starting clinicals!!

Yes, we all felt out of our comfort zone. Just remember that who ever is precepting you has been on the other side. Just ask to shadow for the first day and then slowly start seeing patients. Its actually pretty fun. They generally have you start off just getting the H & P info, which you will have no problem doing. Then you do an exam and let your preceptor know your abnormals. Then write down some differiential diagnosises and present it to your preceptor. They then usually go back in and see the pt with you and go over what you found on your assessment. Just have in mind what labs or test you would like to do and why. If your not sure then bring your text and look it up. I was so scared. Turned out to be fine. I actually impressed a lot of my preceptors because I would present information before they had a chance to ask me questions, lol. They know your there to learn and that you have not gone through every thing in the program at this point. You will do fine. The best way to shake those jitters is to review the material you should know and let them know what you have covered in class so far so they can know what to expect from you. Hope this helps and best wishes. You will do just fine! :)

thank you so much for your advice and kind words! you really helped me with my jitters :) thanks again for taking the time out of your day to respond :)

Let us know how it goes. Remember there is nothing to fear but fear itself. Have fun and learn tons :)