Block 2 First 12hr Clinical

Yesterday I made it through my first 12hr clinical shift! It wasnt nearly as bad as I anticipated but the key is to stay busy and ask lots of questions. After lunch though, you start to go down hill. Of course the reality of most nurses is that they dont get a lunch but I hope to be one who changes that. What started off to be a slow and unorganized day, turned into something much more rewarding.

I woke up yesterday with a bit of anxiety, nervousness, and anticipation because I KNEW that something was gonna happen to me as I was still trying to recover from IV practicum nightmare. Sure enough, when doing patient rounds we came across a patient whose present IV was infiltrated and needed a new one. So guess what? I was the first student of the day to have to do an IV. Was I nervous...hell yeah...because I had to prove to myself that I was competent in the skill. I called my instructor to watch and gathered my supplies. I failed on the first attempt however my instructor and the nurse said I did great and that the patient simply had horrible veins. Although I didnt get blood return, the experience was enough to lift my spirits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfQbbCx6xFU

The rest of the day I simply shadowed an excellent RN, asked questions, and did Accuchecks :) Overall i would say I had a great day and am glad that I opted for the one day clinical this semester. Its heaven on earth when we have an exam on Monday covering Fluid & electrolytes, Hematological disorders, Diuretics, Immune disorders, and antibiotics!!