Starting Clinicals next week

LNOUVRESE · Jan 28, 2015

Do not worry!!! They are not gonna throw you on the unit and be like "you read it go do it". Take a pocket size notepad to write down important things and whatever you have a question about. We always do orientation on the first clinical, so we never get to see a patient (that sucks). Just be an active learner don't sit around acting uninterested (that means following a tech around if you have to). GL

HoosierJumper · Jan 28, 2015

The biggest advice as a senior nursing student that I could give someone is: Clinical is what you make out of it. Meaning, don't just stand around and expect people to hand you things to do. Follow nurses, CNA's and even doctors into patients rooms (though ask them first). I once had a nurse tell me "youre a nursing student, i expect you to make mistakes, that's why i'm here." - so don't be nervous about trying new things (within your given limits)

For your first clinical, everything will be new and exciting. I suggest following CNA first - these girls will teach you tons of patient care techniques and really help get you comfortable around people. I know that sounds odd, but if you were like me, at 19 / 20 years old you are not use to telling adults what to do....or cleaning private parts. :wideyed:

The last point I will make is, it will not be what you expect. Nurses are sometimes mean, patients can be awful/rude/demanding, and doctors are a different story. But remember, you will have good days and bad days. Everyone has a story in the hospital- a reason why they act the way they do- and we dont' know that story. So treat everyone with kindness and respect. Think about your patient; you are meeting them at time of sickness, hardship and when they are in great stress, don't take things personally.

newstudent920 · Jan 29, 2015

Thanks! i have my little notebook that I have been carrying around with me in my scrubs in all my lectures and labs, jotting down notes/questions as i think of them, I used to be a restaurant manager and my little notebook was my lifesaver :) I guess I am just nervous I will forget something little or basic and look like a fool.

firefly84 · Jan 29, 2015

Your first clinical will be a little nerve wracking for a couple hours. No matter how outgoing and ambitious you are, this is still a new experience. Remember why you are there and use every one of your senses to pay attention. The first clinical will be more orientation geared. First semester clinicals are designed to get you comfortable with the facility and to get you comfortable in your own skin.

Ask questions and ask to watch procedures. Most physicians like explaining things and helping teach you, same with nurses. Medicine, no matter what position, involves constantly learning and honing in on your skills.

The further you get into clinicals and are more comfortable, try working on developing your senses more. Focus on the smells in each room, you will be able to make a distinction between cancers, sepsis, and organ failure, along with many others. Focus on sights and sounds. A minute change in breathing pattern could be something significant developing.

These all are going to make your assessment skills grow tremendously. There are a lot of things that books don't mention, that's why we need to go the extra mile to be superb all the time.

Good luck!

Racer15, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2015

Ask to try out skills. Just the other day my partner for the day had a student nurse. We have a few nursing schools in the area and I can't keep up with what each school allows and does not allow their students to do. She ended up doing a lot of nothing because she kept hanging back. Can you start IVs? Place foleys? Push certain meds? Speak up! If you want to try something out or give a med, I don't mind to help you. But if I state that I am going into room 15 to start a line and you just stand there, I'll assume you either can't do it or don't want to. And if you just want to observe, that's ok too. But you have to speak up!