If you know anything about nursing school, you know it goes far beyond the classroom. As with any other program, you'll spend lots of time reading and listening to lectures, but what makes nursing school unique is the hands-on experience you get. Clinicals allows you to get real-life experience in the day-to-day life of nurses. Many nursing students find clinicals the most challenging part of nursing school, but clinicals offer valuable lessons you can only get in the field. 

What are nursing school clinicals? 

Nursing school has three segments : the didactic segment, simulation labs, and clinicals.

• The didactic segment of nursing school, and probably the one you're most familiar with, provides the basic knowledge you'll need to work in a medical environment. These are the lectures, classwork, and textbook readings you do in nursing school. 
• Simulation labs give you pseudo-clinical experiences that allows you to practice nursing tasks in safe, low-risk environments. Simulation labs prepare you to work with actual patients. 
• Finally, clinicals are the hands-on, hospital-site, "on-the-field" portion of nursing school. 

What to expect in during nursing clinicals?

Because you may work in different hospitals or clinics to gain clinical experience, clinicals experiences can vary. Clinicals can take place in a nursing home, mental health departments, veterans hospitals, or clinics. Having clinicals in different locations and hospital types help you determine your future career path and nursing specialty. Not only that, it's an opportunity to build useful connections and networks that will be helpful to you during post-graduation job hunting. 

Despite this, some things are common for all clinicals. First, to begin clinicals, you must pass a background check and physical exam. Clinicals will sometimes involve shifts that can last up to 12 hours. Most nursing programs will offer multiple days and hours for you to complete clinicals. 

During clinicals, you'll work alongside an experienced RN who will guide you in your tasks. During clinicals, you will learn common tasks that you will frequently do as a nurse, such as taking a patient's blood pressure, inserting IVs, and giving medication. 

How to get the most out of clinicals

Clinicals offer an exciting opportunity to get hands-on experience as a nurse in a supportive environment. The knowledge gained during clinicals is essential to your future success as a nurse. Here are five essential tips to get the most out of clinicals. 

• Arrive on time. Clinicals are unpaid. Nevertheless, it would be best if you still treated clinicals like a regular job. If you have an emergency or another reason you can't attend clinicals for a day, you should inform your instructor. 
• Ask plenty of questions. Speak up if you come across any issues or have any questions during clinicals. Remember, you are there to learn as much as possible, and the instructors are there to help you. If you feel you're not getting enough opportunities to practice specific tasks, you should let your instructor know immediately. 
• Prepare ahead of time. You're not expected to remember everything in clinicals, but preparing ahead of time gives you a better chance of success during clinicals. Keep reading and studying, and make sure you know the medical histories of patients assigned to you. Complete all assigned duties and tasks on time, including patient care plans. 
• Always volunteer. You can get the most benefit out of clinicals by offering to help in different situations. Being a willing volunteer gives you the chance to learn a new skill or complete a new task. 

Can I test out of clinicals?

Because of the unique hands-on and in the field nature of clinicals, it is mandatory in most cases. Most nursing schools require that students go through a traditional clinical experience, but you may have the option to test out of clinicals. Whatever your path—whether you're testing out of clinicals or getting ready for an in-person experience — Achieve Test Prep will be there every step of the way to ensure your success.

Nursing is a high-pressure career that is also be very rewarding. The sense of accomplishment you feel after completing a clinical rotation ensures you're ready to handle day-to-day clinical patient care. Knowing what nursing clinicals are and what to expect from them and how to survive the experience and thrive, positions you for clinical success.

How Achieve Test Prep can help

Want to prepare more for clinicals? Achieve Test Prep offers a 3-part clinical prep program that gives you the theory behind nursing and hands-on practice experience in the field. We prepare you for the clinical experience and make sure that you're successful every step of the way. Find out more on how Achieve Test Prep can help. Contact us here.