What are clinicals really like?

[coder24]

Hi! I'm entering a second-degree accelerated BSN program next fall for the sole purpose of becoming an FNP afterwards. My only experience in the medical field includes working as a certified coder, so I am just wondering what nursing school is actually like. For example, I am wondering the following things:

1. How many hours per week will I spend in clinicals, and for how long each time?

2. Will I have a choice as to what setting I work in for my clinicals, and what services I will perform? For example, will I have to perform enemas or clean people up after elimination, etc.? I am entering the field to become a NP and do not want to ever work as a bedside nurse.

3. Will I have to be on my feet the entire time during clinicals? I have some issues with foot pain when standing for longer than 3 hours at a time.

I would appreciate any and all insight into what clinicals are really like! Thank you so much.

[AngelKissed857, BSN, RN]

As already mentioned, every program is different. In mine, you don't get to choose anything. Our clinical site, instructor, unit, days , and hours are assigned. There is NO discussion. Most of the time we do get to pick our own patients, but not by cherry picking who is continent, or not very sick! However in our final semester, we are in a preceptorship, and although we can state preferences for unit, not likely to get that preference, cause everyone wants the same placements. Clinical hours are technically 8 hours two days a week, until preceptorship, then it is 12 hour shifts, 2-3 days a week. Sit? Ha! Not even to chart- WOWs are in the halls, and you stand at them to chart.

I'm also going for my NP, and feel not only that it's my responsibility to learn and understand every aspect of patient care, but also the aspects of the jobs that the people to whom I will be delegating tasks.But I've yet to see an RN who didn't deal with poop, vomit, blood, etc. Wiping butts and cleaning people is such an inconsequential thing in the scope of the job, yet HOW you do it speaks volumes. I make a point of every evening, coming around to each patient with warm wipes and washing my patient's face and neck. It is such a tiny little thing, but I have had patients tear up with thanks. Not because they aren't receiving excellent care from other team members, but because it was an "extra", done with care. I remember an elderly patient who had a code brown unexpectedly, and was so humiliated. It was a lot of work to get things cleaned up, and to reassure him. But by the time I had it all done, and had tucked him back up in a clean bed with a warm blanket and a cup of tea, he was so happy. I had an offer of help from an aide, which I declined. I could've just turned it all over to him, but my patient was already embarrassed, but why spread his shame to other people. I changed my kids poopy drawers, poop is just poop. It's not fun, but it's part of taking care of patients. Being fully involved in your patients's care in nursing school teaches you so much more. That's JMHO.