Where can I get MORE HANDS-ON clinical training??

Published

hi! i am a fairly new rn and went to a bsn program. got the book smarts, but not much in the way of hands on clinical. i had a job at a hospital and it was awful there as i was lacking in hands-on clinical skills and needless to say.. i left as the environment became hostile towards me. i got about two months of orientation.

i started a new job recently as an urgent care rn.. with virtually no orientation at all and i am not doing well there. the manager is now thinking of maybe giving me a few months orientation (which i should have gotten to begin with). i am a smart rn (graduated top in my program), but still learning the clinical aspect.

i applied to two residency programs and did not get in... does anyone know where i can gain some more clinical skills??? this is going to kill me in nursing if i cannot do better at the hands-on. :crying2:

thank you!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You need to give yourself time.Clinical experience comes with time.No one leaves school being an expert at anything. Practicing is the best way to develop your skills.As a new grad you should be getting orientation and support until you are more comfortable. Don't be too hard on yourself.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rehab, critical care.

What part clinically do you struggle with? I think narrowing that down would help you so you could focus any orientation time you would get. Is it prioritization? Time management? Just being slow? Too stressed? Not seeing the big picture (and focusing on tasks instead of why you're doing what you're doing)? Technical skills? It could be a mix, but I know my issue is: (newer nurse also): I can prioritize what my pt needs now and what can wait, but I'm just slower at accomplishing what needs to be done than other more experienced RN's....this I can't do much about other than keep practicing....rushing only would lead to errors, speed comes with time, and I've already noticed that I'm way more efficient than I was on say, my 3rd day orienting on the unit. Why? Partly b/c I know where things are lol, I know the routine of the unit, and I have gained some experience. Every new nurse feels like they don't know much....it's probably a good thing, keeps you vigilant and very aware of what you're doing. Give yourself time!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Have you looked into clinical refresher programs in your area? Since you've been out of school for a while, that might be just the ticket to refresh some skills and learn new ones. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

From a practical perspective, there are only two ways to access clinical training - in an academic/simulated lab & in a real clinical environment. You have to be enrolled (program, course, workshop, etc) to get #1, and an employee or part of an academic partnership to get #2. There are too many liability issues at stake for employers to allow access to their patients to independent 'trainees'.

As an educator, I would absolutely LOVE to come up with a third option supported by professional organizations to assess/improve/validate clinical competency - in line with established clinical certifications. But it would take a huge investment and I can't think of anyone willing to take that type of risk in today's economy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks all! I am working in an urgent care environment, which is a bit fast paced. You have to know a little bit about EVERYTHING- from finger splints to starting IV's to washing out ears.... we also have to run lab tests and do cultures. You know, in a hospital, you have the IV nurses, the ortho dept., the lab, etc.... here we do it ALL. The nurse is expected to know EVERYTHING. We rotate between FOUR different offices. You are never stationed at the same location. That makes it even MORE challenging....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

It doesn't sound like a good fit for you if you're not confident with your clinical skills. :( What was the expectation when you were hired? I would push for an orientation as a benefit to you, the patients, and your coworkers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks. I had bascially NO orientation. Just a little over a day. Seriously. They have finally decided to give me the training/ orientation I have needed. When I was hired, I told them my limitations (had not started IV's etc), but was offered the job anyway. I was just sorta thrown in there. Sink or swim I guess... like I said, they FINALLY decided to give me the training. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion