what are some tips for med-surg clinicals?

Good Morning, Gil · Sep 21, 2011

Be prepared (that is, if your school has you prepare pt assignments the night prior, looking up dx, hx, paperwork, labs for your patients etc). Even if you don't have a patient assignment, you can still be prepared. Be proactive, willing to learn, offer to help nurses and CNA's with any tasks, be positive, make the most of your learning experiences. If there is a procedure (foley, NG insertion, and you have already done the simulation in lab and/or you have been cleared to perform it w/supervision, ask to do it if the RN has the time and is willing to guide you through.

Good luck, and most importantly, enjoy it! And, get a good night's sleep!

CUMCrn · Sep 21, 2011

I am a newer nurse on a med-surg unit at a teaching hospital. That is where I did most of my clinicals and preceptorship. My best advise is to be completely ready. If you don't know something, which you might not, DO NOT guess. Say I do not know and will go find out. Ask your nurse if you can help with anything, even if it is with their other patients if you are caught up, even if it is just to get a set of vitals or get them something to drink. It will get you on their good side so if they do have something interesting in the future they will come find you. Also if it is somewhere you might want to work in the future, it will help if they do peer interviews. Go in with an open mind! And if one of the nurses is short with you, don't take it personal. Being a nurse is very hard and sometimes we have bad days too.

Good luck!

kool-aide, RN · Sep 21, 2011

Expect the unexpected. Don't let the pts see you sweat!

This Jenn RN · Sep 21, 2011

Know your meds, what they are and WHY you are giving them. My instructor always asked us that. Know peak times for insulins. And round on your patients frequently.

roma4204, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2011

Do as many skills as you possibly can get your hands on