Running head: POST-PRACTICUM REFLECTION OF THE CARE-A-VAN 1

Post-Practicum Reflection of the Care-A-Van

Shaila Ellis

Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing

Chris-Tenna Perkins, PhD, RN, ANP, CNE

NUR 4116P

April 15, 2019

Honor Code “I Pledge”

POST-PRACTICUM REFLECTION OF THE CARE-A-VAN 2

Post-Practicum Reflection of the Care-A-Van

Noticing

During my time at the Care-a-Van, I have done and learned a lot about the dominant

population that is cared being for in the communities. The Hispanic population is rising in the

city of Richmond with more children not being vaccinated due to the lack of healthcare access

and no insurance. The Care-a-van is trying to help with this problem by providing education to

the parents and encouraging them to get their children vaccinated. The nurses are very supportive

of their decision, but they know that education is essential with this population because

sometimes they just do not understand the risk. Several times, I have observed the nurses educate

patients on the importance of managing their chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and

cardiovascular disease. The patients are so grateful for all the care that they are receiving during

this time at the Care-a-van. They always say “Thank You” a million times and know that the

people are there to support them anyway they can.

Seeing the smile on the patients’ face when I am taking their blood pressure or glucose

gives me so much joy. Even though I cannot speak or understand their language, I can

understand their non-verbal language which lets me know how I impacted their lives during my

short time there. Being able to care and give back to such a vulnerable population gives me the

purpose and motivation to continue to help anyway I can. Even though I do not get to do as much

as a student, I feel that I have accomplished my mission of giving back to the community by

caring for this vulnerable population in some way.

Interpreting

My values as nursing student remains the same throughout my experience at the Care-a-

van. Being able to take care of this vulnerable population without judging them is essential in
POST-PRACTICUM REFLECTION OF THE CARE-A-VAN 3

their holistic care. They come to the Care-a-van because they feel that they can trust us with

helping them and their families mentally, emotionally, and physically. I had to learn that all

cultures are not the same as mine and people care for themselves differently than others because

that is what they are taught. That is why education is essential for this population because they

do not know the risk of not taking care of themselves appropriately. The patients do not fully

understand some medications that they are using, so the nurses take the time to go through each

medication with the patient and some of them even write a schedule for them. Also, the

discharge nurses are great at explaining information to the patient and educating them about

resources outside of the care-a-van.

Responding

Throughout my time at the Care-a-van, I have learned so much about the population

being served and the disadvantages the Hispanics face in the healthcare system. It can be very

frustrating to the patients if there is not an interpreter available to assistance with discharge

teaching. During discharge, there is a lot of education and it can be overwhelming at times

because it is a lot to take in at one time. This population has difficulty with understanding

chronic illnesses, how it is managed, and seeing a healthcare provider routinely. It is difficult for

this population to get other healthcare access because they have no health insurance and they

cannot afford to pay healthcare bills on their own. Care-a-van is special because it allows

individuals with no insurance to get health care and prescriptions, they need to manage their

chronic illnesses. I was glad to be a part of this program and help discharge nurses with

educating these patients during my days there. It feels good to know that I helped with changing

the lives of every individual I have encountered in some way.

POST-PRACTICUM REFLECTION OF THE CARE-A-VAN 4

Reflecting

I have learned so much during this experience. It has impacted my life in so many great

ways and gave me the opportunity to learn the needs of this vulnerable population. I feel that this

experience helped me academically by educating me on chronic illnesses, how it is treated in the

community, education that is needed, and overall lifestyle changes. It helped me in my personal

life by knowing that I have changed someone’s life for the better. I learned that everyone goes

through difficult times and this could be me one day down the road. I know if I was in this

situation, I would want someone to care, teach, and support me without judging me or my

situation. This has been a life changing experience and I plan to incorporate this experience and

my values into my professional nursing career when I graduate. This opportunity gave me the

drive I needed to be the best nurse to every patient I encounter because I want to help with

changing lives for the better.