student). try to learn as much as you can, because as a nursing student you have the privilege! you will face many challenges, and learn alot in nursing! you'll also build your communication & critical thinking skills as you gain more experience :) so enjoy! :)

thanks for your post! :) very encouraging! its funny how i suddenly stumbled onto this pg. just as i contemplate to myself whether or not i should continue w/ nursing.i hope i find my niche in nursing soon! :) i really liked my experience in peds.but sometimes God has a way of showing us something greater that we wouldn't have thought of in the first place.will just have to wait and see

While its true that nursing is hard work, just keep your eye on the prize: getting your diploma and earning your license :) i had a really tough instructor myself during my second year but because of that i have learned alot and it has helped me earn my diploma and finally get my RN license :) once you're done you don't have to worry about working at OB because then you will get a chance to choose where you'd like to work. as hard as it may be, try to focus on the positive, think of what you can do rather than what you can't do :) :) :) don't allow other people's expectations to compromise your health.if it would really be best to withdraw for now even though it would mean graduating in December, then do it! :) but if you think you can keep up..then its okay too! :) one of my instructor also use to tell me that its important to take some time for yourself...set a schedule for at least 1 hour 3-4 times a week to relax...set a balance b/w nursing, work, family and self time. I found that exercise really helped in increasing my confidence, thinking more positive & stimulating my mind..i wish you all the best :) now take 3 deep breaths and say to yourself "i can do this!"

Yw kay :) I'll keep you in my prayers. Just do your best! & If you're stuck in a question, just use your common sense :) :) :)

I wish you all well on your exam this week..I will keep you all in my prayers :) Here's my advice: FOCUS.RELAX.DON'T PANIC.BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.and YOU WILL PASS! :) you see when i didn't pass my first attempt, inspite of all my long hours and hardwork of studying, reading and answering multiple questions..i thought to myself what can i change this time that will help me pass? so i tried to think more positive...i pictured myself writing the exam at ease..and i pictured myself receiving a passing mark..literally seeing the word "PASS" on my mail, and most of all i prayed and left it up to God. Also i wrote journals describing how i felt and words of encouragement to myself. And on the day of the exam as soon as i woke up i just kept on thinking and speaking positive things. when i got to the exam location even though i saw people i knew, i simply smiled/said hi but didn't try to talk to them because i wanted to FOCUS and not get off track.before i wrote the exam, i prayed, ate a little sugar candy for energy :) and then took 3 deep breaths so that i can RELAX.as soon as i read the questions, my mind tried to convince me that it was tough but i thought to myself, "i have been doing this in my long years of nursing study, its all in my mind." this helped me NOT TO PANIC. and finally after the exam..when someone asked how i did, i said i didn't know but i said it with enthusiasm as if i thought that i would pass.never say you think you failed/did bad because thats just what you may get. after about 6 weeks when i finally got my result, before i opened it i prayed and said "whatever happens, it happens for a reason, i won't let it bring me down" and i was so happy to see the word PASS :) just as i had imagined it. so pls don't loose hope...one of the most important thing is to BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. as you write the exam, listen to your subconscious mind, don't second guess yourself! and don't change your answers unless you're 100% positive that the other one is right. i'd have to give alot of credit to my instructor, she was the one who gave me these advice, i hoped someone had told me this when i wrote the exam the first time.believe it or not its not only about studying hard, its also got to do with BELIEVING IN YOURSELF :) i hope this helps! :)