new gal

168 ml/hr

12.5 gtts/min

Huge Huge difference when its someone you love! Im so glad hes ok, but I would not take that as a sign that your not cut out for nursing. You had the right mind set to know when to get help and believe me, even though it seems like common sense, plenty of people just stand and watch....even when its their loved one. Crazy I know. I am a student nurse as well, prior to, I was a paramedic, involved in my fair share of codes. I never batted an eye. I knew exactly what to do, ever so calm. But when my daughter started to choke on some grapes, I grabbed her and gave her the back blows. She was breathless and lips turning blue. I was 1 second away from calling 911 and then the grapes popped out. I thought I was going to die, the guilt because of what had happened and trying to keep my heart from exploding from anxiety and calming down from the greatest fear I had ever faced. I had never had that feeling working a code.

I actually have a Psych rotation coming up for second semester, this is one clinical rotation that I knew I wanted to do since day one. The communication that you had used with your patient in your post, are very similar to the student exercises my instructor had us do in first semester clinical. Im glad to hear to hear of your example and that it worked in your patients benefit. Thank you for sharing.

What was some of your most humbling moments as a nurse, how did it change you as a person? I recently just finished up my first semester. My moments came not so much performing skills or missing something during an assessment, but mostly, communication. I learned so much simply from therapeutic communication, more than I thought I ever would.

Completely bombed the hesi A2 exam....I am so distraught....I did so well on the first version.

I know its all program dependent. I like to hear where other people are going though. Cardiac would be so neat!

So I am curious, I am just about done with first semester clinical in the LTC setting. I thought it was a great time. Where do you all get to go for your second semester clinicals?

All my teachers in my ADN program are MSN

Oh can you feel the burn!

So so so correct. I am not a nurse (nursing student) just started clinicals in our LTC facility. The work load alone blows me away, and the nurses there that know it like the back of their hand is the added bonus. I think they are amazing.

You seem very passionate...they are lucky to have you. Best of luck

Most of the people I have clicked with was just from inviting them with me to practice skills in our free time. Its more of a relaxed environment and you really do connect on a level you dont typically connect with other people outside of school. You help each other out, you cheer for them and cheer them up when they feel down about maybe having to repeat a skill. I am only two months in, but I am grateful to the few people who have joined me in lab practice, I look forward to seeing them, which can make the nursing school journey that much easier.

I dont have to be loud, our teacher stands 2 feet away, and you hit on the nail with facial expressions. I thought maybe it was just her. Makes it that much more nerve racking

Holy smokes! Does anyone have tips to calm the nerves during skills checkoffs? I practice, I understand the material and I actually do enjoy learning and applying the skills, but I have been in the first semester for almost two months (early, I know), and shaking in the front of the instructor is just getting awkward. I have worked with real patients before and I dont get nervous at all. Just performance anxiety I guess. Ugh any tips....or current suffers?

Absolutely! I am not an RN but I have worked as a CNA for a while and in my facility I have a high regard for the LPN's and RN's that work there, however there will be a time or two with a certain RN that has denied Pt care (something I was not able to due because of it not being in my scope). She is not there anymore. Getting back to point, half the battle is really knowing your staff. The RN's have rushed out of a residents room, while passing me in the hallway and directing me to change or toilet. I dont bat an eye, cause I see how busy the nurses are on my floor, but they always always help when they can. Considering a lot of the stories I hear, I am very appreciative of the nurses I work with.

Oh boy, I am a very very fresh nursing student and I even just died a little inside. Good luck in nursing school lol

Those that believe skipping bedside to a means of gaining NP, Im not even sure Id want them as my RN to begin with. I love my NP. Ill take her over an MD any day, but as a patient I do my research. If your gonna touch me and my family, you better have your experience and knowledge down to a T.

Hmmmm, I cant say anything about your own personal beliefs but karma may come dressed as a mob of pissed off students looking for their text books.

What a fantastic post. Loved it.

I help you find the best "replacement parts money can buy!"

This may sound odd, but maybe if you picked up more hours?.....I know alot of people that amplify their anxiety because too much time actually passes between shifts. Getting into a more constant mode may help establish better routine, and ease your anxiety.....even if you hate your job......

This is some fantastic stuff guys! Thank you for being brutally honest. This is why I started the thread, because I knew I was missing the background information that all you professionals deal with on a daily basis. This is the first time I have ever been given the details.

Oh I know, no disrespect taken, just trying to get more in depth information on the topic. Thank you