Hello, my name is Yulia Panina. I received my nursing degree in Russia in 2007. Before I graduated I got a chance to work as a CNA in a hospital for a few months. I was at a neurosurgical unit taking care of para- and quadriplegic patients, who required constant monitoring and attention. It was a challenging experience for a 19 year old, but at the same time it was very rewarding. Patients’ gratitude encouraged my passion helping others.
After coming to the States, I studied for the NCLEX while working as a medical assistant in a cardiology medical office. My job responsibilities were taking blood pressure, finger stick for Coumadin level, organizing medical charts and patients’ medication lists, scheduling medical procedures. Even though I could not fully practice as a RN, I still was a part of a therapeutic process helping patients get better. Once I passed the NCLEX, I became a full time student at Tech College pursuing a BSN degree before I get my dream job!
It has been a great journey at City Tech, I am learning more at this college than I ever would in my home country of Russia. The thoroughness of this bachelors degree program seems to prepare students for a much broader spectrum of cases nurses will see in practice.
Final Exam: Self-Reflection
My clinical site this semester for the Community class took place at First Steps, located in Brownsville. It is an early education school that serves 58 families and their children from birth to five. It consists of eight classrooms and twenty-five educators with their supporters. My placement was in a 4-year-old room, with two teachers and about 12 children. During the time spent with the children me and my partner Diana assisted kids with brushing their teeth, hand washing, playing, as well as classroom activities that would reinforce children to listen to teachers, pay attention, play games that would help them focus, define shapes and promote learning.
Our group did 4 presentations for the parents on the topics that were most of the concern to the parents, for instance importance of vaccinations, emergency preparedness, asthma action plan, and home safety. These activities were an integral part of our group Service Learning Project. It was divided among 10 members and we all had to communicate via emails and skype to make the best out of this assignment.
My experience with Community Nursing was great. I have learned how important it is for nurses to be involved with their communities’ problems. It is crucial for the community health nurses to apply their knowledge to educate the public on how to be healthier and safer.
