dbella24

Thanks for the added information everyone. My original choices for internship settings were emergency care or CCU, however due to site and preceptor availability we weren't all able to receive our desired places. My instructor placed me here stating that she thought I was the most appropriate choice to fill the spot based on my interests and prior nursing experience. I have been doing a lot of studying as I prepare & there is a lot of current data reflecting the psycho/social aspects of wound care for the patients. I love being on top of new medical technology but my stance to care is more on the holistic approach for the whole individual and to letting them know that no matter how busy things get they are a person of value & are worthy of my time & attention. As someone who works in the field already I know how challenging this can be when your short on time so it's a really great suggestion. I am open to the possibility of trying to go for my wound care certification, pending the experience at this internship. I will starting this week so I'm hoping it all goes smoothly. Thanks again to everyone who contributed to this thread :)

This is where I was assigned. I agree this is kind of outside the norm for internship placements which is why I am seeking additional information here as well as trying to research a lot of things on my own before I start. It is nerve wracking enough to be doing the internship but even more so in such a unique setting. With that said, I truly want to make the best of the situation and learn as much as I can in the process. Therefore if you have any useful pearls of wisdom I would love to hear them, but I'm afraid belittling my placement when I have no choice in the matter and will be starting in less than a week doesn't benefit anyone.

Thanks for all the great suggestions, I've been trying to read through my texts, skills check offs for dressing changes & related videos but you mentioned a few items I hadn't thought of... Less than two months till graduation, I can't wait!

Also if you are continuously monitoring their SpO2 don't be surprised if you see it dip a little while suctioning, but this should rebound pretty quickly. In addition to checking your vent settings, check all connections including power strips and alarm cords & check the top of the circuit & heat & moisture exchange filters. If they've coughed up any gunk hanging around in the circuit &/or the HME is saturated their pressure & breath rate will go up. Circuits attached to a concha can also get full of moisture, make sure you are emptying the collection chamber & be careful with repositioning the pt & tubing so that you don't accidentally send the moisture back toward their trach. Keep tubes of sterile saline nearby in case the secretions are thick so you can lovage. If they are bleeding with sections cold saline lavages can work wonders but you may need a physicians order for the cold saline technique. Don't be afraid to ask other nurses & the respiratory therapists when questions come up... Good luck

Check your local long term care facilities and assisted living facilities... These places tend to hire student nurses and LPNs way more than hospitals most likely because it helps them keep costs down, but either way I would recommend it. I will be graduating with my RN degree in May but working as an LPN has taught me so much and really helped me tackle full case loads, time management & prioritization skills in addition to basic medication and procedures. I'm a wife and mother so I understand your situation. Good luck!

Nursing school is hard. It's hard for a reason and some people won't make it, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Instead of listing excuses about why it's difficult start thinking of new ways to study the material and implement those methods. Yes a three hour lecture class is long but as a nursing student you should have more than enough practice at studying for at least three hours at a time to train your brain how to stay focused & retain the information. You are planning to enter a profession where people's lives are literally in your hands daily. It should be expected to work your tail off have the knowledge to be able to do this. We've all been there to know how difficult it is & all the frustrations of testing, time, etc. Try working a full time job & raising babies during nursing school like myself and so any others have done. Rise to the occasion - prove to yourself that you are able & willing to do this. Nursing school doesn't last forever but when graduation comes you will feel so much better about yourself and your accomplishments knowing how hard you have had to work for it and it will make you a much better nurse in the long run. I believe you can do it if you shift your thinking, but if its not working out for you - there's no shame in admitting that you tried something about didn't workout as long as you can say you gave it your best shot. There are many other careers out there and a ton of people who ended up in jobs they hadn't initially set out for.

Hi I am an LPN on a ventilator unit, completing my last semester of school before graduating as an RN. Earlier this week I received my placement information for my internship which will be at the wound care clinic connected to the hospital. I am interested in this because I feel like the experience will be one that can be carried over into multiple areas of nursing, but I am really nervous because this is such a different setting and demographic of patients than I am used to. Typically during the internship process the student takes over the RNs caseload and does all the medications and procedures with preceptor's guidance as needed. With the wound care clinic being so new to me I am really unsure if this will be a possibility or if I will be working more one-on-one with my preceptor to learn as we go. If anyone has served as a preceptor in this setting before and/or can provide some basic guidance about what to expect or what skills or information to I need to familiarize myself with before my internship begins I would be extremely grateful. Thank you!