Theory VS. Clinicals

[carebear1976]

If a student does excellent in all theory classes, getting nothing below a "B"..but does not so hot in actual clinicals, but can fight their way through it....is that person really cut out to be a Nurse? Opinions?

[NurseJeanB]

I so far have done well in Theory, but clinicals has been stressful. I never had any patient/hospital experience so confidence is somewhat an issue. Now at our school, clinicals are so far pass/fail. No grade. If they were graded I probably would get a C. So as long as you are still in the running and can "fight" your way through it, don't beat yourself up. Nursing students are already under incredible stress. Be kind to yourself. Keep telling yourself you are learning so much every day and you will be a nurse one day. Hugs,

Jean

[casi, ASN, RN]

You've never been in the role of a nurse before. It's a hard role to get comfortable in. Give it time and hopefully everything will fall together.

[chevyv, BSN, RN]

I agree with other posters. Many students seem to struggle through clinical because of confidence issues. I've been a cna for many years, but 3rd semester was a bit more difficult for me because the skills (IV's, NG tubes, etc) were new for me. I think most of us will be fine with a little practice to get the old confidence up.

[amybethf]

Clinicals are pass/fail. They take getting used to but the more skills you do, the more your confidence increases. Your CI will tell you if you are lacking in any way, believe me! But it's not personal, it is constructive criticism so heed their advice and learn from it. Clinicals is like on-the-job training. They expect you to be nervous, it's normal. So being prepared is the best thing you can do. And if you always remember safety, you can't go wrong. And if you are unsure, ask before doing.

Good luck! Nursing is 99% common sense!

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

NEVER be afraid to ask questions in the clinical setting. most of my most remembered clinical days were the days when I would ask a doctor a simple question or vice versa. Remember safety and never lie about anything related to care....that will get your butt out in a hurry. Be confident in your ability, but know when you need to find out more info.

Quick story. The first time I ever rounded with a doctor, it was with the one old-school physician still in the hospital. Expects nurses to drop everything to round with him, etc. So, there I am with the staff nurse. She has to leave because she got a surgical admit....doc's asking me questions, and I'm firing out right answers out and we get back to the station..."thanks Lawrence....say, you know what this differential WBC count means?" No sir. Proceeded to get a 10 minute lecture about the immune system. Ok, so I zoned out after 4 minutes...but still...the idea is don't be afraid.

[maimoose]

who doesn't just get through clinicals. everyday is different and new. exciting and terrifying. it's a learning experience. it's a fight everyday. trying to apply critical thinking into the things you learn in lecture to your patient. i think "not so hot in clinicals" needs to be defined.