A Career As A Medical Assistant Essay

The moment I knew I wanted to change lives in a positive light? That is easy. There have been many moments along my path that have reassured my passion to become a physician assistant however, the moment I knew took place my sophomore year of college at the University of Iowa. I am a nursing assistant at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics working in the ISS division, the intensive specialty services. I was schedule to work my eight-hour shift on the neurology unit, 6JC. When I got there, the charge nurse told me my assignment was to sit one on one with an elderly woman; she told me to prepare myself for a long shift, grab some water, use the restroom, whatever I needed before I went into the room. Immediately, my good mood changed to being a nervous wreck. Why was this patient so difficult I thought to myself? I gathered my things and entered the room to

relieve the previous nursing assistant.

I then learn this patient was brought in by her husband due to confusion and erratic behavior. An CT and MRI were performed for preliminarily tests, but were found to be noraml. An EEG or electroencephalogram was ordered to hopefully shine some light on the situation. However, this patient was extremely confused and anxious causing her to pace around the room or the hall, refusing to sit down. This was a problem because the EEG was unable to be connect, sending the results to the health care team therefore, no one know what was going on inside her brain.
The patient and I walked laps around the unit accompanied by “Where is my husband?” “Where am I?” “How do I get home?” “I have to get home, or my husband will worry. Don’t you understand?” “Can you help me?” and many more questions. I was able to get food ordered and a few bites in the patient before the laps continued. After a few hours, I convinced her to lay down in her room for a while. I was able to tuck her into bed and carefully explained the situation, knowing she would forget it in a matter of minutes. To my surprise, the

patient looked at me in complete clarity and asked if I would sit on the edge of the bed with her and watch a movie till she fell asleep. I told her I would love nothing more and we turned on the television. She grabbed my hand and told me thank you and that she loved me; that was the last I heard from her before she fell asleep for the first time in four days. I continued to sit on the edge of the bed for the rest of my shift for fear of waking her if I moved. When I was relieved at the end of the night, I walked off the unit, sat down, and cried. The moment I left work that day, I knew I made a difference. This patient was scared and baffled by her world, leaving the physicians and physicians assistants puzzled as to why. Being able to alleviate and help my patient rest was a tremendous accomplishment. The EEG was able to finally collect the data needed to help diagnose this patient. Knowing this could not have been done without my assistance was an unforgettable feeling. In that moment my whole world changed, and I knew there was no plan B for me; the only thing I wanted was to be a physician assistant. I was able to directly facilitate a patient’s health and well-being in such a positive way, making my whole-body smile. Being able to help individuals in this way has left me sentimental and changed my life. A nursing assistant’s job can be challenging however, the smiles on patients’ faces makes it all worth it at the end of the day, being the best reward.
I have learned so much working as a nursing assistant over the years; each patient is so different, presenting their own obstacles to learn from. I have had the amazing opportunity to expand my knowledge working in different fields including orthopedics, cardiology, neurology, burn and trauma, respiratory and palliative care, and emergency medicine. My knowledge for human physiology and anatomy have aided in the process of helping patients and understanding their illnesses. Not only have I learned an incredible amount of medical knowledge, I have also learned more about myself and I have grown remarkably.
I have had the incredible circumstances of shadowing many amazing physician assistants and volunteering in medical clinics in South America, that have allowed me to grow a deeper affection and dedication to become a physician assistant myself. Being able to have the freedom of so many different specialties and the ability to help that many more individuals is astounding. Health care is changing and being a physician assistant is right where I want to be to help change medicine and patient outcomes.
I have never been the best athlete or smartest student, but I always put 110% of effort into anything I do. I am suborn in the sense, that once I set my mind to do something, I will do everything in my power to reach my goal. I do not have perfect grades, and I know that, but I do have the heart and determination that many do not. I was once told by an influence person that “it does not matter how smart you are, if you put your mind to something you can accomplish your wildest dreams”, and that is the reason I am here. I know in my heart this is the only profession I want to be in, and will never stop trying until have become the best physician assistant I can be.