Journal Reflection

12/7/2017

The professor assigned another peer and me to work hand on hand with an Emergency
Room (ER) nurse, Adrian, for the day. It was a great experience. I was able to work with clients
and their families. The morning was a little slow, but after 10 or 11 a.m. it started to get really
busy in ER. Me and my colleague had the opportunity to perform assessment, start IVs, and
administer medications; always following the safety guidelines required by the school and the
hospital.

One opportunity that I can fix for the future is closing the curtains when performing
assessment on my patients so that I can provide the privacy needed. I enjoyed and actively
participated in pre-and post-conference and assume responsibility for my own learning by
seeking guidance from the preceptor, professor, and also my fellow peers. I felt comfortable and
confident conducting client interviews, assessments, and teachings.

Communication is the heart of nursing and is essential in conveying messages to the

clients, professor, peers and staff members in the floor. I utilize therapeutic communication skills
to provide comfort and to help my patients meet their needs. I follow the American Nursing
Association standards of care to collect data and develop teaching plans that addresses my
patients needs. I practice within my scope and demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning.
My clinical experience while working in the Emergency Department expanded my view of all
the different factors that are considered during the assessment and care of these patients and their
families and the fast-paced speed that needs to be present in order to work in an ER to save
patients lives.

12/14/2017

As expected, today was a great day and like always I had the opportunity of learning
something new. At the beginning, we went to the ER as scheduled but it came out to be that there
were 4 new trainees and unfortunately no students were accepted. I spoke with the professor
about the situation and rapidly she told me to proceed to the telemetry floor.
 On the telemetry floor, I was assigned to work with a nurse, Elizabeth. It was very nice
working with her. The very first patient that we dealt with today, was that a patients family
member came to the unit looking for the patients belongings. This was a very suspicious case
and the probability of breaking HIPAA policy was floating around. The case was brought to the
Charge nurse and case manager. A decision was made to assess the patients cognitive level and
ability to take decision by herself because she has been Baker Acted in the past.

At the end, the assessment was done and the patient was AAO x3 and was able to make
decision by herself. The nurse explained the situation clearly and the patient stated that the only
thing she authorized the grandson to take was her ID. The security then proceeded to give the
grandson this document and the rest of the patients belongings were taken back to the safe. This
procedure was signed by the charge nurse and the RN as a witness.

12/15/2017

Today was the last day. The professor assigned me the same nurse as yesterday,
Elizabeth; on the same floor, telemetry. The day passed by very quickly because I was doing a
lot of things helping the nurse. There was no major procedure or anything new going on but the
day was routine. Elizabeth allowed me to do some charting for her while she observed and
explained me any doubts.

In general, this clinical experience was very good. I am very proud of myself and all the
peers because we were able to overcome all the obstacles that came across during this journey
that is soon coming to an end; at least for now. I want to say Thank you to all the professors as
well as my classmates for all the support given throughout this whole time. Thank you!