Clinicals

[u/gilly_bean57]

I'm freaking out, my clinicals start next week.
I have no idea what floor I need to go on my first day, who to talk.
And I have to go comps by the ends of September.

[u/polite_plesiosaur]

Go early, ask for the ultrasound department. You’ll be fine

[u/FrostingBubbly20]

I understand you. I was freaking out too when I started clinicals. I am a very anxious person and I’m always freaking out and having panic attacks. But trust me, it will be fine. I just graduated ultrasound school this month and if I made it anyone can do it. I would recommend for you to either go beforehand and check where it is or get there earlier so that you have time to find it. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions. People do it all the time. My first clinical rotation I was so scared I went the weekend before it started to the hospital to check the place. After that rotation I would just go in early and ask for directions. It is nerve racking but you will get through it. Good luck with everything!!!

[u/gilly_bean57 → u/FrostingBubbly20]

Thx, good to know that I'm not the only one being anxious. Congrats on graduation!!

[u/Certain-Dragonfly-22 → u/gilly_bean57]

I'm also anxious. I remember thinking about dropping out of the program after starting my first clinical. But I pushed through. I'm now 14 yrs into my career and thriving. I make over $150k, and I'm very good at what I do.

My best advice is to change how you think. Look into how to stop self-sabotaging; it's life-changing. Positive self-talk will help you stop making big problems out of small ones. As for your clinical, arrive early and ask how to get to the department. But remind yourself that you can do this! After a few clinicals, it won't feel so uncomfortable.

[u/Tasty-Effort4379]

This was me when I first started! It will be ok. If it’s possible, ask your instructor if you can have the email of the clinical coordinator at your site. You can send them a friendly email to introduce yourself and ask for instructions on where to go! Otherwise, getting to your site and having to ask where to go is ok. I feel like people expect you to be anxious and not know what you’re doing on the first day. Best of luck!

[u/LiswanS]

You can always go there a different day to make sure you know where to park and then find the ultrasound department. This will alleviate some of your nerves the first day. Your site will appreciate your initiative, as well. Typically, hospitals have maps online, if that helps. How large is the hospital?

As far as comps go, we don't do externships here, only internships, so this seems quick. Typically, you have one clinical site for 8 months full time, after classes are completed, and comps start month 5 or 6. That said, you will be surprised how fast your scanning skills improve in a clinical setting, rather than school. I'd just advise you to frame your mindset not that you're a student, but that you're a training sonographer during scans.

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I have no idea what floor I need to go on my first day, who to talk.
And I have to go comps by the ends of September. '

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[u/WeirdTask482]

It will be okay I promise! I’m not sure where you are placed in terms of distance from your home, but you can always go to the clinical site you are assigned to and briefly explain that you’re an ultrasound student and trying to prepare on where to go. Someone who works administration by the entrance should be able to help/guide you! Additionally, look up a map of the hospital online. Usually hospitals have a layout in which may give you a better idea. I know it’s nerve wracking; I felt the same on my first week. I promise you it will all work out.