Transitioning from lab to clinicals!

[Dd04321]

Hello everyone,

Today we had our final check offs before clinicals start next Thursday. I've done really well on the lecture exams and I've passed all of my skills check offs, but I'm a little nervous after today. We had Med Admin and IV, and I made quite a few stupid mistakes. Ex: I grabbed a needle with the safety device and activated it, forgetting that I could no longer use the needle. I knew better I drew up 1 unit too much of insulin, but I remembered to have another nurse (my instructor) verify it. I feel like I psych myself out and make stupid mistakes. I talked to my instructor about it, she said I come across as confident to her and that she knows that I know what I'm doing (so maybe it's all in my head)...I don't know.

My question is really...how can I make the transition from lab to clinicals a little easier and prevent from making asinine harmful mistakes (such as the insulin mess up) from happening? I'm in my first semester so it's all still very foreign, and I'm pretty nervous. Kinda feel like I'm approaching one of those "oh my goodness" breakdowns they warned us about. Thanks guys!

[Dd04321]

Bump í ½í¸Š

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Breathe in, breathe out. Remember what you are feeling and going through is normal. Review your ATI skill videos if you have access to ATI. Remember that in your early clinicals, you are rarely alone. Take your time to think things through; don't be afraid to ask questions. When in doubt, remember to breathe. Watch, observe, and do your best as you are called upon or are needed.

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

When you have to do a skill in clinicals, most clinical instructors will be with you that first time. Also, go through the steps with your instructor before entering the patient's room. Once you begin doing more of each skill, you will become comfortable.

[cupcakeluver]

At least you appear confident to others. That's a skill in and of itself. It's something I struggle with personally. Nobody wants an uncertain nurse providing care.

As far as easing the transition, there's not a whole lot you can do. It's one of those things that just requires time and experience. I'm a 3rd semester student and I still get nervous and I still make my fair share of silly mistakes. My best advice is to follow safety procedures (like you did with checking the insulin with another nurse). Those procedures are in place to help prevent those silly mistakes, even after you've gained some experience. Know those safety precautions front and back.

Also, be prepared for clinical. Make sure you know your meds, including related issues or labs. It's important to know how they work and what that means for your patient. Can this med cause bleeding? Do you have parameters to hold it? Are there labs that correlate with the med? That's what preplanning is all about.

You'll be starting off slow in 1st semester. They won't just throw you in there. First semester is mainly about learning how to properly assess your patient, which can be just as difficult as preparing medicines.

I'm sure you'll do great. Give it your best effort. Good luck!!!