Starting Clinicals ? Tips and Advice from Fellow NSNA Members
I advise that all students prior to clinical do some reading on the unit that they will be attending . It ’ s important to understand what the patients are going through , so we can better advocate for them and learn in the process . Clinical is an experience to use our knowledge in the real world and learn from our mistakes . Stay humble and don ’ t get discouraged because you didn ’ t get something on the first try . We learn from our mistakes and we learn something new every day . Husna Razaq , Student Nurse , Unitek College , Bakersfield , CA
I have had good and bad experiences starting clinicals . The best clinical days were the ones that I went into with a good attitude and an eagerness to learn . The bad ones were the days where I took things personally and I was allowing my comfort zone to prevent me from speaking up and learning new things . Don ’ t be afraid to speak up . You belong in the hospital just as much as anyone else that is there . Elizabeth Hemmes , Student Nurse , Baker College of Cadillac , Cadillac , MI
During my first clinical , I felt lost . It was not my first time in the hospital setting ; I worked at a hospital as a Certified Nurse Assistant before . However , that was the first time I was there for clinical as a nursing student . I didn ’ t know where things were , I didn ’ t know what the nurse was doing most of the time , and I could not keep up with her . I felt like I was in her way . But , when we finally had time , to sit down and do charting , I was able to get some of my questions answered .
Before doing my clinical , I was shy , and I did not want to feel like I was in anyone ’ s way . But it ’ s very important to ask questions . Ask if there is something you can help with . Always ask if there is something that you can take the lead on , whether it ’ s dressing changes or helping pass out medications . Emily Hernandez , Student Nurse , Harper College , Palatine , Il
I am a sophomore nursing student at Duquesne University , and I started my clinical experience just a few weeks ago . If you are feeling anxious about starting like I was , then I just want to tell you that feeling is completely normal as I felt the same way . A piece of advice I would give to other nursing students who are
26 NSNA IMPRINT • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 • www . nsna . org