My Self-Reflection Narrative

Narrative Self-Reflection
My clinical experience at the Kings Country Hospital 451 Clarkson Street, Brooklyn, NY 11203 during the Spring 2015 semester was informative, enlightening and gave me the opportunity to serve the community. This 15-week experience has allowed me to achieve my clinical objectives throughout the semester and I will demonstrate how I have accomplished each one of them. The management and staff were very receptive of me as a student and gave me the opportunity to participate. We observed vaccines being given to children and adolescents we also educate the parents of the importance of vaccines because children in the U.S. still get vaccine- preventable diseases. The clinical objectives that were met are as follows:
Demonstrates individual professionalism through personal behaviors and appearance. At KCH, during my clinical professionalism was demonstrated through personal behavior and appearance. I was punctual and attended all my clinical on clinical days I was dressed professionally with business casual outfits. I took responsibility for my own learning with the guidance from Professor Fenegan and the nurse manger Mr Dubisette. We were located on the 6th floor in the E building; this is where vaccination took place. We were lucky because the parents were there to help restrain their children and assisted the nurses that were giving the vaccines. Professionalism was demonstrated when we as nurses used our knowledge to educate and encourage the parents on specific health issues and letting them know that vaccination is not an option it’s a must. Some of the parents had questions about some of the myths that they heard about vaccines being link to Autism and we reassure them that there is enough medical research to discredit that false information.
Employ analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills when providing care to individuals and families in the community setting. Several Vaccinations were administered to the children ranging from ages 3months – 18years. As a group we did observation and parent teaching. The parents were thought that Vaccines will involve some discomfort and may cause pain, redness, or tenderness at the site of injection but this is minimal compared to the pain, discomfort, and trauma of the diseases these vaccines prevent. Serious side effects following vaccination, such as severe allergic reaction, are very rare. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.
Effectively communicate with diverse groups and disciplines using a variety of strategies regarding the health needs of individuals and families in the community setting. Communication was certainly very important with our interactions with the parents and children at the KCH. Effective communication was done mainly between us and the parents. The parent was informed that a child with a vaccine-preventable disease can be denied attendance at schools or child care facilities. Some vaccine-preventable diseases can result in prolonged disabilities and can take a financial toll because of lost time at work, medical bills or long-term disability. We were specific and well-reasoned with the use of visual aids and pamphlets. We were able to address feeling and emotions. English was the primary language spoken therefore an interpreter was not needed. We spoke slowly and in a clear voice so that everyone can understand us, written information was used to enhance the spoken word. There were also communications with peers, instructors, and other workers of the management team at KCH.
Establish environment conducive to learning and use a plan for learners based on evidence-based practice. An environment conducive to learning was encouraged at KCH. The parents and children was though about five reasons vaccine should be given A poster with large size lettering that was written with appropriate grade language was utilized. Brightly colored pictures with cartoon characters were used and practical demonstrations and examples were used. Brochures, flyers and other written information were given out to re-enforce what was said. All distracting noises were prevented and the presentation was done in an audible manner. The children and parents were encouraged to asked questions and to clarify any misunderstanding
Utilize informational technology when managing individual and families in the community. I gathered all the information that was most important to educate the parents about vaccine. Parents were given information about Vaccines for Children program (VFC). This is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children from low-income families. We informed them about the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program which provides a way to resolve vaccine injury claims and compensate those found injured as a result of vaccines. This site provides information about how to file a claim, a review of adverse events related to vaccines, and answers to frequently asked questions. Pamphlets were also given to parents informing them about the different type of vaccine and the side effects.
Demonstrate a commitment to professional development. Information provided to the parents was taken from reliable websites. The CDC website was extremely useful. Several other websites was used however CDC provided most current information on vaccine. I had my Lippincott’s text book reference to properly educate the parents about any importance about vaccines.
Incorporate professional nursing standards and accountability into practice. Professional nursing standards and accountability was incorporated into our practice at the KCH. As part of being a nurse, I complied by the American Nurses Association standards of practice to ensure the safety of the children. While at KCH, I made sure to follow the mission of the center, which helped guide the activities we provided. The parents and children were treated with respect and any private information shared with us was kept confidential.
Collaborate with clients, significant support persons and members of the healthcare team. As students and nurses we collaborated with the management of KCH in planning our activities and presentations. Mr Dubisette was very helpful throughout the process he assisted us with almost everything. The goals we came up with as a group was established in the beginning of the semester. We sat down with the nurse manager and discussed which issues and disparities needed to be addressed throughout the semester. The best ways to protect children is to make sure they have all of their vaccinations. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.
Recognize the impact of economic, political, social and demographic forces that affect the delivery of health care services. The community that we serve is a melting, pot people from all over walks of life resides in this community, diverse businesses, stores, healthcare facilities etc. are among the community. This experience has taught me that as a nurse it is so important to educate parents about everything pertaining to their children health. It is their right to receive all the information that they need so that their health needs could be met. I made sure to always listen to the parents and address their concerns.
Conclusion
My experience at KCH is one that I will always cherish. It has taught me the true meaning of nursing and has taught me how to be a better nurse. Children are a vulnerable population and we have to be absolutely careful when working with them. Vaccines have reduced and, in some cases, eliminated many diseases that killed or severely disabled people just a few generations ago. This experience has made me a better-rounded nurse that will help me better serve my patients and the families. I learned that the work of a community health nurse is much more challenging especially when children are involves parental guidance is of utmost important. I also learned that prevention begins at the community level. It is important for community health nurses to be properly educated about the community they serve and to be aware of the prevalence of diseases in their community so they can educate the people in the community appropriately. If we continue vaccinating now and vaccinating completely, parents in the future may be able to trust that some diseases of today will no longer be around to harm their children in the future. Overall, my experience at this KCH was enriching and will always be a part of my nursing practice.

References

Holzemer, S., & Klainberg, M. (2014). Community Health Nursing: Alliance for Health (2nd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett, LLC.
Marquis, B. L., & Huston, C. J. (2012). Leadership And Management Tools For The New Nurse: A Case Study Approach. N.p.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.