AMAZED and BLESSED (POST #3)

I thought that I would take this time to give an update on how my clinical experience was going. I was given the wonderful opportunity at my clinical site to work on the "South Wing", which is reserved for those patients dealing with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, dementia, etc. When I first met my patient, I thought that it would be a rough month as my first impression was that my patient was going to be difficult to handle. However, as week two has gone by and week three is in full swing, I have been AMAZED at the progress and improvement that my patient has shown. I was able to walk with him from his room to the dinning room which is about 150 ft. round trip. I was AMAZED to see that he is now able to feed himself from time to time, with a little push here and there, and that he is able to talk to me, although he does not make sense from time to time. Today was a bright day for me because he expressed an interest to walk. I thought that was wonderful to hear and AMAZED at how well he did. I am truly BLESSED to have been paired up with such an interesting and delightful patient. Even though he can not communicate as well, it is still a joy to work and care for such a patient. At the start of this week, I found myself eager to see him and to see his progression and how had been doing. BLESSED.

P.S. "no judgement" - this little life lesson was reinforced in me this week. =)

The First Week of Clinicals (POST #2)

If you are reading this right now, then yes, you know that I survived my first week of clinicals. I have so many mixed emotions about how clinicals went, more good then bad, actually not really even any bad. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with patients in the "special unit". I was able to meet my patient for the first time and I must admit, I was a little anxious. I didn't really know what to expect. I was actually preparing for the worst, a hard patient that would be difficult to handle. The experience was totally the opposite. I have one of the most amazing patients. Even though it is hard to communicate with him, it is a joy to see a bright smile amongst his face ever time I come to greet him. Throughout days one and two of clinicals, I was able to learn a lot!!! I was given the chance to follow some great CNA's and was able to brush up on the skills that I had practiced in skills lab. Performing those tasks was not as bad as I thought it would be. The overall experience of days one and two was a great insight into what nursing holds ahead of me. I am thankful and blessed to be working with a great group of patients and look forward to the rest of this clinical rotation.