May 1 , 2011

EVELYN TINDICK-MONSANTO, R.N., M. Ed., M.N.

Chief Nurse- Zamboang City Medical Center
Zamboanga City Medical Center
Zamboanga City

For the past 3 months, I had my training as a nurse volunteer at Ward 2/3, the orthopedic and

neurologic ward. It’s from January 3, 2011-March 31, 2011 with 5 days payback so I ended up on April

5, 2011.

First of all, I sincerely express my heartfelt appreciation to Zamboanga City Medical Center for

giving me the opportunity to be a nurse volunteer in your institution. And also thank you for giving me

the warmest welcome and the opportunity and privilege to be part of the health care team as a volunteer.

The experience was really worthwhile. I was molded with not just my skills but also with good

attitude in handling different personality including the hospital personnel and the patients as well, the

first thing that cause into my mind was that I needed to establish rapport with my mentors which are the

staff nurses and with my co volunteer.

On my first day of duty, 7:00AM-3:00PM shift, affectionate and friendly smiles from the nurse

on duty and other volunteers welcomed us on the first day of our duty. The night shift endorsed to us the

patients for continuity of care. After the endorsement, our nurse on duty for the said shift oriented us the

physical set up of the ward and he discussed to us the standard operating procedures and what to

accomplish during the different shifts were dealt upon.

 What I learned from my stay on the orthopedic/neurologic ward is precious and priceless! To

enumerate them would not be a waste of time. As a starting point, patients that are being admitted are

those with orthopedic and neurologic cases.

Patients seek medical attention due to fractures and those with alteration on their LOC. Vehicular

accidents are most common factors of the patients’ hospital confinements.

For me the most toxic shift was the 7-3 shift. And that’s my first shift there’s a lot of things to do

like doing the morning care, doing spin care and cleaning the wound but most especially the OPD days.

I have assisted the physicians on the OPD days every Tuesday and Thursday from the 7:00 A.M

to 3:00 P.M shift, which have been constantly considered as the busiest day at the ward, of which

follow-up checkups and most of the casting are done. I have learned the different types of casting and as

well as the materials that are being utilized. I have gained more knowledge on cast care and have carried

out related skills in the actual setting. Sometimes during OPD days, we had our lunch at 1:00 pm or 2:00

pm.

Also, I have assisted my co-nurse on duty during the application and removal of weights for

patients receiving skin and straight skeletal traction. I was able to perform S-pin care in an aseptic

manner, assisting orthopedic clerk on duty on wound dressing and irrigation were also part of the daily

practice with. Also, I was able to observe on how the nurse on duty prepare and perform blood

transfusion and IV insertion. ECG was done in some patients and gladly I was able to assist the staff

nurses, moreover, morning care is part of the nurse’s functions and I have accomplished such including

changing of linens as well as changing patient gowns. I have made requisition of supplies from the

central supply room during the 7:00 A.M to 3:00 P.M shifts as approved by the nurse on duty.

Preoperative nursing plays an important part for patients that are to undergo surgery, such

preparation are being implemented before transferring the patients on the operating room which depends
on doctor’s order and which includes the counter checking of medicines and materials for OR us.

Informing the OR and AOD is one of the standard chore whenever patients need to undergo operation.

Health teaching is being conducted prior to surgery and I myself have obtained the chance to do such. I

also observed that pre-op medicines are given by NOD prior to transporting patients at the operating

room. Post operatively, patients are received with a complete assessment and are considered critical.

Close monitoring and attending to patients needs are of chief concern.

My last day in the ward was really the memorable day. It’s an OPD day and we serve 64 clients

that day. In addition to that, that day I witness a dying patient. It’s really a sad and memorable day.

Patient was intubated. I witness and assisted the physician and the nurse on duty that day. I, my other co-

volunteer and or nursing attendant was the one doing the manual ventilation and the clerk was the one

who does the CPR. We tried our very best to save someone’s life but God really wants to get him. Still,

we continue to do manual ventilation. The relatives were crying and very emotional and I can’t help it

I’m also crying. I felt the sadness inside. But we can’t do anything if God is calling.

Lastly, it has been an unforgettable and memorable experience and exposure in the ward. Thank

you to all the staff, midwives, physicians, and institutional worker. Ward 2/3 is now my third home.

Thank you and more power!

Sincerely yours,

Annie Lucrecia M. Aguinaldo, R.N.

Nurse Volunteer-Ward 2/3