My first week of internship started out rather slow but later picked up momentum with the arrival of the internship coordinator by the middle of the week, my schedule was sorted out and I was appointed my mentors. I like the idea of having more than one mentor because I’m able to learn from different perspectives.
I learnt the importance of proper and thorough physical examination and not to make any assumption when it comes to any procedure. In carrying out the assignment for week 1, I assumed the bag hanging on the bed side of my patient was a urine bag and that he had an indwelling urinary catheter. On cross-checking my assignment, my mentor realized my error and notified me that it was not a urine bag but rather an ascites drainage bag and I was able to correct my mistake. I also made it known to my mentor of my intention to witness the removal of the drainage which was to be done the next day and I was promptly called when the doctor was removing it. The doctor also took his time to explain the procedure to me seeing I was a student nurse.
I tried to cannulate because it’s part of my goals but on the two occasions that I tried I was not able to secure a line, I guess I was being nervous. On seeing my disappointment, my mentor nurse tried to cheer me up and reassure me that some days are like that. I realized that I could not not secure a line because I was not anchoring the vein before inserting the needle, so when next an opportunity arise, I will be ensuring that.
Moving away from my disappointment of my cannulation, I was able to successfully catheterize a patient with an indwelling catheter with the guidance of my mentor. I asked her how I did after the procedure and she told me I did well owing to the fact that I was able to follow instructions.
I also prepared IV antibiotics and also administered it. I witnessed the administration of enema and I’m pretty confident that if another opportunity arise, I can do it with proper guidance. I administered subcutaneous oxanest.
In this first week, I had a brief round in the medication room but I was assured that in the coming week, I will have more time in the medication room since my mentor will be working there.
Looking at my goals, I have been able to achieve some though I need more practice, I will also try to look out for opportunities and also inform my mentors of the goals I aim to achieve.
Dear Damilola,
It was a pleasure reading through your reflections of the first week. I get the picture that you have been actively involved in carrying out several nursing interventions such as cannulation and catheterization among others that are important part of developing your hand skills and competencies. It is important to remember that these skills require constant practice to master them, and that every patient is also different and unique in there own way.
I am happy that you have had success supported by your mentor and this demonstrates your determination to learn. Continue with the good work and try to have a goal and focus for every week and day. For example in this week you could focus on common ailments in your unit starting from diagnosis, tests, treatments, medications , and side-effects.
Enjoy your week!