starting clinicals this fall

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Hello Everyone!!

I am EXTREMELY excited about starting my clinicals this fall, I've been waiting two years of pre-reqs for this. I can't wait, I think everyone who is starting shares this energy. But, I just wanted address that I also have some fears about it, too. Does anyone else out there share some apprehension or fear about starting clinicals? Mine aren't that bad, but sometimes I'm scared I'm going to be really awkward around patients or not know what to say. The only hospital experience I have is at a veterinary hospital (which I did have my fair share of disgusting incidents) but obviously doesn't compare haha. I am a fast learner and I am confident I will succeed, those are just some thoughts in the back of my mind. Anyone else out there want to share some fears they have/have had about starting clinicals? If you've started, did you grow confidence quickly, or did it take a long time?

Thanks everyone!!

Fall 2011 nursing students - we're gonna rock this! haha.

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I was very nervous when I had my first clinical, but the words just end up coming naturally. Your fellow students are very supportive and your instructor should also be very supportive. I never felt alone or lost at all and they ease you into the whole patient care thing! Just know your stuff before you show up and enjoy it. Clinicals are the best part.

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Specializes in CNA II.

I start clinicals this fall too and feel the same way you do! I just completed the CNA II program and had clinicals at the local hospital and it helped me SO much. I am shy so it forced me into uncomfortable situations and I got pretty comfortable pretty quickly and that helped to raise my confidence level. We will be just fine! :) Thanks for sharing, foreverLaur! That made me feel better!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

I started my first clinicals last week, well, 5 days ago. The night before all I dreamed about was what could go wrong. I was so nervous! I was placed with the charge nurse on my first day - and the telemetry unit I was on was crazy! But what a great day! On the second day I got to watch a thoracentesis and could not get enough (while my student partner didn't do so well, poor girl). The last day my partner and I were placed with the wound care nurse and went around checking for pressure ulcers (we found some too!) By the end of that day working with the wound care nurse, I had no problem at all walking into a new room, introducing myself and telling the patient what we wanted to do. We met some great patients too. Had one that was a grump when we walked in and had him smiling and laughing when we left - I LOVE THIS STUFF!!!!!!

It's the unknown that I get nervous about. The first day you don't even know where to put your stuff, where the bathrooms are, what to carry around with you, heck..even where to just stand. But, you figure it out all pretty quickly and start to get your own rhythm. I had nurses and staff asking me to check this call light or help this patient and I would jump right on it - I knew I could handle it. You will be the same way I'm sure.

Six more days of clinicals this semester - I can't wait! :D

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Same here. I've done a CNA program so I do have a bit of experience with patients but I'm terrified of being asked to do something I don't know how to do. My "real" clinicals won't start until 8 weeks into the semester so I have three more months to worry. I'm just praying I get a good instructor. My CNA clinical instructor was also the charge nurse or whatever her title for the entire nursing home so she was frazzled and MIA most of the time.

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I start my clinicals in August too, and I am soooo excited. I can't believe the time is finally here, it seems like it's been a long time coming!

I took a CNA course with clinicals in January/February 2011, and have been working part time as a CNA since March. When I first started my CNA clinicals, I felt so awkward and that I didn't know what I was doing. Now I feel so much more confident in working with the patients, and even my fellow CNA's, and the LPN's, RN's etc...

So if at first you feel uncomfortable or unprepared, know those feelings will not last. You will get more comfortable and confident with each clinical.

And whoever said it was right...we got this!!! :yeah:

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