Surgical Clinical

[amjowens]

So far, I've only had med-surg clinicals, but today I had my surgical clinical. The nurses in OR were so nice and helpful! ALL of them. I went from surgery to surgery, so dealt with a number of nurses. Each of them were so professional, respectful, informative, and kind. The image I have of "nurse" is revived and hopeful again!

What's up with this? I've become very strong and "thick-skinned" from my experiences in med-surg nursing. I've "learned" to not expect anything in clinical, and to just appreciate the good if it comes along. In essence, pretty disappointing considering my original ideals. On this site, I've read some about the "anti-student" (and, oddly, almost "anti-people") sentiment had in med-surg, so I assume some of you understand what I mean.

Today has thrown me for a loop! I was actually treated well for being nice (not seen as "weak"), respected for wanting to learn and be a part of the experience (not looked at as though I must be a "book" type of student), and I felt like I was treated like a human being, not absent.

I never considered surgery before today, but it appears that I might be able to be the nurse I want to be in surgery. Any opinions, as in, was it just a really good day, and surgery no different from med-surg style in reality?

[LovingNurse, BSN, RN]

I'm so glad you had a good experience in surgery. I loved, loved, loved the times I spent in the O.R. as a student! I, too, had a great team to show me the ropes and even all the surgeons were fantastic. (Which does not always happen. - Tempers can fly in the O.R.) But I was lucky & heard things like "come stand at my back so you can see better" and one even said "Physican in latin means "teacher" so please ask questions." I was invited to stay the entire day even though I was officially done with clincal at 3:00. I stayed. The experiences were awesome!

I was very tempted to go into surgery straight from graduation. A couple of my classmates did. I purposesly went into med/surg instead because I want a broader base of experience before I specialize.

Med/Surg is such a fast=paced environement, sometimes I think the best of the nurses hospitality toward students just doesn't get a chance to come through because of the pace. No excuse for being rude or unfriendly - just that they might not have te time they'd like to spend working with/getting to know a student. In surgery though, there is more opportunity to converse during a case.

Keep on keeping on. Keep your mind and arms open for all the opportunities that will come your way.

Take care,

:redbeathe