What are clinicals all about????

greatan · Jan 7, 2007

I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea as to how clinicals work for lpn students. I am a lpn student just starting the second semester and will have clinicals one day week in LTC. I have absolutely no prior experience as a CNA/STNA. What kind of things would I be doing/learning? I am a little nervous as all this is a 1st for me. Thanks for your help.

BWSPN · Jan 7, 2007

I am a current lpn student. When we started clinicals we started out with things like showers, morning cares. Nothing to involved. Being a CNA for too long it was very easy, we had one person to take care of. Just relax your not going to be doing anything to this person that they don't have done on a regular basis. Most people enjoy having a student because they get 1:1. I don't know if you get partnered up with a fellow student or not but if you do try to get someone with some CNA experience. They can guide you and answer questions for you. Don't worry you will be just fine! I am in Ohio too...What school are you attending?

nurseangel47 · Jan 7, 2007

You'll have a blast! I've worked LTC for quite a while. An RN here. I remember that I worried for nothing so many nights in a prejittery state over clinicals the next morning. Mostly for nothing! Enjoy yourself and those geriatric wonders. They are full and bursting to tell you of their life's experiences. They are full of wisdom, marvel at life from their different generation. Precious "big" children, if you will. (Not demeaning term, endearing one...I LOVE geriatric pts...they present a lot of life's lessons, if you're willing to just take time and let them tell it...!) Good luck and try to relax. Nothing to it.

studentnurse67 · Jan 8, 2008

hey all just wondering what clinicals are like?
what things do you need?
how was it?
did you have a job while you were doing LPN program If so what is the best job to have(non medical)?

We were told to bring stethoscope, bandage scissors, black ink pen, notebook to fit in our pocket, and drug book. I am assigned to a hospital med-surg unit, and will have only one patient, as this is my first clinical.

I am choosing not to work, as each quarter our days off flunctuate, and I need all the time I can get to study.

Wishing you lots of luck!

Butterflybee · Jan 8, 2008

hey all just wondering what clinicals are like? Giving out meds, feeding/cleaning the patient. On the rare occasion, got to do other things like suctioning, feeding tube...BUT it was rare.

what things do you need? Stethoscope, bp cuff, YOUR BOOK ( i brought mine to each clinical although bulky...im glad i did. the others used my book as well)

how was it? TERRIBLE because i was TAUGHT very little. It was very weak. My clinical proctors had other full time jobs and were doing a favor. They expected us to know already...If we didnt were told to find out and come back to them w/the answer. If we couldnt 'find' the answer the displeasure was shown and it was then they had to show us... Alot of students worked in the hospital so they were familiar and helped the rest of us.

did you have a job while you were doing LPN program If so what is the best job to have(non medical)? try to get exp in the medical field. Those that did had a leg up so to speak compared to the rest of us that didnt have a clue about the medical field.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 9, 2008

I'm just reminding all of the friendly posters that this particular thread is 2 years old. Therefore, the OP has probably made his/her decision on this issue, gathered the necessary material for clinical rotations, and received answers to his/her questions a very long time ago.

jst81161 · Jun 25, 2008

Hello I was just accepted into PCC nursing school. I was wondering how one might prepare for clinical in nursing school? I have heard many stories some good and bad about clinical in nursing school. Clinical right now is what is scaring me the most about nursing school. Was wondering if I could get some feedback about it?

nads786 · Jun 26, 2008

welll sorry to say, it is true, clincial is alot harder then theory, but the good news is, if you study your skills, and know them well, clinical should be a breeze

first semester clinical you dont do much for the first 6 weeks, then you do ur first med pass, then shots, then you learn how to do a catheter, but may or may not be able to perform that task (due to lack of need)

second semester is much harder, bc you are doing the meds alone while the instrutor checks you off, and my instructor really grills us about meds, so it can be frustrating

danh3190 · Jun 27, 2008

Some people find clinical easy and classroom hard and others are exactly the opposite. Personally I always found clinical to be difficult.

That said, it wasn't that bad. We had good clinical instructors and they helped us get up to speed. Typically the first couple weeks were hard then got better.

vashtee, RN · Jun 27, 2008

I like clinicals. Just be prepared - your instructor will tell you what needs to be done. Don't be scared, it isn't bad if you are prepared.

In our school, we get our patients the day beforehand, and we need to understand what exactly is the nature of their problem. We also need to understand the medications they are taking (how they work, why they were prescribed) and the treatments that may take place. Use your dictionary to look up any terms you don't understand - DON'T try to fake it. You instructor will know if you are trying to B.S. her.

aphi~gn · Jun 27, 2008

:heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeatWhen you show up for clinical its better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. . .bring a med book, a lab book and medical/nursing dictionary, black pen, wear a watch, and bring scissors (I always forget those:banghead: usually only on the days when I need them:chuckle). Read up to make sure you are familiar with the type of assessments you will most likely be doing on the floor . . .ie: skin, braden scale, and head to toe . . .obviously there are certain clinicals that will require more specific assessments ie: ob, peds, CC. . . but your just starting so we won't go into those.

Be cautious especially when starting to give meds (five rights and I double and sometimes triple checks meds to make sure I have the right doses) but don't let caution keep you from getting in the room and talking advantage of the learning situation you are being given.

If you are caught up on patient cares. . go see if any of your fellow students need help, or talk to your instructor or nurse and see if there are any learning experience you could get in on. I've watched wound care nurses, ET nurses, I've watched nurses put in tubes, start IVs . . . whatever I could get in on. . I WANTED to be there, even if I couldn't do anything just for the exposure. . as should you. . because thats how you learn. Sorry this is so long. . .but I hope it helps. . . Good luck . . . just think . . .in no time this will be like second nature to you :heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeatPS: They won't give you a patient they know you can't handle. . just relax. . .and you'll do great :heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeat

*ac* · Jun 27, 2008

Also bring a small, basic calculator. I've seen students sent home for forgetting this.