Jan 6 Blog

Highlights of Clinical Day 3
By:  Aaron Egelkraut., and Kyle McCormick

Today most of us had clinical experiences which created reflections that will stay with us for some time.  We interviewed all of the students and have compiled their thoughts to share here.

ER: Students had two code Blue's ( patient flat lined) in the ER. Doing CPR on an actual person is very different than CPR class.  Code experiences lead to a fast learning environment. Some of the challenges that the students faced were learning about new drugs, and having to draw and dilute drugs from ampules in an emergency situation. In our code carts the epinephrine is pre-loaded in a syringe that you simply pop a top to administer.  Here, we needed to open glass ampules, draw up the dose with a filter needle, change needles and then administer (thanks Sue Mattson and all our lab instructors). This caused for longer times than anticipated to prepare and administer the critical meds.

Medicine: One student noted that the highlight of her day on the medicine ward was starting her own IV line. She reported that the needle system is different than an intracath and this meant she had to adjust her hands and technique from what she learned. She stated that she was extremely nervous to start the task, but once she was successful, became overfilled with joy and confidence in her skills.

Surgery: On the surgery unit today, a student nurse assisted with the delivery of a newborn via a ceasarian section. It was an exciting time for this student as it was his first delivery. He stated that it was amazing to be in the presence of an infant taking their first breath. Other students were able to step in and observe as Gina says "be the plaster on the wall-no talking."

OR: Many students had the opportunity of experiencing at least one of the numerous surgeries scheduled for today. CSS students practiced the night before their sterile gowning and gloving with the guidance of a friendly Mary Johnston student nurse, Kay. Students participated in the surgeries as the role of scrub nurse where they assisted the surgical team such as handing the surgical instruments to the surgeon. In the US,
this role is typically performed by a surgical technician. One of the benefits of an OR assignment is that the rooms are air conditioned! As you enter the OR suite you choose a pair of OR guest slippers which are 'Crocs'.  These are easily cleaned and reused.

Pediatrics/PICU: Students working with the pediatric patients today stated that their favorite part of their shift today were the workers. Mary Johnston Hospital nurses and physicians brought energy and a professional attitude to the unit. They were also very accommodating, friendly, and approachable. Pediatric vital signs are difficult to obtain when the child is crying or distressed.

PPU (Post-partum unit) : On this unit, students were able to bathe newborn babies for the first time. They described the experience as very joyful and  empowering. Another student was able to hold a newborn exposing him to sunlight to decrease the "physiologic jaundice" to facilitate the liver functioning properly. Students assessed the mothers' uterine status, vaginal discharge, and health teachings on the importance of breast feeding.

MICU (Medical ICU):  A new but somber experience for one student nurse was her involvement in postmortem care, watching the family grieve and how the news of death is being delivered by the physician. On this unit, students also experienced new nursing skills they had only read about in their text books.

Labor and Delivery: The students witnessed a live birth and was able to care for mom and baby directly after the event. Some nursing tasks included weighing the baby, measuring, giving shots and clothing the baby.

After our clinical today, CSS students and Mary Johnston students had the opportunity of visiting the Malacanan Palace, location of the Philippine Presidential Museum and Library, and also home to President Benigno Aquino III. According to official history the palace, "Malacanan" meant "place of the fisherman." Visiting the palace was our first time out with the Filipino students. We were really able to bond with our newly made friends as we learned about the history of past presidents of the Philippines. If we had Ronald Reagan in the US, the Philippines had presidents who were also actors in films: Fernando Poe Jr, and Joseph Estrada.  The longest reigning president was Ferdinand Marcos (20 years) who declared martial law in 1972.  He was ousted in 1986 by the People Power led by General Ramos who later became president.  Marcos was exiled in Hawaii and died in 1989.  Lastly, before returning to the college, we all stopped for a bite to eat at a well known fast food restaurant and the Filipino version of McDonald's in the Philippines called "Jollibee". All of us from the States were overjoyed to order a cheeseburger and fries we all had been craving. As we prepare for our last day of clinicals tomorrow, we remember all the experiences we had the last few weeks and are thankful for our opportunities we had with this trip.