Your "skills"

Last semester I was in telemetry and I didn't do squat...bed baths, linen changes, assessments and charting were it...I didn't change a single dressing, no catheters, no NG tubes, no IV's and of course no meds since it was my first semester...my pt's just never needed anything serious...I didn't even have to clean up after any incontinent pt's. I'm feeling a little inadequate this summer and we start clinicals this week. Anyway that's beside the point of this post, I'm rambling...I was wondering if anyone keeps a book or notebook with them during clinicals with the steps listed for different skills.

Our instructors go in and help us with every step, I just think I'd feel more comfortable looking over everything first before doing things like inserting an NG tube or catheter or suctioning. I was just wondering if anybody else keeps cheat sheets in their scrub pocket to look back at before attempting a more complex skill and if they use it and if it helps any. I may just do it for peace of mind anyway. I figure it can't hurt.

Ginyer

[beautimouslove]

we have skill exams first (written and phy).. to make sure we know it. when u do it that way u know it forever. do not doubt yourself... when u get there, u'll do fine, if in doubt.... ask or read

[LeesieBug]

We have a skills book that has detailed decriptions and photographs. I use it A LOT! Before each clinical, I review any proceedures I may need during the day that I don't have experience with or may be rusty on. Sometimes I jot down the basics in my pocket notebook. I also take my skills book to clinical, in case I need it.

I find that being well prepared gives me confidence.

[MIA-RN1, RN]

Last semester I was in telemetry and I didn't do squat...bed baths, linen changes, assessments and charting were it...I didn't change a single dressing, no catheters, no NG tubes, no IV's and of course no meds since it was my first semester...my pt's just never needed anything serious...I didn't even have to clean up after any incontinent pt's. I'm feeling a little inadequate this summer and we start clinicals this week. Anyway that's beside the point of this post, I'm rambling...I was wondering if anyone keeps a book or notebook with them during clinicals with the steps listed for different skills.

Our instructors go in and help us with every step, I just think I'd feel more comfortable looking over everything first before doing things like inserting an NG tube or catheter or suctioning. I was just wondering if anybody else keeps cheat sheets in their scrub pocket to look back at before attempting a more complex skill and if they use it and if it helps any. I may just do it for peace of mind anyway. I figure it can't hurt.

Ginyer

I look at my patient assignment and get an idea of what needs to be done and then I put the pages from my notes about whatever I have to do into my clipboard that I bring on the floor with me. Don't try to read your notes while your doing a cath :rotfl: but look them over beforehand!

[stressgal, RN]

I would also suggest walking through the procedure prior to entering the client's room. I gather my supplies and then talk myself through the procedure step by step. If I have any questions I will ask my clinical instructor prior to entering the room. Our instructor must watch while we attempt a skill for the first time, so if anything were to come up they are right there.

While assessments and charting may not seem exciting, imo these are the most important skills to develop. We will assess each time we enter a room. Being efficient and correctly prioritizing a needed assessment can be the most important thing we do.

Good luck this summer, I'm sure you'll get to do the "fun" stuff in time. Make sure you speak up when you hear of a procedure that needs done and ask the nurses if there is anything you can do to assist them in your down time. This has helped me in my past clinicals.

[RNandlovingit]

In my first semester of Nursing School we had skill labs where we had to perform basic skills, and pass them before we were even allowed on the Clinical floor.(NG tubes, dressing changes, passing oral meds, IM, SQ shots, Caths, pt transfers etc.) Like you I was in a telemetry/ICU unit my first semester. The first couple of weeks I felt like I wasn't learning anything and all I was doing was bed baths and ADL's. I also was lucky in that I had an awesome instructor. who whenever we were performing a skill on a REAL patient for the first time would make sure she was there to guide us. If you dont know something or are unsure. NEVER be afraid to ask. Not only does it help you learn . You never want to risk hurting the patient in anyway.