Final Thoughts

This experience has given me the opportunity to experience the medical field up close and understand the reality behind the different medical professions. As a high school senior, it is a bit nerve wracking choosing a career that is going to stick with me for my entire life. Going into this program, I knew that I wanted to study nursing, but this experience has allowed me to feel confident in my decision and excited to begin a career I feel so passionately about. During my time at the Valley Hospital, I have worked in numerous departments; including 2B Surgical, Cardiac-Pulmonary Rehab, the Pharmacy, the Laboratory, and a few other departments here and there. Within these departments, I have been able to network with many nurses, doctors and other clinicians who were more than willing to help me reach my goal of becoming a nurse. This truly was a wonderful experience and I am forever grateful for the opportunity.

What happened this week? 5/15/2017

Before our Pulmonary class this Tuesday, I was able to observe a presentation by a doctor at Valley Hospital explaining the new techniques used to diagnose and treat different levels of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). The department in which I work, deals with patients suffering from COPD every day. However, there have been recent studies that help clinicians create a care plan more specific for individual patients. There are many factors to consider when diagnosing COPD, including, sex, height, weight, oxygen intake, scar tissue of the lungs, etc. The doctor had mentioned that the leading cause of COPD is in fact smoking. Smoking creates a large amount of scar tissue, while also creating inflammation, making it difficult to breathe. One fact that I found especially interesting is that the number of smokers globally has reached a record high. I would have thought with all that we know and the harmful effects, the numbers would decrease. It is extremely important to educate others on the serious effects to help prevent disease. The presentation overall was extremely interesting and I was glad to get a better understanding of COPD.

What happened this week? 5/8/2017

This week happens to be National Nurses Week. The Valley Hospital definitely values their employees and works very hard to keep a happy and healthy workplace. Everyday this week, they have provided different events, speakers, food, and small gifts for all of the nurses in the hospital. During my time at Valley Hospital, I have definitely seen and felt the closeness and community of all of the staff. All employees are welcoming and kind, and they are especially willing to lend a helping hand. As an intern, I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with nurses who are dedicated to helping me gain as much experience as possible. It is truly amazing to watch them act quickly and efficiently. Many of these nurses truly inspire me and have impacted the way I look at nurses, which I admire and aspire to be.

What happened this week? 5/1/2017

After every class in Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab, there is a corresponding education session. In my opinion, these sessions are a crucial factor in the program. Patients must be referred by a doctor in order to participate in the program. I believe this is an excellent way for patients to truly understand their diagnosis and learn how to handle their episodes. These sessions can include topics concerning their diseases, environmental effects, diet, exercise, etc. Many patients enjoy these classes because it is more personal rather than being handed pamphlets upon pamphlets. Luckily, the staff is very knowledgable towards all topics and are usually able to answer all questions or refer them to someone who can.

What happened this week? 4/24/2017

This week, we had a company come in to solicit their oxygen products. Many of our patients in Pulmonary Rehab use oxygen when working out, as well as at home during their daily activities. Most patients, who are elderly, use Medicare. During my time as an intern, I have learned much about Medicare and other health insurance companies. Patients constantly ask how their treatment or medication will affect them financially and will insurance cover these costs. The company that had come in, solicits different oxygen equipment that Medicare does not cover. Although this company does not accept insurance, the costs are not outrageous. The patients that are oxygen-dependent, full-time, were especially interested. Many claimed that the oxygen tanks covered by Medicare are bulky and quite loud. This company specializes in portable oxygen products, making it easier for patients to leave their homes without the hassle. As I enter college, there are many aspects to being a nurse, other than the medical aspect. I am fortunate enough now to see first hand the financial aspect of the medical field and how patients are directly affected.

What happened this week? 4/17/2017

Today, I worked in 2B Surgical. This department is well known for Bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery consists of a series of surgeries and extreme dieting in order to cause weight-loss. The different surgeries restrict the amount of food allowed to enter the stomach. Some procedures include Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and inputting an Adjustable Gastric Band. Many weight-loss procedures are done laparoscopically, but are very invasive. It is truly amazing to see the before and after photos of patients and to see how far they have come. Their weight-loss has helped them tremendously and lowered their risk for other health problems.

What happened this week? 4/3/2017

Today, in Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab, we had an educational session for the Pulmonary patients after their exercise session. The session discussed risk factors for people who have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). COPD is used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis. This disease is characterized by increasing breathlessness. Unfortunately for COPD patients, there are many things in our normal environment that can cause episodes. These episodes will include breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest region. Some risk factors that cause these episodes are smoke, dust, chemicals and fuels. A patient can easily be affected by their household cleaning products or even dust from furniture. It is very difficult to prevent most of these situations, however, it is encouraged that patients wear masks if they are put in these situations, keep a constant clean environment, and circulate air throughout their living environment. A rescue inhaler is also recommended to help with unexpected episodes. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to live a normal life with COPD, however, we hope that by attending these exercise sessions, patients will be able to continue to live their daily lives. 

What happened this week? 3/27/2017

This week in Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab, a few patients will be "graduating" from the Pulmonary rehabilitation program. These three patients had entered the same week in which I had. As happy as I am to see them get better, it is bittersweet to see them go. I have worked with these patients twice a week since November. During their time in the program, I have learned so much about their health history and about them individually. I have met their families, been with them during their toughest and hardest weeks, and have settled many arguments as to which radio station to pick while they were exercising. One of the reasons why I had decided to study Nursing was because of my love for meeting new people everyday. It is even more gratifying to see the patients form friendships within each other and encourage each other. As I finish this program, I hope to help even more patients, whether it is physically or emotionally.

What happened this week? 3/20/2017

This week was Pulmonary Rehab Week. Most of the time, when I'm in Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab, I work mostly with the Pulmonary classes. These classes are slightly different from the Cardiac classes. Cardiac patients work to strengthen their heart. Like any muscle, it can only get stronger with exercise. They are also hooked up to monitors and constant blood pressures must be taken. However, the Pulmonary patients work without any monitors. The Pulmonary patients, many with COPD or Emphysema, exercise to increase the quality of their lives. We work them to help make their daily activities easier and more comfortable. The only thing we do monitor is their oxygen saturation, heart rate, and how they are breathing. When they first start the program, many can not breathe after walking a couple of steps. As they progress throughout the program, many of them are walking on the treadmill or riding a bicycle. It is truly amazing to see how exercise can make a vast different in their performance in everyday life.

What happened this week? 3/13/2017

This past Friday, I was able to observe a few patients who recently had some sort of Cardiac surgery. For example, one patient I had met had recently had a pacemaker put in. He had suffered from sepsis poisoning. Another patient had a stent put in. He did not have enough blood releasing from his heart. It was truly amazing to see the patients right after their major surgeries. In Cardiac Rehab, I am only able to see them 6 weeks post-operation, now I can watch the process for these patients from the start to hopefully finishing the rehabilitation program. My time in Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab has definitely sparked my interest in this specialty. There are so many diseases associated with your heart and lungs, so every patient is unique from the next. Although it is heartbreaking to see some patients suffer, the science in which the medical professionals use to treat them is incredible.

What happened this week? 3/6/2017

The following picture shows exactly what I do in Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab. In this instance, if a patient (in this case, Amber) were walking on the treadmill during a Pulmonary class, I would need to assess them mid-workout. I would first question their breathing number based on an RPE scale. The numbers range from 0-8, 0 meaning that breathing is completely normal and 8 meaning they completely cannot breathe. After the number is obtained, I check their oxygen saturation and heart rate. For most patients, I know where their normal vitals range and can tell whether the exercise is strenuous for them. Luckily, I am able to be with the same classes every week, so I am able to get a really good understanding of their health.

What happened this week? 2/27/2017

On Tuesday, I worked in Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab. Unfortunately, many patients did not come in for the Pulmonary class. Luckily, I was able to hook myself up to a heart monitor and watch my heartbeats. I learned what each wave meant. The nurse had taught me how to measure the distance between waves and what the numbers meant. She had also given me many worksheets to understand the patients in the Cardiac class. Now, I study these worksheets and am able to understand the abnormal contractions or blockages that affect the patients.

*Above are a few six-second images of my heartbeat.

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.

What happened this week? 1/30/2017

Today I worked in Surgical. Usually, I go about my daily routine of charting, stocking patient kitchens and filling nurses' stations. However, today I was invited to attend a Reiki session. According to reiki.org, "Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive." A volunteer Reiki specialist comes into the Surgical Department every week and offers short sessions for employees, patients and their families. When I went to the session, I was told to lay down on a table, then she felt all around my head and hovered her hands over my body. As she did so, she revealed what colors "appeared" to her and what they meant in comparison to my life. It was extremely interesting because it was an escape from medicine, however, it was still a form of healing.

http://www.reiki.org/faq/whatisreiki.html 

What happened this week? 1/23/2017

This week, I did my normal routine. However, I want to touch on the events that took place last week. Last Monday, I was invited to a seminar with a few other junior volunteers. When we had first sat down, we were introduced to a Pre-Med student who spoke to us on his experiences as a Valley Hospital volunteer and the direction he was heading to next. We also heard from an employee of the Emergency Management Department, the Vice-President of the hospital and a Pediatric surgeon who taught us meditation. All spoke to us on their roles in Valley Hospital and gave us advice as we start our own journeys into similar professions. In between speakers, we were able to visit some departments in which we usually do not have the chance to see. We visited the Laboratory, where we were able to see a colon just removed from a patient. We were also able to see samples of a kidney filled with cancer. Next, we went to the Morgue. There, we saw a leg that had just been removed. The patient was a diabetic and an ulcer had started to eat away at the patient's heel. After that, we visited the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) and CICU (Cardiac Intensive Care Unit). I was able to learn more about the hospital, as well as network. It truly was a fantastic experience and hope that I can attend more seminars.

What is the NCLEX?

According to Kaplan's website...

"The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN exam) has one purpose: To determine if it's safe for you to begin practice as an entry-level nurse...While nursing school exams are knowledge-based, the NCLEX-RN tests application and analysis using the nursing knowledge you learned in school. You will be tested on how you can use critical thinking skills to make nursing judgements."

https://www.kaptest.com/nursing/nclex-prep/nclex-rn/about-the-nclex-rn