6 answers
Nathan
Student
Rochester, Minnesota
3
Questions
6 answers
Brandy Heath
Registered Nurse
2
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Brandy’s Answer
Yes, nursing clinicals are challenging but you are a student and not expected to know everything. The point of clinicals is to learn as much as you can and experience as much as you can. If you have the chance to take care of a patient with a diagnosis that you don’t have experience with or it takes you out of your comfort zone, do it! While you are a student is the time to experience as much as possible. What better time to try something then when you are a student. For example, I was very nervous about Labor & Delivery because I had zero experience with it. I never had any friends or family have babies since I was an adult. So, I had no past experience to pull from. So, instead of avoiding the unknown, I jumped in and let my fear go and learned as much as possible from my OB patients. Another example is I was afraid to put in a Foley catheter the first time but if I didn’t have that experience while in clinicals, it would have been much harder to do it when I was out on my own in the real world. Don’t look at clinicals as being hard, look at it as the best learning experience possible and it’s fun and exciting seeing all the new things you will see and helping people.
Sarah Pearson
Registered Nurse, premedical student
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
I never found them particularly difficult!
As long as you come prepared (doing any homework/skills that was assigned prior and any patient research etc.), it is just a place to learn. Because you are a student, you aren’t expected to be able to know everything or do anything perfectly. You will have a preceptor who is responsible for being a resource if you need anything at all. Hope you will have good preceptors!
If anything, the time commitment is the biggest thing. Sometimes you will have clinical for 12 hours at 6am on a Friday when you might rather sleep in. But that is what you signed up for! Good luck, it can be fun too!
As long as you come prepared (doing any homework/skills that was assigned prior and any patient research etc.), it is just a place to learn. Because you are a student, you aren’t expected to be able to know everything or do anything perfectly. You will have a preceptor who is responsible for being a resource if you need anything at all. Hope you will have good preceptors!
If anything, the time commitment is the biggest thing. Sometimes you will have clinical for 12 hours at 6am on a Friday when you might rather sleep in. But that is what you signed up for! Good luck, it can be fun too!
Ebony Cowan
nurse
1
Answer
Greensboro, North Carolina
Updated
Ebony’s Answer
Yes, nursing clinicals are hard BUT fun. You get the opportunity to see things you have never seen before, and also it is a good place to piece together what you learn from clinical. Your instructor can make or break your clinical experience, once you meet your instructor ask or figure out what it is they want from you, do they want lots of detail in your clinical paperwork, do they want you to spend time reviewing the chart and understanding the patient, etc. If you can pick your patient try and find a patient that has the same medical problems that you are reviewing in lecture, it will help you to better understand what you're learning in lecture as well. Hope this helps.
Marie Enos MSN, BSN, RN-NIC
RN
71
Answers
Huntsville, Alabama
Updated
Marie’s Answer
Nursing school in general can be very stressful. Clinicals are a subjective experience, and it's not very common to fail clinicals because there is a lot of support and interaction with the instructors. If you put in the effort — you're on time, you complete your care plans, you ask questions, and you're engaged — you will not fail clinicals. I worked as clinical instructor. My goal was to make clinical a fun and learning experience while getting the information you need. Prep work for clinicals is what is challenging. Nursing school requires a lot of busy work these days. Care plans or decision trees a long with med cards can be very time consuming . Clinical its self is fun and rewarding, learning new skills and patient populations.
Best of luck
ME
Best of luck
ME
Char R.
Registered Nurse
67
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Char’s Answer
Hi Nathan,
Yes nursing clinicals can be very challenging. Every few weeks (or months), you are at a new facility learning something new. The most challenging part for me was making sure I was prepared well. Usually you have to get there pretty early. Instructors are big on punctuality so you should get enough sleep the night before. You also typically have to complete assignments each week in preparation for the clinical (careplans). You have to be very courageous. Many times I was too scared to volunteer for bedside skills so I would let my peers have the opportunities unless my instructor forced me to. Sometimes I would even hide out in the restroom for a while. It was tough for me. The good thing is, your instructors are always there to help and the nurses at the facility are typically nice enough to show you things (some aren't though, and that's another challenge). Turns out that this shy nursing student actually became a clinical instructor. Funny how life works. Congrats on becoming a nursing student!
Yes nursing clinicals can be very challenging. Every few weeks (or months), you are at a new facility learning something new. The most challenging part for me was making sure I was prepared well. Usually you have to get there pretty early. Instructors are big on punctuality so you should get enough sleep the night before. You also typically have to complete assignments each week in preparation for the clinical (careplans). You have to be very courageous. Many times I was too scared to volunteer for bedside skills so I would let my peers have the opportunities unless my instructor forced me to. Sometimes I would even hide out in the restroom for a while. It was tough for me. The good thing is, your instructors are always there to help and the nurses at the facility are typically nice enough to show you things (some aren't though, and that's another challenge). Turns out that this shy nursing student actually became a clinical instructor. Funny how life works. Congrats on becoming a nursing student!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3470
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Nathan,
Are nursing clinicals hard?
Nursing clinicals are an essential part of nursing education and provide students with hands-on experience in a real healthcare setting. Clinical rotations allow students to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to actual patient care situations. While nursing clinicals can be challenging, they are also highly rewarding and play a crucial role in preparing students for their future nursing careers.
Factors that contribute to the difficulty of nursing clinicals
Time management: Nursing clinicals often require students to balance multiple responsibilities, such as attending lectures, studying for exams, and completing assignments. Time management skills are vital to ensure that students can meet all their obligations and make the most of their clinical experiences.
Emotional challenges: Nursing clinicals involve working directly with patients who may be experiencing pain, suffering, or emotional distress. This can be emotionally challenging for students as they navigate difficult situations and develop coping mechanisms to provide compassionate care while maintaining their own well-being.
Physical demands: Nursing is a physically demanding profession, and clinicals provide students with firsthand experience of this aspect. Students may need to lift and move patients, stand for long periods, and perform various procedures that require physical strength and endurance.
Critical thinking and decision-making: Nursing clinicals require students to think critically and make quick decisions in complex situations. They must assess patients’ conditions, prioritize care needs, and implement appropriate interventions under the supervision of a registered nurse or clinical instructor.
Adapting to different healthcare settings: Throughout their nursing education, students will have the opportunity to rotate through various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. Each setting presents unique challenges and requires students to adapt quickly to new environments.
Strategies for success in nursing clinicals
Preparation: Being prepared for each clinical day is crucial. Reviewing patient charts, understanding the care plan, and familiarizing oneself with the facility’s policies and procedures can help students feel more confident and ready to provide safe and effective care.
Effective communication: Strong communication skills are essential in nursing clinicals. Students must be able to communicate effectively with patients, their families, and the healthcare team. Active listening, clear verbal and written communication, and empathy are key components of successful nursing practice.
Seeking guidance and feedback: Nursing clinicals are a learning experience, and it is important for students to ask questions and seek guidance from their clinical instructors or preceptors. Actively seeking feedback on their performance can help students identify areas for improvement and enhance their clinical skills.
Self-care: Nursing clinicals can be physically and emotionally demanding, so self-care is crucial. Students should prioritize their well-being by getting enough rest, eating nutritious meals, engaging in stress-reducing activities, and seeking support from peers, mentors, or counseling services if needed.
Reflective practice: Reflecting on clinical experiences can deepen learning and promote professional growth. Taking time to evaluate one’s actions, identify strengths and weaknesses, and set goals for improvement can enhance the overall clinical experience.
Conclusion
Nursing clinicals provide invaluable opportunities for nursing students to bridge the gap between theory and practice. While they can be challenging, nursing clinicals offer a unique chance for students to develop essential skills, gain confidence in patient care, and prepare for their future roles as registered nurses.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): The AACN is a national organization that sets standards for nursing education programs in the United States. Their website provides valuable resources related to nursing education, including information on clinical experiences.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): The NCSBN is responsible for developing and administering the licensure examination for registered nurses in the United States. Their website offers resources and guidelines related to nursing education and clinical practice.
Journal of Nursing Education: This scholarly journal publishes research articles, literature reviews, and educational innovations related to nursing education. It provides valuable insights into the challenges and best practices in nursing clinicals.
Don't forget to read my autobiography, paying attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective studying. You might discover that you can accomplish twice as much academic work in half the time. Your performance in exams and assignments could also improve, especially if your diet has significantly improved. Replenishing missing nutrients can do wonders.
GOD BLESS YOU,
[BECAUSE HE CAN AND WILL]
James Constantine.
Are nursing clinicals hard?
Nursing clinicals are an essential part of nursing education and provide students with hands-on experience in a real healthcare setting. Clinical rotations allow students to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to actual patient care situations. While nursing clinicals can be challenging, they are also highly rewarding and play a crucial role in preparing students for their future nursing careers.
Factors that contribute to the difficulty of nursing clinicals
Time management: Nursing clinicals often require students to balance multiple responsibilities, such as attending lectures, studying for exams, and completing assignments. Time management skills are vital to ensure that students can meet all their obligations and make the most of their clinical experiences.
Emotional challenges: Nursing clinicals involve working directly with patients who may be experiencing pain, suffering, or emotional distress. This can be emotionally challenging for students as they navigate difficult situations and develop coping mechanisms to provide compassionate care while maintaining their own well-being.
Physical demands: Nursing is a physically demanding profession, and clinicals provide students with firsthand experience of this aspect. Students may need to lift and move patients, stand for long periods, and perform various procedures that require physical strength and endurance.
Critical thinking and decision-making: Nursing clinicals require students to think critically and make quick decisions in complex situations. They must assess patients’ conditions, prioritize care needs, and implement appropriate interventions under the supervision of a registered nurse or clinical instructor.
Adapting to different healthcare settings: Throughout their nursing education, students will have the opportunity to rotate through various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. Each setting presents unique challenges and requires students to adapt quickly to new environments.
Strategies for success in nursing clinicals
Preparation: Being prepared for each clinical day is crucial. Reviewing patient charts, understanding the care plan, and familiarizing oneself with the facility’s policies and procedures can help students feel more confident and ready to provide safe and effective care.
Effective communication: Strong communication skills are essential in nursing clinicals. Students must be able to communicate effectively with patients, their families, and the healthcare team. Active listening, clear verbal and written communication, and empathy are key components of successful nursing practice.
Seeking guidance and feedback: Nursing clinicals are a learning experience, and it is important for students to ask questions and seek guidance from their clinical instructors or preceptors. Actively seeking feedback on their performance can help students identify areas for improvement and enhance their clinical skills.
Self-care: Nursing clinicals can be physically and emotionally demanding, so self-care is crucial. Students should prioritize their well-being by getting enough rest, eating nutritious meals, engaging in stress-reducing activities, and seeking support from peers, mentors, or counseling services if needed.
Reflective practice: Reflecting on clinical experiences can deepen learning and promote professional growth. Taking time to evaluate one’s actions, identify strengths and weaknesses, and set goals for improvement can enhance the overall clinical experience.
Conclusion
Nursing clinicals provide invaluable opportunities for nursing students to bridge the gap between theory and practice. While they can be challenging, nursing clinicals offer a unique chance for students to develop essential skills, gain confidence in patient care, and prepare for their future roles as registered nurses.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): The AACN is a national organization that sets standards for nursing education programs in the United States. Their website provides valuable resources related to nursing education, including information on clinical experiences.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): The NCSBN is responsible for developing and administering the licensure examination for registered nurses in the United States. Their website offers resources and guidelines related to nursing education and clinical practice.
Journal of Nursing Education: This scholarly journal publishes research articles, literature reviews, and educational innovations related to nursing education. It provides valuable insights into the challenges and best practices in nursing clinicals.
Don't forget to read my autobiography, paying attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective studying. You might discover that you can accomplish twice as much academic work in half the time. Your performance in exams and assignments could also improve, especially if your diet has significantly improved. Replenishing missing nutrients can do wonders.
GOD BLESS YOU,
[BECAUSE HE CAN AND WILL]
James Constantine.