Senior Sequence Fall 2013

NURS40010 – Nursing of the Critically Ill

Competencies

o Hemodynamic Assessment and Monitoring of the Critically Ill

o Basic ECG Interpretation- Atrial and Ventricular Dysrhythmias

o Acute Cardiovascular Alterations

o Alterations in Tissue Perfusion

o Pulmonary Alterations

o Alterations in Fluid Volume and Electrolyte Balance

o Acute Neurologic Alterations

o Gastrointestinal Alterations

Patient/Family Education

o Infection control-contact isolation techniques, proper hand washing

o Deep breathing/coughing exercises

o Incentive Spirometer instruction

o Explanation of hemodynamic/cardiac monitoring equipment

o Smoking cessation

Evidenced Based Practice

o APA Scholarly Paper – Nursing of the Critically Ill Nursing Process Paper

o Interpret diagnostic/ laboratory testing and define patient prescribed

medications/treatment.

o Develop a care plan with nursing diagnosis including rationale, interventions,

short-term goals, long term goals, and evaluation of nursing interventions.

o Evidenced based research of Academic Journals to define pathophysiology of

patient admitting disease/illness.

Personal Reflection

The Critical Care experience allowed me to develop and utilize critical thinking skills to

analyze patient data in order to provide safe, appropriate care. The critical care nurse typically

cares for two patients, which allows extensive monitoring and assessment of the assigned

patients. I learned to prioritize the prescribed treatments while enhancing clinical judgment to

aid in the healing process of the critically ill patient. The experience raised my confidence and

allowed me to use effective communication skills with the patient and/or family members. The

medical equipment used in the critical care setting can be intimidating to both the patient and

their loved ones. I was able to implement important patient/family teaching to ensure clear

understanding of all prescribed treatments, diagnostic testing, monitoring, and medication

management.

NURS40020 – Community Health Nursing

Competencies

o Community Assessment

o Home Health Care Assessment

o Hospice Assessment

o Identify Community Environmental Hazards

o Provide Health Services (WIC) to the Infant, Child, and Adolescent Population

o Identify Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Levels of Prevention

o Identify Underserved Populations, i.e. Homeless, Corrections Facility Population

Patient/Family Education

o Healthy height and weight according to age

o Infant, child, and adolescent nutrition

o Importance of immunizations, lead testing

Evidenced Based Practice

o Group Community Assessment (Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns) Perry Township

o Group Community Teaching-Recycling

o Group Scholarly APA Community Nursing Process Paper including Diagnosis,

Intervention, Measurable Goals, Evaluation

o Population Teaching- Corrections Facility Population Presentation

Personal Reflection

The Community Health Nursing experience included several clinical experiences in the

community setting; including home health care, hospice, oncology/hematology, corrections

facility, wound care clinic, and community health care clinics. I learned a wealth of information

on resources to assist the underserved population such as the homeless. The clinical group had

the opportunity to provide an educational teaching on the importance of recycling to Perry

Township. I also worked in a small group setting to develop a teaching presentation targeting

the correctional facility population. I feel this experience broadened my communication skills,

as well as my public speaking abilities. I learned the importance of maintaining an unbiased,

open-minded way of thinking. Different communities have a variety of cultures, values, and

belief systems and it is important to be aware and sensitive to the needs of all patients

encountered in the community health care setting.