Starting clinicals this summer! EEEK!

TeeRN2Be · Apr 18, 2009

Hi Erica!

Glad to see that you are well! Clinicals have been a blast for me. Our first semester was in long term facilities, this semester I was at Health South. You are doing awesome grade wise, that's great. Wish I could say the same but I'm hanging in there, lecture is what is kicking my butt. Just remember what you have learned in lecture and lab... it will all come to you. Don't be nervous going in to see the patient because then you will probably make them nervous. If you guys get to pick out your patients before heading to clinicals make sure you know everything about your patient's diagnosis, their meds side effects, nursing considerations, and lab values. Remember the steps of the nursing process also. HTH

AgSn1031 · Apr 18, 2009

I had the same problem about forgetting on the spot, it's like you get so aggravated after the fact because you know the information and when you need it the most, your brain draws a complete blank. This feeling is COMPLETELY normal, and you will eventually become confident and it will slowly fade away. Remember too, clinical is a LEARNING experience, so don't feel stupid if you don't know something just ask someone, if your embarassed, ask one of the staff nurses or a peer, etc. You'll do fine --- Good luck =)

MoLee228 · Apr 18, 2009

OK, here is what you need to do first: take a deeeeeeep breath!

Next, take another deep breath! Haha !

You sound EXACTLY like me. I'm a straight A student, but I shook like a leaf during my assessment lab exams! The thought of even going into a patients room terrified me! I am in week 3 of my first clinical, and I feel soooooo much better about everything. Looking back, I wish I hadn't worried about it so much! The first day of clinical I wanted to barf I was so nervous :barf02: !!! But after an hour or two on the floor, I was already feeling at ease. My first clinical is on a renal hypertension/GI floor. We just shadowed a nurse our first day and didn't have to actually do anything. The next day, all we had to do on our own was take and chart vital signs, make the patients bed, and assist them with their bath. Most of the patients on the floor can bathe themselves, so really all we had to do was get them washclothes and towels and a clean gown. Then we completed an assessment on our patient, but our instructor walked us through it (not judgy-like, it was to help us).

Every day since then has consisted of vitals, assessment, bath and bed. It's like old hat already! Some of us have even gotten cool opportunities to go with our patients for a procedure. I got to see my patient get a permacath. It was cool!

Our instructor is very aware of our anxiety about clinical and has been VERY helpful in easing our fears. She is there to help us with anything we are uncomfortable with and is not critical of us. She said it is very normal to be scared at this point, and first clinical is basically just to get us oriented to the hospital and comfortable working with patients.

You will do great! It isn't even HALF as scary or difficult as you think it will be. You will look back on your first clinical and think, wow that was way easier than I thought it would be! Just come early and come prepared, ask questions, and be compassionate towards your patients. That is plenty to get you through your first clinical. Good luck! You can do it!!! :anpom:

mmmc2 · Apr 18, 2009

Don't worry, just about every student who has not worked in a hospital feels this way their first rotation. I know I was scared because I really didn't know what to expect. After getting in there, you'll be OK.

Arievilo · Apr 18, 2009

I remember feeling that way before I started clinicals! Everyone feels nervous! Just go in with as open of a mind as possible and it will come!

I remember my first rotation - I was at an assisted living facility and I almost froze up the first day when placed face-to-face with my assigned resident who wanted nothing to do with me. It does get better with more experience, promise!