The little things no one tells you!

[somnambulant]

I'm starting my first semester (fundamentals and etc. only) September 2nd. In January, I'll start clinicals. I know the things that we've been told we need re: uniforms/shoes and things like stethoscope, bandage scissors and various accoutrement, but I have a couple questions.

First question is on scrubs: How many scrub tops? I've worked in the medical field for awhile and know that splatters of all natures are likely. We're given 2 sets of scrubs by the school with option to buy extra. I already have scrub bottoms in our color, but was thinking of buying 1-2 extra tops. How many would be good once I'm in clinicals? I was thinking 3 to rotate throughout the week with one extra set in my car at clinical sites just in case.

What I also really want to know from all of you in the thick of it is: what do I need that no one really talks about? I'm the kind of person that likes to be prepared for everything and would really love to know what has been helpful to you, not only in fundamentals, but also in clinicals. I'm already hyperorganized and I know that while being in nursing school, it will come into good use. I know that part of going through school is learning what works for you, but I was just curious to any little tricks someone might be willing to share.

Thanks for the help!

[MB37]

I'd base your number of scrub sets on the number of days you have to wear them a week, if possible. If it's once, you'll have time to wash them weekly if you need. If it's three times, definitely get a third set if you can afford them. I wouldn't get more than that now, just replace them if they get grossly stained as needed. One plus to the whites we had to wear was that you could bleach them like crazy, and most stains came out pretty well.

[AML09RN]

Be prepared to stand around sometimes at clinical. You can't MAKE someone need an IV, catheter, shot, or whatever. While you're at the clinical location, make the best of the situation but don't expect to have a full day of "work."

[Clear Morning]

Not sure if you have kids or other family living with you, but my advice would be to study at the library before or after class versus studying at home. It is so easy to get distracted with things at home that need your attention and before you know it you've spent hours tending to everyone else's needs and there's no time left to study. Scheduling regular study time away from home is a must!

[GeauxNursing]

buy a pack of those little spiral notebooks, like the pocket-sized ones. i love them in clinicals. lots of highlighters. black pens. it is also useful, in my experience anyway, to buy your own BP cuff. they are very scarce in the clinical sites. and you need em. even if just one of those battery-powered wrist ones.

change for vending machines

advil

hand sanitizer for your pocket

one of those cool clipboards that opens up into a little case in which to put your papers.

[jesa]

my advise is that whatever your expectations something different will happen, even in hospitals my classmates and I have very different experiences.

also, don't always expect the nurses who are working with you to be happy about having you around. often the nurses we work with are irritated to get into work only to find out they have a student following them around, this is a GREAT learning experience, learning to read people and find a way to get the most out of each of their personalities and experiences, and prepare for the variety of people we will one day be working with. this is by no means true all of the time, the majority of the time my nurses have been fantastic, but sometimes you can tell they aren't too excited. on those days I see if I can get them to love me by the end of the shift.

I would base scrubs on the # of days, too. I have 2 sets of scrubs, I've always worked 1-2 days a week. they would not be my first choice of scrubs, so I decided not to load up so I'm not stuck with scrubs I don't really like when all is said and done.

[Hands and Heart]

Be prepared to talk about your patient, learning experience, nurse, etc. in post conference. Being able to share your insight and experience with your classmates extends the learning opportunities for all.

Don't be afraid to ask questions when you don't know how to do something or don't understand why your nurse did something a certain way. Be alert for opportunities to try new skills. Some things you will only have a chance to do while you are a student because you may not work in an area where those things are routinely practiced.

Carry extra gloves (alcohol wipes, temp a dots) in your pockets so you will always be ready to jump right in. I bought small sized pens, highlighters, sharpies to attach to my badge so that those things are always handy.

If you have the chance to pick your patient the day before a clinical, pick one with a problem in the body system you are studying in class that week. This goes a long way to reinforcing the theory with the practice.

Good luck.

[Sterren, BSN, RN]

Be prepared to stand around sometimes at clinical. You can't MAKE someone need an IV, catheter, shot, or whatever. While you're at the clinical location, make the best of the situation but don't expect to have a full day of "work."

True, but be a go-getter. Ask all the nurses if you can start their IVs or put in their foleys, etc. They'll probably let you and it shows that you aren't just going to sit around if you have any other option.

Do everything in the same order, every time, it helps you not to forget things. I think my first semester of nursing school, I was constantly singing "head, shoulders, knees, and toes (knees and toes)" in a singsong tune to myself, but it helped me not to forget things with assessments or during baths. Having a normal "method to your madness" is helpful.

[june2009]

Once you start your clinicals, learn who the nurse aids are on your unit and make very good friends with them. They are a great source of information about the unit, where things are, the likes and dislikes of your patient. The nurse aids are the ones who really spend the most time with the patients so they will likely be your best source of info on them. (other than things like meds, labs, and drs. orders).

[Jules A, MSN]

You have gotten great advice so far and I would just like to add that it is helpful to get in your mind that your nursing program owns you. For however long it is that is the deal. If they say jump you need to know how high! For me that was the toughest part to adjust to at first but once I accepted it I was golden. Good luck! :)

[AML09RN]

You have gotten great advice so far and I would just like to add that it is helpful to get in your mind that your nursing program owns you. For however long it is that is the deal. If they say jump you need to know how high! For me that was the toughest part to adjust to at first but once I accepted it I was golden. Good luck! :)

Oh how true that is! You may get a calendar outlining what subjects you're covering and when you're doing it, but believe me, it'll change. You have to be flexible as far as your schedule is concerned and not whine about it.

[melloyello68]

LOL... I could have written that post! I wanted to know all the little things no one tells you also. I just finished my first semster, and starting Nursing 2 next week. I think if you keep up with the reading and not let yourself get behind that will help keep the stress levels down. If you all ready organized that should help too. Find the method of note taking and studying that works well for you and stick with that. I study by myself or with a few others. Too many people make me antsy. I tried to use every minute for studying and it paid off. Not sure what programs you use, but I used my extra for Math and ATI, or just some of the NCLEX question books. Know when you are hitting the wall, and get some rest though. You have to take care of yourself, I say that from experience since I work full time along with school.

Best of luck! I am sure you will do well! :wink2: