starting clinicals in fall no experience...

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After reading many threads throughout this forum, I am terrified to start nursing school. There is a lot of negativity from nurses towards students, and also in regards to new nurses. My concern over all of this is that I have little experience in the medical field, I do not know many of the medical terms (I took one semester in medical term because I thought it was necessary, however it was not required), nor do I know many of the illnessess yet. I have a 3.7 GPA, (which is why I was accepted) but have not been taught any of these things in anatomy or any of the other classes I took, most seemed useless towards nursing. I plan on studying medical terms and illnesses on my own all summer but when are these things typically taught? If this is the usual case its no wonder the nurses are frustrated at nursing students. We are not prepared well enough before being put into the hospitals. Does anyone else have any suggestions as to what I can do to prepare myself before the clinicals this fall? thanks!

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work as a nursing assistant or peresonal care attendent

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Stop worrying about it. I think alot of the senior nurses forget they were you at one point. Take it with a grain of salt. Learn as much as you can during school and do your best. I never once worked as a assistant or anything and I had no problem in nursing school. You'll pick it up fast in school so don'tfret and goodluck!!!

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Specializes in ED/trauma.
After reading many threads throughout this forum, I am terrified to start nursing school. There is a lot of negativity from nurses towards students, and also in regards to new nurses. My concern over all of this is that I have little experience in the medical field, I do not know many of the medical terms (I took one semester in medical term because I thought it was necessary, however it was not required), nor do I know many of the illnessess yet. I have a 3.7 GPA, (which is why I was accepted) but have not been taught any of these things in anatomy or any of the other classes I took, most seemed useless towards nursing. I plan on studying medical terms and illnesses on my own all summer but when are these things typically taught? If this is the usual case its no wonder the nurses are frustrated at nursing students. We are not prepared well enough before being put into the hospitals. Does anyone else have any suggestions as to what I can do to prepare myself before the clinicals this fall? thanks!

My story is very similar to yours (except my GPA is a little lower), and I survived. The bottom line is that nursing is a tough career. You don't just fall into it. Each nursing school is different, so I won't comment on yours, but you will NOT learn everything you need to know in nursing school. No questions asked. That's where you have the opportunity to learn as much as you can, though. Ask lots of questions -- even if you irritate someone! If they forgot what it was like to be a student, oh well! They're not going to be in nursing forever, and they need to pass their knowledge on sooner or later.

The #1 thing I've realized is that I'm overly obsessive about doing well, and -- although this can be a hindrance at times -- it's made me an excellent nurse.

While in nursing school, the nurses you work with will want to see that you want to learn -- not just stand or sit around (as some others have noted). Once you finish school, if that eagerness follows you, you will be successful.

That doesn't mean it won't be hard as heck, though! My first degree is in management information systems (business). I entered nursing school at 26, and it was the hardest thing I've ever done. Doubted myself at the start of every new semester!

Remember why you want to be a nurse every day. Make sure that stays with you every time you're in clinicals, and that should give you enough to succeed.

Good luck!

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thanks for all your support. I am the same way, when I decide to do something I do it to the best of my ability. I am in my thirties with kids and a husband who travels a lot so it won't be easy. I like to be busy every second so I doubt that standing around will be something that I want to do. However I am concerned about the posts stating that the rules dont allow them to do much. I hope thats not the case.

thanks for all your replies!

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You will do great!!

I am almost finished with my 1st semester of nursing school. You will learn so much the first semester you will be absolutely amazed!!

I also did not have any previous experience.

The amount of time you are in clinicals and when you begin them and what all you are allowed to do will vary from school to school and each facility you have clinical rotations at will vary in protocol.

Basically, when doing procedures in clinical- you are providing care under an R.N.'s license and either the instructor or floor nurse will observe you the first time to walk you through it, if you are unsure. Especially with the added investment of you practicing under their license-they won't let you kill anyone!! I guarantee that. Because we care about people-we always worry about hurting them- you just learn in time to make it as brief a discomfort as possible for the procedure. And before clinicals you will have plenty of opportunity to practice the procedures in labs.

Please remember! If you do not know- ask an upper level nursing student in your specific program, they normally are well-informed.

I am a single mom of 3 kids, and I LOVE school! It is the hardest, most overwhelming schooling I've had to date-but OMG!! enjoy it.

I believe you will do an awesome job. Nursing school will consume you more than you can imagine though-be prepared for that. Have all your ducks in a row-ahead of time.

Good luck!!! I hope you have a most sucsessful semester and do great!!

**Sorry, it's been another very long day and I cannot seem to spell-too tired to care at the moment though =)

You will also make friends for life your 1st semester. In my program, we have same classes, same group whole 2 years though. Your's may differ.

=)

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