Monday, May 23, 2011

Uh oh, I'm a teacher now?!

Hmm, so I haven't written for a while.......no real reason, just busy as always! Assignments, kids, horses, and working hard of course ;-P

This past week was my first with student RN's buddied up with me. The students were first years, and like sponges, eager to learn and asking lots of questions. I must admit, I think I felt a bit like them - a bit nervous and unsure what to expect! I'm not used to being the teacher - especially when I'm so new at this myself. I hope I didn't lead them down the garden path.......they came back the next day so I couldn't have been too bad. I guess it's just another progression on my path from "baby nurse" to "real nurse."
 I had a very sick patient on that day so I am guilty of forgetting my student was there at times. (Sorry). She was ok though, being first years they were told to "observe" and couldn't really participate in a lot. They were there to experience what we do. My first year placement I was allowed to do oral medications (under supervision), whereas these students don't do meds until second year. I was surprised that they did not know what S8 meds were or about the "locked cupboard" though. Different uni, so I guess they all do things a bit differently. Still, it must be so frustrating to just "watch" all the time and not participate. I know when I had mentors on placement that made me just watch, it irritated me no end!I wanted to DO stuff!

I must say though, it was actually nice to have a one on one patient. Even though she was so ill and took most of my focus the entire time, it was good to be able to concentrate on only her, and not have to think about the 15 or so others in the ward as well - one of the pitfalls of team nursing that I have found is trying to keep track of everyone, patients and staff! It's hard to remember what everybody needs done, and then keep up with the other nurses to figure out who's done (or not done) what for them. But I have to admit, doing meds for the entire ward has certainly improved my knowledge of medications! And my ability to decipher the special heiroglyphics the doctor's use on the chart - oh wait, that's called handwriting? Who knew?! ;-P