Tips for first clinical?

Published

Hi everyone! I just had my first clinical orientation at the hospital today, and next Tuesday will be my first "real" day. I'm VERY excited, but I'm also nervous about making the transition from lab to hospital. Would anyone like to share any tips? I'd love to hear from others who felt the same way I do.... TIA! :)

Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.
I have to ask the question where is your nursing instructor. It is their job to find nurses who are student friendly ..... and you should be going to nursing instructor with questions not the nurse.[/quote']

Um, no. I can't make assignments based on which nurse is student friendly, because students have to prep the night before, and floor assignments aren't made until the beginning of the shift. If you are watching a nurse do something for a patient, it is not out of line to ask a question; but my student had dang well better have researched and been ready to ask really good questions, not something that indicates they have no idea what is going on.

Such as: what tips do you have in getting an NG to go in so smoothly? as opposed to "where is that engee tube going?

OP: Answer the call bell, whether it is your room or not. Help someone to the bathroom (assuming BRPs of course). Offer to make an extra bed, or get some fresh vitals, or God forbid, stock something. Ask, what can I do to help that doesn't need your watching me? Ask if the wound care nurse or diabetic educator will coming around, and if you can stand by and listen. Ask if someone needs to be escorted to a test (watching CTs is a kick). Had a student who spoke a tourist's language, sent her in to translate, she got to stand next to the cardiologist in the lab during a heart cath while translating the whole time and having the senior cardiologist explaining everything he was doing. What do you have to offer that is special?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi there! I can't believe I've made it this far but I start my very first clinical rotation for my Family Nurse Practitioner program in January. As much as I am thrilled, I am also terribly nervous. Any tips? I have my lab coat, pen, paper, pocket drug and assessment guide, stethoscope, pen light and of course a large coffee thermos ;) I should mention also that it will be in an Urgent Care clinic.

Thanks in advance!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

Looks like a good list. You might also want to bring a manual blood pressure cuff, tuning fork, and reflex hammer. I also advise bring your lunch, snacks and water. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Great post I am in the same boat but I will be doing primary care with a MD. I won't be taking my equipment has each room as the needed equipment. However, I will have my pocket guide for primary care and a laminated pocket card of top 200 meds, these will be my reference. I also asked my preceptor what areas I should be familiar with and she said the basics HTN, diabetes etc but because it will be flu season I really need to pay attention to all the URI. So over break I will be making differential diagnoses for common complaints along with work ups, meds etc. This is help me to brush up on SOAP notes and lastly I will review my videos on health assessment. I am super nervous so I feel the need to prepare at least I won't seem totally lost on most days.

Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am sort of doing the same!! Brushing up on assessments, reviewing illnesses and meds, and really focusing on the flu!! Lol tis the season ;) very nervous but I'll just take it one day at a time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Truvynurse,

I am sure we will be beyond nervous I am just praying my preceptor has patience...lol What school are you at? I am at a local university in Ga

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Telemetry, Urgent Care.

Be a sponge - just soak it all in and learn, learn, learn!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion