Nursing Reflective Essay

“ Today was my second day and the patients from the previous day were all located in the same room. The room was a contact precaution room and one of the three patient was new to me. Mr. Ardlley stated to always take the report at bed side so you can question the out going nurse about anything and do a quick assessment. The patient Mr. G.I was very confused and admitted with ischemic stroke. He had bilateral mitten restraints in place because he was interfering with treatment. I checked the pulses of both hands and made sure that I can atleast two fingers under the mitten for tightness. Restraints charting were to be done every hour.The patent was on a cardiac monitor and Tachycardia was noted. The heart rate was between 120-135 while the patient was resting.

The patient had a Tracheostomy piece in place and required suction every 2-3 hours or PRN when sections were noted.

The patient had a PEG tube in place and a condom catheter with amber color urine noted in foley drainage bag. I immediately helped the PCT change the patient because he defecated on him self and soiled his restraints and he was difficult to turn. The room that all three patients were in was very warm and one of the patient started to complain about the heat. We let maintenance know and they checked the room thermostat but said the ac set to the lowest and to close the blinds so the room can be cool. Mr. G.I had a fever on 100.1 F and was given a Tyelenol suppository. The patient tolerated the medication and extra blankets were removed. I was supprise how time was moving so fast it was now 9am. Mr. Adrlley, RN and I was only able to give two of the patent there morning medication before a new admission came in. The new admission was transported from the emergency room and was on a non rebreathe able mass. We assess the patient . He had a central line in place to upperchest. Plueral fussion heard to bilateral chest during auculation as noted by the

nurse. I always heard a audio version of pleural effusion, but hearing it in person was cool. The patient had a upper chest dressing on him form a chest tube insertion. He was in respiratory distress at the time and Respiratory technician was called to give respirator treatment and place a bi pap on the patient. The patient wife and daughter was at bed side and was very worried. One of the nursed that spoke Spanish was able to talk to the patient so that he can calm down because his respirations were at a 32 and rapid. He was displaying signs of anxiety. The only medications that was given to him at the time was respiratory treatment. The now warm room had four patients occupying the room and the new admission was in distress at the time. The charge nurse then decided to transfer the new admission to a new room because he was not on the contact precaution and the patient family had no were to sit. I assessed with transfer and made sure the patient had a portable Oxygen in place . The patient and the family anxiety decreased. The patient respirations was now at 26 and the heart rate was now 99. The patient was calmer and displaying sleeping pattern. The nurse and I was still monitoring the other patient who all required turning and suctioning every two hours. The two PCT that was assigned to the patients was a big help with respositioning the patient. The morning went by so fast that I almost forget I had to leave the floor for post conference. Today, made me realize how fast a nurse assignment can change if they have a new admission. This is where priority, time management and delegation comes in. The nurse was so appreciative of my help and thank me twice.”