Going Into Clinical

As I am approaching my last classes of my first semester I am becoming more and more anxious for clinical. I don’t know if I’m feeling scared or excited. Working with real patients is going to be a huge and critical step towards my nursing career. I am afraid of not being able to apply the knowledge I have learned. Some of the skills I have obtained thus far for instance basic nursing skills like, head to toe assessments, hygiene, ambulation are essential for in the hospital setting. Other skills that are important towards the clients and their well being, are building therapeutic relationships, trust and confidentiality. I hope that I will be able to confidently apply these skills that I have learned through practicum and praxis as well as my theory based courses in my clinical placement. Actually being in a real hospital setting and working one on one with doctors and nurses is going to be an interesting experience.

Culture Care Theory

Leininger is the founder of Culture Care Diversity and Universality theory. The theory was established in order to encourage nurses to understand and be able to deliver culturally sensitive care to their patients. After reading her culture care theory article it made me realize the importance of care giving across cultures in the nursing profession. There is an even deeper opportunity to give complete care if I am to educate myself more fully about different cultures and their ways of administering care professionally and generally. Thus I should examine the cultural meanings and underpinnings that are behind the way that I give and receive care.

Leininger, M. (2002). Culture care theory: A major contribution to advance transcultural nursing knowledge and practices. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 13(3), 189-192.

The Importance of Hand Washing

As working my way through practicum class, it has made me realize how important hand washing is in both the hospital setting and the home setting. Hands spread approximately 80 percent of frequent infections. For instance the cold and flu. In the hospital you are around many types of germs and it is important to wash your hand to protect yourself from getting sick as well as preventing the transmission of germs from patient to patient. Hand washing is the easiest form of protecting yourself from getting sick. Therefore make sure to wash your hands with soap and water or with hand antiseptic frequently throughout your daily tasks.

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2008). Staying Healthy is in Your Hands. Retrieved on November 21, 2008, from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/chn-rcs/handwash-eng.php

Here is a link to the CNO Infection Control Guidlines

http://www.cno.org/docs/prac/41002_infection.pdf