2 answers
Ashley
Student
Lynchburg, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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What are some tips about clinicals that could help me feel more prepared?
I am going into my first year of nursing school and begin clinicals in the fall. I would like to feel prepared walking into my first clinical and not like I am walking blindly. I would like as many tips as possible from people with different experiences to help me feel more confident during clinicals.
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2 answers
Atri Bhatt
Worker's Compensation Nurse Medical Case Manager
8
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Atri’s Answer
Hi Ashley! It's so exciting starting clinicals-but also nerve-wracking! I remember being a first-year nursing student and feeling like I have no idea what to expect.
I think one thing I really want to make sure you understand, is the current climate of nursing. I am sure you are fully aware from what you hear in school, your peers, the news, etc. Nurses, especially bedside nurses, are feeling very burnt out. That being said, a lot of nurses really shy away from having students follow them. Do not take this to heart. I mention this because, when I was a bedside nurse I would always have students precepting under me, but alot of other nurses I worked with did not, so I know that it happens more often than not.
Now that being said, If you do find any nurses during your clinicals that loving teaching students, go ahead and put yourself under their wing from the get-go! What you will get out of clinicals is what you put into it. Assist your nurses, pct with different procedures, patient care. Talk to the patients as much as you can. You can learn so many soft skills over the course of your clinics. Additionally, you can observe the rapport that your nurse has with his/her patients.
Your clinical instructor should have access to the patient charts. Ask to look in these charts often. Patient charts are going to be your best friend. Look at labs, vitals, MD notes, treatment plans, medications, etc to help you paint a picture of what is going on. The more you read patient charts the better you will be able to apply what you are learning in class.
ASK QUESTIONS!! This goes for being a nurse in general. I cannot stress this enough. No question is silly. You would rather ask a "silly" question than be confused forever and potentially compromise patient safety. Lean on your clinical instructor. They are supposed to be your safe person during clinicals. If you have a good clinical instructor they will try to seek out things for you to do and see.
Take notes of the things you saw and did, that way when you go to your nursing residency (if that is the path you're taking), you will have some recollection of what you did.
This was just a few tips. I really want to reiterate that what you put into clinicals is what you'll get out of it. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and be eager to learn. Remember, people are observing whether you realize it or not! If you make your clinical a memorable one it also opens up doors for you to network with the unit management and leadership and you could even a secure an interview before you graduate!!
Good luck!!
I think one thing I really want to make sure you understand, is the current climate of nursing. I am sure you are fully aware from what you hear in school, your peers, the news, etc. Nurses, especially bedside nurses, are feeling very burnt out. That being said, a lot of nurses really shy away from having students follow them. Do not take this to heart. I mention this because, when I was a bedside nurse I would always have students precepting under me, but alot of other nurses I worked with did not, so I know that it happens more often than not.
Now that being said, If you do find any nurses during your clinicals that loving teaching students, go ahead and put yourself under their wing from the get-go! What you will get out of clinicals is what you put into it. Assist your nurses, pct with different procedures, patient care. Talk to the patients as much as you can. You can learn so many soft skills over the course of your clinics. Additionally, you can observe the rapport that your nurse has with his/her patients.
Your clinical instructor should have access to the patient charts. Ask to look in these charts often. Patient charts are going to be your best friend. Look at labs, vitals, MD notes, treatment plans, medications, etc to help you paint a picture of what is going on. The more you read patient charts the better you will be able to apply what you are learning in class.
ASK QUESTIONS!! This goes for being a nurse in general. I cannot stress this enough. No question is silly. You would rather ask a "silly" question than be confused forever and potentially compromise patient safety. Lean on your clinical instructor. They are supposed to be your safe person during clinicals. If you have a good clinical instructor they will try to seek out things for you to do and see.
Take notes of the things you saw and did, that way when you go to your nursing residency (if that is the path you're taking), you will have some recollection of what you did.
This was just a few tips. I really want to reiterate that what you put into clinicals is what you'll get out of it. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and be eager to learn. Remember, people are observing whether you realize it or not! If you make your clinical a memorable one it also opens up doors for you to network with the unit management and leadership and you could even a secure an interview before you graduate!!
Good luck!!
Ashley Lowe
College Instructor/Clinical Coordinator
62
Answers
Minnesott Beach, NC
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Even though I teach in radiography, our clinical structures are very similar to nursing, and the feelings you’re describing are completely normal. No one walks into their first clinical feeling fully ready; confidence comes from preparation and repetition.
First, review your fundamentals before each clinical day. Refresh basic skills, common medications, vital signs, infection control, and patient safety principles. The stronger your foundation, the calmer you’ll feel. The night before clinical, look up common diagnoses you might see on that unit so you’re not walking in completely unfamiliar.
Second, arrive early and come prepared. Bring a small notebook, a pen, a secondhand watch, and be ready to write things down. Introduce yourself confidently to your assigned nurse and offer help. Even simple things like assisting with patient positioning, answering call lights, or observing procedures build experience and show initiative.
Third, don’t be afraid to say, “I’m a student, and I’d like to learn.” Ask thoughtful questions at appropriate times. Most healthcare professionals respect students who are engaged and humble. If you don’t know something, be honest and ask for guidance rather than guessing.
Lastly, focus on patient interaction. Speak calmly, explain what you’re doing, and treat every patient with dignity. Clinicals are as much about communication and professionalism as they are about technical skills.
You won’t feel fully confident on day one, and that’s okay. Your goal isn’t perfection; it’s growth. If you prepare, stay curious, and remain professional, your confidence will build faster than you think.
First, review your fundamentals before each clinical day. Refresh basic skills, common medications, vital signs, infection control, and patient safety principles. The stronger your foundation, the calmer you’ll feel. The night before clinical, look up common diagnoses you might see on that unit so you’re not walking in completely unfamiliar.
Second, arrive early and come prepared. Bring a small notebook, a pen, a secondhand watch, and be ready to write things down. Introduce yourself confidently to your assigned nurse and offer help. Even simple things like assisting with patient positioning, answering call lights, or observing procedures build experience and show initiative.
Third, don’t be afraid to say, “I’m a student, and I’d like to learn.” Ask thoughtful questions at appropriate times. Most healthcare professionals respect students who are engaged and humble. If you don’t know something, be honest and ask for guidance rather than guessing.
Lastly, focus on patient interaction. Speak calmly, explain what you’re doing, and treat every patient with dignity. Clinicals are as much about communication and professionalism as they are about technical skills.
You won’t feel fully confident on day one, and that’s okay. Your goal isn’t perfection; it’s growth. If you prepare, stay curious, and remain professional, your confidence will build faster than you think.