1st clinical rotation student w/brain fry

widow2RN · Feb 3, 2005

Hi Suzi! I've made it to 2nd semester so far. I'm 43, so you're in good company. The work they give is overwhelming and if you're like me, you find yourself studying 24/7, and yet still feeling like you're falling behind at times. Just remember that even though they don't say it, they are not expecting you to get out there in clinicals and know it all. My first semester clinicals was at a nursing home, and you really do walk in clueless and they give you the person's name and tell you to go get your assessment. Then you have to dig through the resident's chart (which is a trip when you don't know where to find things). But, stay with it, and by the end of clinicals, you'll even be getting the info from the chart faster. Just do the best you can and ask questions when you need to. The care plans are the hardest thing I had to do then, I sat up almost all night long to get three of them written up (not to mention 4 assessment: 1 head-to-toe, and 3 for each human need)... just about every week. Plus the med sheet, the medical diagnosis sheet, the lab sheet and even having to come up with nursing indications for some of each. But, all I can say is give it your all, listen closely in lecture class, pay attention to what they are trying to hone in on, and just be willing to go a step beyond what is asked of you. I actually got through first semester with an "A"... and if I can do it, you can, too!

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2005

Been there done that girls,, i was 40/41 when i went through. All i can say is half way through the frying process, flip over and let the other side cook! LOL,, just kidding. You'll get through it,,just stick to your guns and keep going.

widow2RN · Feb 3, 2005

Been there done that girls,, i was 40/41 when i went through. All i can say is half way through the frying process, flip over and let the other side cook! LOL,, just kidding. You'll get through it,,just stick to your guns and keep going.

I hear 3rd semester is the "killer." Any words on that one? :confused: What did you think of the NCLEX?

twinbee25 · Feb 3, 2005

All i can say is half way through the frying process, flip over and let the other side cook! LOL,, just kidding.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: Got a good laugh out of me!! thanks I needed it!

I am in my 2nd semester of an ADN program, and I am 42, and a single mom still with one son at home (11 yrs). Take one day at a time, remember to deep breathe and ask questions. Yes, you practically do study 24/7!!! :rolleyes:

Also this semester, instead of care plans, we are doing concept mapping. Pretty cool once you get the hang of it!

Good luck!!!

widow2RN · Feb 3, 2005

All i can say is half way through the frying process, flip over and let the other side cook! LOL,, just kidding.
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: Got a good laugh out of me!! thanks I needed it!
I am in my 2nd semester of an ADN program, and I am 42, and a single mom still with one son at home (11 yrs). Take one day at a time, remember to deep breathe and ask questions. Yes, you practically do study 24/7!!!
Also this semester, instead of care plans, we are doing concept mapping. Pretty cool once you get the hang of it!
Good luck!!!

Two kids at home here (ages 7 and 10). Congratulations on getting the concept maps. We have OB clinicals starting next Tuesday and had to do 3 interventions plus scientific rationales for about 40 diagnoses on 4x6 cards BEFORE even covering the majority of the chapters (that cover from L/D, to newborn, to postpartum). And, from what I hear... we'll be doing those dang care plans the whole way through... I heard that our 3rd semester students were having to come home on day one of clinicals and write 6 care plans (3 for each of two patients), and then go back the next day for the whole day... more stories of the sleepless nights there, too! As you said... ONE DAY AT A TIME! (grin)

NurseFirst · Feb 3, 2005

hey, can anyone of you experienced students give me a clue as to when they may set the hoops on fire....just so i might know when to expect it. i'm dying over here!!! help i need a good laugh to help me relax. 1st big test tomorrow. i'm really loving this all so far, it's really what i've wanted to do all my life (i'm 40 this year) just a bit stressed i guess. thanks for any input as to what i should expect over the next year or two.
suzi :)

the unexpected.

a greater understanding of how much we take the marvelous machines called our bodies for granted, when you see how many things can go out of whack in one person--and you've got to know about them all by the time you finish your assessments. (but, fortunately, not all about those wrong things; a lot, but not all...)

do try to get a good night's sleep before clinicals. it really does make a big difference in how your clinical day goes.

nursefirst

lisamc1RN, LPN · Feb 3, 2005

Jump in and do it! Don't be shy! :) I've found that I learn best by volunteering to do everything! :chuckle When you are at clinicals, answer call lights that aren't your own. You never know what you might learn. Don't be afraid to ask questions. I know this all may seem cliche but it really does pay off to be very proactive in the learning process. Be the eager beaver. And good luck! :)

dicknjane · Feb 11, 2005

Thanks so much Widow2RN, meownsmile, twinbee25, NurseFirst, Lisamc1. I appreciate the good wishes and many laughs. I personally think a sense of humor can only help us and our potential patients. I was really starting to think maybe a career in plumbing or as an auto tech may have been a better idea at my age but I was meant to do this and can't let myself get down and out. I guess half baked is better than burnt!!!

Thanks again!!!

beautimouslove · Feb 12, 2005

you know you are a nurse when discussing dismemberment over a gourmet meal seems perfectly normal.

you know you are a nurse when you compliment a complete stranger on his veins.

you know you are a nurse when you find yourself betting on someone's alcohol level.

you know you are a nurse when you know that k-y jelly is optional.

beautimouslove · Feb 12, 2005

Top ten reasons to become a nurse:

1) Pays better then fast food, though the hours aren't as good.

2) Fashionable shoes and sexy white uniforms.

3) Needles: "Tis better to give then receive"

4) Reassure your patients that all bleeding stops...eventually.

5) Expose yourself to rare, exciting and new diseases.

6) Interesting aromas.

7) Courteous and infallible doctors who always leave clear orders in perfectly legible handwriting.

8) Do enough charting to navigate around the world.

9) Celebrate all the holidays with your friends- at work.

10) Take comfort that most of your patients survive no matter what you do to them.

cleo777 · Apr 24, 2009

How safe is it to study all night, write careplans and then go to a clinical? You are tired, is this safe?