What should I expect?

[scallywags]

I recently started a LVN program. In January, I will start clinicals in five local hospitals over the course of one year.

Up to this point, I have been in college for three years, mostly taking pre req courses for an RN program. However, several failures at "lottery" type admission procedures directed me to the LVN route . I hope to do the LVN-RN route afterwards. I have worked doing home care for elderly pts. Other than that, I have no practical experience in which I feel will prepare me for what is going to happen in the hospital.

Does anyone feel like sharing their experiences with me? I am very excited but somewhat apprehensive that I will not be prepared. I know that is why I am in school so I can learn, but I am a curious. Thanks:)

[yankeesrule]

Hi scallywags.. I think apprehension is part of the right of passage. Or at least it was for me. I never did anything in clinicals that was not practiced in the classroom first. I say review techniques as often as possible. Be prepared for eyes to be on you when you are asked to preform. Remember to talk to the patient. Identify yourself. Let the patient know what you are going to do. BREATHE... my first day of clinicals I was assigned to do bed bathe.. easy right. WEll i went completely blank. Something you do thousands of times. Remember you are human. You are also a student so you are learning. Dont be afraid to ask questions. Knowledge is power!! always carry a note pad with you that you can slip in your pocket to jot down notes. Be prepared to write care plans. Dont worry they will teach you how to do them.. again as good as you think they are dont be surprised to have to do doovers.. I became one with my tabers. It was a life saver. If you learn something in class, and you hear of a procedure but not with your patient. You feel confident volunteer to do procedures. That is the only way I was able to get to perform techniques. I assisted a Dr. inserting a (chest tube,) So good luck. Always be prepared. Keep a formulary of meds each patient you are assigned in a note book.. (med name, generic/brand name, usage, dosage, side effects,nursing considerations) That way it becomes repetition with learning the meds. and WASH YOUR HANDS!!!! Good luck.

[scallywags]

Thank you for the encouragement. I am making a note to be prepared at ALL times with a notebook in pocket. I will probably drive them all crazy with my questions! Thanks again...I do appreciate the advice :)

[blynn]

When you're doing clinicals with a group of other students you really learn how to work together. Be there for your fellow students and they will be there for you. Sometimes I don't think I could have survived clinicals without the knowledge that I was totally not in it alone. It can definately be oh-so nerve wrecking, but it does get better with some time and experiance.

[scallywags]

Right now I am in a mandatory pre req class, which (IMO) stinks b/c I have taken all the college level courses that are being covered in this one class. But, it has been a great opportunity to meet people. I am trying to get to know everyone and I hope to have good relationships with these same people when I go into the clinicals in January. If it makes it easier, I am all for it! Thanks.