January 4 Blog

January 4, 2016

-Kim Rice and Jessie Malin

Today we started our clinical experience at Mary Johnston Hospital.  The night prior was filled with anticipation, nerves, and a feeling of walking into the unknown.  We had our breakfast and started our clinical journey with a moment of prayer with the students from MJ. Then, we divided into the groups of people that were assigned to each specific part of the hospital (Post-Partum Unit, Operating Room, Medical Annex, etc).  My group on the Post-Partum Unit started with a quiz and then walked over to the unit to receive "endorsement" or morning report.  We reviewed our patient charts during the preplanning time the next day, so knowing a bit about my patient took some edge off.  To get to know the unit, we all rounded on each patient on the unit, which was nice so that there were no surprises if you got pulled into a room to help with someone else's patient.  It was a very interesting day learning about the different procedures and techniques used during this incredibly sensitive time in a woman's life.  The nurses on the floor were all extremely sweet and did everything they possibly could for their patients (and their babies).  My personal highlight of the day was getting to learn how to bathe a newborn infant.  Not having done it before, I was downright terrified of doing the wrong thing (or dropping him), but the student nurses guided me through the whole procedure and it went very well.  After the hectic night we had, it was easy to get caught up in the anxiety and fear that accompany every clinical experience, but our student nurse partners were like a lifeline and were so understanding and helpful, that it eased almost all of the tension I had.  Some other highlights and reflections from other units included:
Surgical ICU Highlight: working with a patient on a mechanical ventilator
Reflection: Last night was difficult because of the feelings of nervousness, but tonight feelings of confidence and excitement pervade their attitudes.
Pediatric ICU Highlight: Collectively loved working with the little children and working with the student nurses to communicate with the family and other children.
Reflection: Today was calmer than was expected and the staff nurses were so attentive. They listened intently when they ask questions and it is plain that they care about the answers you give.
Post-Partum Unit Highlight: Learning how to bathe a baby, post-partum care and experiencing the different newborn care methods that are common here
Reflection: Some were nervous, some were not, but the overall atmosphere of the unit did a lot to ease the nerves.  The student nurses included us with everything and encouraged active participation, which was intimidating but it turned out well for all of us.
Emergency Room Highlight: Triaging patient's in the ER and assessing which patients were in worse conditions than others and treating them accordingly.
Reflection: Some students felt overwhelmed with our tasks but felt better about our expectations once clinical began this morning.
Medicine Highlight: Learning how to communicate with a patient of a different culture was a great experience for most. Also, practicing skills for the very first time is always exciting! One of our students got to start her very first IV today!
Reflection: Most were very nervous prior to clinical this morning, students stated that they couldn't sleep last night or even eat breakfast this morning because they were so nervous about what to expect out of the day. But today the students collectively feel much better about approaching tomorrow's clinical and are excited for the new experiences that await.
Medical ICU Highlight: The highlight was the patient in general and working with them throughout the day. We are constantly amazed by the strong and intelligent people here and working with them has been an amazing learning experience for all of us
Surgery: Most were excited to finally start clinical! We have been preparing and talking about this for so long that it was so unreal that it was actually happening.
Refection: Students were nervous last night but are more confident in our second day of clinical approaching.
OR Highlight: Being able to observe a laproscopic cholesyctomy and assisting the doctor into his sterile gown and gloves prior to the operation. During the surgery, students were able to hand the surgeon's instruments which is something we have never experienced before.

Overall, today's clinical was an amazing experience for all of us. We are so thankful for the guidance we have received from our MJ partners and staff. We are experiencing a different approach to nursing and learning how to use the equipment that is available to us. The knowledge that we have gained about communicating with patients of a different culture and working with less equipment than we are accustomed to is so valuable for us to take back with us to the states. We are beyond excited for the new knowledge and experiences that await us in the next few days of clinical!