Starting clinicals tomorrow....

and I have a very silly question! I have worked in a hospital as a unit secretary for almost three years, so I feel comfortable in the setting, talking to patients, etc. But I have never really had any one-on-one pt contact.

So here's the silly part - I don't feel competent enough in transferring patients that need my help to the commode, or I don't feel like I can safely assist patients to their chair, or feel comfortable, doing basically ANYTHING that deals with assisting the patient!!!

Will I overcome this fear after I have been at clinicals for a few times? Am I just freaking out for nothing?

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

Just try to relax and utilize what they have taught you already. When in doubt ASK.

[Tony35NYC]

I agree. If you're not sure how to do it you should ask for help.

[mariedoreen]

Will I overcome this fear after I have been at clinicals for a few times? Am I just freaking out for nothing?

Yes, you'll overcome the fear after you've done the skill a few times. It's like any new job, things are a little awkward at first but the more you do something the more competent you feel about it. And you're not freaking out about nothing, patient care is a big deal -- IMO it's actually kind of a good thing that you're "freaking out," it means that you really care about doing your work well and keeping your patients safe.

Deep breath.. you'll be okay! And remember when you start that you're not the only one feeling so nervous, almost everyone feels the same way