Starting Clinicals for 2nd Semester on 1/16/13 excited and nervous at the same time!

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So I'm starting my 8 week long( twice a week) clinical rotations Wednesday 1/16 for NUR 105 Adult Health and NUR 106 Maternal and Child. I'm excited and so proud to be this far along in my nursing education and even more excited knowing that after this semester I just have one more to go then I graduate and then move on to the next step to taking the NCLEX-PN!

I am nervous because I don't know what to expect from my NUR 106 clinical day. I have an idea about NUR 105 since I did my clinical rotation last semester at a hospital on Med Surg and we were able to do a lot of skills and procedures, as well as familiarize ourselves with how things are done in a hospital setting.

Well I just wanted to share my thoughts with you all and would love to hear about anyone's experience thus far on this journey and I would also love to hear from those who have been through it already or are currently nurses and recent grads!

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Specializes in NP student.

Hi , I am CNA , and about to start LVN program. My CNA clinicals(in convalescent hospital) were awesome. How was your first sem ? Any tips for new LVN student ?

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Hi I am CNA , and about to start LVN program. My CNA clinicals(in convalescent hospital) were awesome. How was your first sem ? Any tips for new LVN student ?[/quote']

Like anything I was so very nervous on the first day. But I had a really good instructor and the staff there was wonderful. By the second day I was more confidant and prepared and knew what to do , how and when, I found a routine. Just try to get plenty of rest the night before. And try not to panic, the first day can feel overwhelming but it will be okay and pay attention to instructions. I can tell you its normal to be nervous and that will never go away!

As for Lecture or theory part of NS, stay organized, when you get home go through your course schedule and write everything in your calendar so you can keep up with the chapters in each module or lesson, tests, checkoffs , etc. That way you won't have to keep going through 3 or so syllabus' just to see what you need to be studying. Color code the info for each class use a different color ink pen. Also buy book mark postics that way you can bookmark the chapters in each module as well.

Study in increments don't sit and read 100 pages all at one time break it up take breaks ATLEAST every 20 minutes. This will help you retain info and be more attentive. Also if you are tired or sleepy take a nap. Staying up all night to study then leaving yourself an hr or two of sleep before you have to go to class isn't going to help you. By getting some rest it helps the brain to store short term information to your longterm.

Don't procrastinate, stay ahead if you can or keep up try not to get behind.

Cutoff distractions, for instance Facebook, its so easy to get throwed off and spend so much of your study time on a distraction.

Don't get caught up in mess or gossip and sit away from students who talk a lot during lecture, by separating yourself you are letting the instructor know that you are a serious student believe me they are very observant they know what's going on the good and the bad. And don't be afraid to ask questions! Good luck!

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Specializes in NP student.

THX A lot that was very informative

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THX A lot that was very informative

Your Welcome anytime!

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Hi,

I just read your post about new nursing students. Very good advice. Lol I see that we are at the same point in our programs. I am also in the 2nd semester of my clinicals. We were in the nursing home last semester for an 8week rotation. We are now going to the Med Surg unit. Could you give me some tips about Med Surg? I just want to know how to approach the nurses because i know how busy they are? What specific questions I should have for them? Could you tell me about your physical focus assessments care plans etc? Just anything that will help in Med Surg. I'm soooo nervous about the surgical pt. Help :-)

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Hi,

I just read your post about new nursing students. Very good advice. Lol I see that we are at the same point in our programs. I am also in the 2nd semester of my clinicals. We were in the nursing home last semester for an 8week rotation. We are now going to the Med Surg unit. Could you give me some tips about Med Surg? I just want to know how to approach the nurses because i know how busy they are? What specific questions I should have for them? Could you tell me about your physical focus assessments care plans etc? Just anything that will help in Med Surg. I'm soooo nervous about the surgical pt. Help :-)

Hi, our instructor gave us a complete and thorough run down on what, when, how to do when it came to what was gonna be expected of us. Your's may be different, but just to give you an idea I'll give you a run down of our 12 hr day 6:30Am to 4pm ( On The Floor) 4pm to 6 or 6:30pm (post conference and paper work).

1st- We met in our classroom at the hospital then we got our pt's assignment from the instructor. She gave us general information like Name, room number, Medical Diagnosis, height, weight, in critical findings and their doctor's name.

2nd- We went to the floor put our things away in a vacant room where we would come in periodically to do paper work etc. Then we went to another vacant room (private) and listened to the nurses do post conference. While listening we took note of information regarding our pt. During conference they usually would stop and ask if any of us had this pt or that pt so they could direct us as well but if not when they were done that's when we would let them know who we have for the day. If there was anything that we missed or clarification then we would simply ask and they would tell us.

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3rd- We jump right in introduce ourselves to Pt, took vitals, reported to instructor then to Nurse and PCT so they could record. Assisted with Breakfast.

The rest of the day included checking Vitals Q4h gathering our data for paperwork, Doing ADL's if pt was total care or assisted if they wasn't. We helped each other if needed, we were able to perform any procedures that we had already checkoff on in lab and passed with supervisor's witnessing and permission. Such things were non invasive or invasive procedures, did stool samples and urine samples if any was ordered. And just making sure they we tended to the pt. and made sure we made their stay as comfortable as we could considering their situation.

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We didn't just do a focused assessment we did a head to toe excluding lady partsl exam etc. of course. We couldn't get it done all at one time it was assessing through out the day every time we went in. That was pretty much it.

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Hi,

Today was my first day in the hospital. It was cool, we really just got oriented. It was really awesome that you got to sit in on the nurse's post conference. We just pretty much get our pt assignment and objective (specific to what we have to teach the group post conference )then we have to look for our nurse. It would be better if we had a designated time to consult them like you had in your post conference. I will just have to see how tomorrow works out. Thanx so much for the info :-)

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Yes please keep me posted, my first day was great and exciting. IM me your email address please!

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I have no idea how to IM lol [email protected] nice meeting you :-)

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