What happened this week? 2/20/2017

This week, I worked at the hospital Monday and Friday. On Monday, I carried out my normal routine in 2B Surgical. On Friday in Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab, I decided to go in a little earlier so I could observe a Cardiac class. I was fortunate enough to watch these patients and their personal workouts. Unlike the Pulmonary classes, the Cardiac patients wear heart monitors for obvious reasons. Their workout plans are designed to improve their heart function, rather than the Pulmonary patients that workout in order to improve their function in normal, daily activities. I was able to watch their arrhythmias while they did their exercises and saw if it was strenuous or not for them. Also another difference for the Cardiac class is the testing that goes on between exercises. For Pulmonary patients, we test their oxygen saturation and heart rate. However, for Cardiac patients, their blood pressure is checked. Hopefully in the future I will be able to observe another class so that I will be able to fully understand. I would like to be able to follow their workouts and recognize the affect on their diagnosis like I do with the Pulmonary patients.

What happened this week? 2/13/2017

On Tuesday, I worked in Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab. In this department, which is a "doctor's office" type setting, patients come in to work out while being monitored. Many patients in the Cardiac classes are recovering from heart attacks, blockages, have irregular arrhythmias, etc.. When they come into their scheduled class, they are hooked up to heart monitors and they begin their workouts. Most of the Pulmonary patients are suffering from COPD, Emphysema, etc.. These patients workout in order to make their home lives and daily activities easier. Both classes are monitored by a nurse and a Respiratory Therapist.  During their workouts, the staff constantly checks the patient's blood pressure, sugar, breathing, oxygen saturation and heart rate. Luckily for myself, I am able to assist monitoring the class. During the class, I am able to check patients' oxygen saturation and heart rate. I also ask them about their breathing and their physical response to the different exercises. The program is a wonderful opportunity for me to see a patient's diagnosis be treated from start to finish. I am able to see the same patients, a variety of ages, every week, which allows me to fully understand their health issues. This department has definitely sparked my interest in this specialty and I look forward to learning more about it.

What happened this week? 2/6/2017

Today, I did not have much to do in Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab. Instead, I went back to the Volunteer Office. While in the office, I sewed labels onto hats that many people donate for the NICU and Mother/Baby. It truly is incredible the amount of people that donate to the hospital. Currently, there are hundreds of volunteers of all ages. There are many teenagers, adults, senior citizens, and of course, lots of clowns. Not only do they give their time, many bring in physical donations, such as handmade hats, scarves, blankets, toys, coloring books, etc.. The infant hats are beautifully knitted and are all different. Each infant is given one upon birth. I think this is such a simple gesture that goes a long way. The hats prove how much The Valley Hospital values the care of each individual patient. They strive to provide care and comfort for patients and their families. Small gestures like this make me even more excited to become a nurse. Being able to have a career that also gives back is going to be truly gratifying.