Preparing for Clinicals: Nursing Edition
Before my first day of nursing school clinicals, I remember being a nervous wreck. I didn’t know what to expect or what my preceptor would be like, and, of course, I had those first-day jitters. But after a few clinical days, I found myself more confident and prepared. So, I’ve put together some tips that helped me successfully prepare for clinicals.
First, I found it helpful to familiarize myself with the hospital, unit, and parking situation before my first day. Oftentimes, hospitals have multiple parking decks or off-site parking that can be hard to find (especially in the dark hours of the morning). So before my first day of clinicals, I would drive to the hospital, find the designated parking area, and sometimes walk to the unit or meeting spot. I would also research the typical traffic and navigation time to get to clinicals, and then add a buffer of at least 15 minutes.
Next, I found it helpful to save my clinical instructor’s preceptor’s contact information. This way, if I got lost or was running late, I could easily contact them instead of fumbling through my emails on my phone. Understanding my preceptor’s expectations for the first day of clinicals was helpful, too. Most instructors would reach out via email to the clinical group a week before to discuss where to meet on the first day. If they didn’t outline expectations for the first day of clinicals, I would typically ask via email.
For me, prepping the night before clinicals was a must. I would set out my clothes, nursing supplies, and other items needed for clinicals. I packed plenty of quick snacks and a full water bottle in my bag since these would help curb my appetite until lunch. Another game changer for me was preparing and packing my lunch the night before. I found it easier to bring lunch instead of walking down to the cafeteria to grab food. Not only did packing my lunch save money, but it also saved time–I felt like I got to spend more time chatting with my nursing school friends or even other nurses on the unit.
Last, I always reminded myself to have a good day and learn something new!
Now that I’ve shared a few clinical preparation tips, what are some things that you have found help prepare for clinicals?