NURS-2610 - Contemporary Nursing
Fall semester, year 1: One of my first nursing classes: Contemporary Nursing. The focus of this class is to create an appreciation for the profession of nursing and learn its origin. Nursing is not a profession that was formed in the last century; in fact, it began long before modern civilization as we know it today. Evolving from mere caregivers to a noble and trusted profession, today's professional nurse is a career that demands much of those who choose to pursue it. We also learned about the influential caregivers, such as Florence Nightingale and Clara Barton, and their contribution to the profession of nursing care.
Second to the origin, the class taught me all about today's professional nurse, and all the skillful requirements that he or she must fulfill. Such topics included educational programs, licensure exams, and the ever-developing field of nursing research. During the class, I was assigned to perform a group presentation on one of the chapters in our textbook; our topic was paying for healthcare in America. I learned a lot from this project, especially considering I was not fully aware of how the American public paid for these services.
Another focus of the class was on culture of various patient populations. A nurse interacts with many patients everyday, and no two patients are alike. Discussion of these topics fostered a new attitude in me to treat all individual patients with respect and dignity.
Second to the origin, the class taught me all about today's professional nurse, and all the skillful requirements that he or she must fulfill. Such topics included educational programs, licensure exams, and the ever-developing field of nursing research. During the class, I was assigned to perform a group presentation on one of the chapters in our textbook; our topic was paying for healthcare in America. I learned a lot from this project, especially considering I was not fully aware of how the American public paid for these services.
Another focus of the class was on culture of various patient populations. A nurse interacts with many patients everyday, and no two patients are alike. Discussion of these topics fostered a new attitude in me to treat all individual patients with respect and dignity.
NURS-2643/L - Health Assessment
Fall semester, year 1: Health Assessment is the class that developed my clinical foundation. Assessment is the first step of the nursing process, and this class increased my ability to collect data, both subjective and objective. It is important for a new nurse to understand what is "normal" and what is considered "abnormal". By gathering assessment data, I am able to create a proper nursing diagnosis related to that client's condition.
A major project in this class was the Cultural Assessment project. I presented on the Italian-American culture. Learning about the numerous cultures in America gave me insight on how to treat all patients with respect and dignity.
This was one of my favorite classes in nursing school because much of your success was determined by your hands-on skills. Besides learning how to assess other body systems, other skills such as taking vital signs, and using tools such as a stethoscope, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, and sphygmomanometer are all valuable skills that I will use in my nursing career.
The class also helped me to get out of my comfort zone because part of our practice was to assess each other. At the end of the semester, we were to perform a complete head-to-toe assessment on my father, who gladly volunteered.
A major project in this class was the Cultural Assessment project. I presented on the Italian-American culture. Learning about the numerous cultures in America gave me insight on how to treat all patients with respect and dignity.
This was one of my favorite classes in nursing school because much of your success was determined by your hands-on skills. Besides learning how to assess other body systems, other skills such as taking vital signs, and using tools such as a stethoscope, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, and sphygmomanometer are all valuable skills that I will use in my nursing career.
The class also helped me to get out of my comfort zone because part of our practice was to assess each other. At the end of the semester, we were to perform a complete head-to-toe assessment on my father, who gladly volunteered.
NURS 2646 - Pathophysiology
Fall semester, year 1: Pathophysiology focused on the disease processes, their etiology, and causes. In anatomy and physiology, we learned about what is normal and we now learn about the abnormal. As a part of the nursing process, we are collecting objective data as how the patient presents in a certain situation. Once we have collected this data, we are able to treat the effects that these conditions may precipitate.
An important job for the nurse is education. As a part of this class, we learn the numerous risk factors that can precipitate these conditions, such as smoking, drinking, drug use, etc.
By the end of this course, we were required to be able to recognize the etiologies and pathogenic mechanisms associated with any disease process. We were also expected to have the ability to recognize both intrinsic and extrinsic causes for disease.
An important job for the nurse is education. As a part of this class, we learn the numerous risk factors that can precipitate these conditions, such as smoking, drinking, drug use, etc.
By the end of this course, we were required to be able to recognize the etiologies and pathogenic mechanisms associated with any disease process. We were also expected to have the ability to recognize both intrinsic and extrinsic causes for disease.
NURS 2645/L - Professional Nursing 1
Spring semester, year 1: Professional Nursing 1 was the introduction to the clinical setting. We received our White Coats as a symbol of the beginning of our clinical rotations. Our class was divided into three sections: Theory, Lab, and Clinical. In theory, we learned the very framework of the nursing process. In previous classes, we learned how to assess, and the various signs and symptoms our patients present, and we then continued our learning of the nursing process by learning how to plan, implement, and evaluate our patient care.
In professional 1 Lab, we learned basic nursing care, such as medication administration, hygiene, ambulation, transfer, safety, donning and doffing Personal Protective Equipment, and various patient care procedures, such as wound dressings, Foley catheter and NG tube insertion. Learning these skills and practicing them created muscle memory allowing me to complete these tasks in a safe manner.
In professional 1 clinical, I was assigned to The Assumption Village's Intermediate care unit. We would perform head to toe assessments on the residents, pass daily medications, and provide hygienic care on all patients. After midterm, I was assigned to 7 West at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center. 7 West is an orthopedic/neuro unit, and I cared for numerous post-op orthopedic patients. Many other types of patients were admitted to 7 West, such as Sickle Cell Crisis and Small Bowel Obstruction. Being in the clinical setting boosted my confidence when it comes to interacting with patients.
In professional 1 Lab, we learned basic nursing care, such as medication administration, hygiene, ambulation, transfer, safety, donning and doffing Personal Protective Equipment, and various patient care procedures, such as wound dressings, Foley catheter and NG tube insertion. Learning these skills and practicing them created muscle memory allowing me to complete these tasks in a safe manner.
In professional 1 clinical, I was assigned to The Assumption Village's Intermediate care unit. We would perform head to toe assessments on the residents, pass daily medications, and provide hygienic care on all patients. After midterm, I was assigned to 7 West at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center. 7 West is an orthopedic/neuro unit, and I cared for numerous post-op orthopedic patients. Many other types of patients were admitted to 7 West, such as Sickle Cell Crisis and Small Bowel Obstruction. Being in the clinical setting boosted my confidence when it comes to interacting with patients.
NURS 2650 - Pharmacology
Spring semester, year 1: Pharmacology: one of my most challenging classes in nursing school. The primary focus of pharmacology is to learn about the numerous drug classes we will encounter as nurses. Furthermore, we are required to learn the actions of every drug, as well as the side effects that comes with a certain medication. Emphasis was also placed on the normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology that many drugs will interact with, such as the autonomic nervous system and its effects on the cardiac and respiratory systems. Focus was also placed on common drugs, such as insulin, cardiac medications, anti-tuberculins, and antibiotics.
As a nurse, we are to advocate for our patient's rights for their treatment, and the five rights of medication administration: the right patient, the right med, the right dose, at the right time, and the right to refuse.
As overwhelming as this class was for me, I took away a great deal of knowledge that will help me to recognize any adverse effects of medication,as well as, prep knowledge to teach my patient about their medications and side effects.
As a nurse, we are to advocate for our patient's rights for their treatment, and the five rights of medication administration: the right patient, the right med, the right dose, at the right time, and the right to refuse.
As overwhelming as this class was for me, I took away a great deal of knowledge that will help me to recognize any adverse effects of medication,as well as, prep knowledge to teach my patient about their medications and side effects.
NURS 3749 - Nursing Research
Summer semester, year 2: Nursing research introduced me to the research process that helps to guide evidence-based nursing practice. we learned how to describe the research process as it relates to nursing care, analyze methods of the research process, and how to critique and draw conclusions from our analysis. We learned to summarize research findings after, communicate research results, and also demonstrate effective written communication.
Furthermore, we learned the ethics of the research process, such as informed consent, compensation for participation, and the role of an Institution Review Board to help fund research projects, and to safeguard the public from participating in an unsafe situation.
As a part of our understanding of the research process, I had to conduct a group research project. Our topic was on the benefits of breastfeeding versus formula feeding. Although I attended this class over the summer, we presented our poster at "A Night of Research", a research event sponsored by the Youngstown State University Nursing Department and the Xi Xi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. We proudly presented and discussed our research with registered nurses throughout the area, other research presenters, our instructors, and peers.
Furthermore, we learned the ethics of the research process, such as informed consent, compensation for participation, and the role of an Institution Review Board to help fund research projects, and to safeguard the public from participating in an unsafe situation.
As a part of our understanding of the research process, I had to conduct a group research project. Our topic was on the benefits of breastfeeding versus formula feeding. Although I attended this class over the summer, we presented our poster at "A Night of Research", a research event sponsored by the Youngstown State University Nursing Department and the Xi Xi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. We proudly presented and discussed our research with registered nurses throughout the area, other research presenters, our instructors, and peers.
NURS 3710/L - Nursing in the Community
Fall Semester, Year 2: Nursing in the Community was a class that emphasizes the role of the nurse, not just in the hospital, but in the community, and legislation. The nurse does not solely care for one patient, but for a cohort of patients with various demographics. As the nurse, my responsibilities includes an assessment of the patient, home, community, and environment. Much of our learning focused heavily on the Healthy People 2020 goals, which exists to help eliminate health disparities between the various patient populations that we may encounter as nurses. With that assessment, I can apply the next steps of the nursing process: diagnosis, planning and implementation. The main goal as a nurse in the community is to provide quality care to the patient and their family, with a multidisciplinary approach to ensure continuity of care, and to achieve the highest level of functioning and health.
A large part of our class surrounded health promotion and disease prevention. Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention is a large part of the nurse's teaching to the community, and is necessary to refer patients to help reduce their risk of deteriorating health. This is where we introduce our Wellness presentation. Our project was to focus on the many health issues that a college student may encounter. I gave a presentation on Stress Management and how it negatively affects the body, as well as skills to help maintain a healthy stress level.
In the lab portion of this class, we were assigned to various community locations and rotations during the semester. Part of our clinical is to attend the Annual Panera-thon in Youngstown to benefit the Jonie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center and the effect that their services have in the community. I also experience the local Canfield Fair for the first time to do blood pressure screenings on the patrons attending the fair. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to shadow a home health nurse for three weeks, and to drive throughout their jurisdiction to see patients in the Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties. I attended many other settings during this semester, such as Mercy Health Urgent Care and Pain center in Howland, Ohio. Mercy Health Todd Minor Emergency room in Warren, Ohio, the special procedures department and wound care center at Trumbull Regional Medical Center, and performed blood sugar screenings at health fair held by the local Area Agency on Aging. I also helped perform vision screenings with the local chapter of The United Way at one of the Youngstown City schools.
This class gave me insight to one of the other facets of my responsibility as a nurse: I am not only responsible for the patient, but their family, and to eliminate their disparities.
NURS 3741/L - Professional Nursing 2
Fall semester, year 2: Professional Nursing 2 introduced me to perioperative nursing and health promotion, rehabilitation, and management of acute and chronic medical conditions. As a continuation of our learning from Professional Nursing 1, our skills we learned in the previous semesters were reinforced. It is important for us to utilize critical thinking, ethical decision making and problem solving when certain situations arise. As a part of the management for a surgical patient, it is important to be prepared for any complications that may arise.
For clinical, I was placed on 6 East at Trumbull Regional Medical Center. 6 East is a medical/surgical floor that served numerous patient populations. I started the semester with one patient, but as the semester went on, I would later have 2 patients to care for on the clinical day. There is a higher standard of accountability and autonomy for us in the clinical setting. Emphasis is also focused on teaching for the client. Because the majority of patients on the unit were surgical patients, teaching was necessary to ensure positive outcomes for a client's care. I also underwent clinical simulations in our simulation lab. Situations included nasogastric tube insertion, hypoglycemic event, and compartment syndrome following orthopedic surgery. I really enjoyed these simulations that allowed me to use the critical thinking skills that I developed during the semester.
As a part of my perioperative experience, I was required to observe and journal about my observation. In the past, I have seen open heart surgery in a large hospital from an observational deck, but this I got to observe my first open heart surgery, scrubbed up in the operating room. It was very unique because the surgeon was new to the hospital and performed an "off-pump" surgery where the heart was not stopped and placed on a heart lung machine. Prior to the surgery, I also got to observe the insertion of a triple-lumen internal jugular catheter. I gained insight to the specialty of operative nursing and to explore the options that my career can unveil.
For clinical, I was placed on 6 East at Trumbull Regional Medical Center. 6 East is a medical/surgical floor that served numerous patient populations. I started the semester with one patient, but as the semester went on, I would later have 2 patients to care for on the clinical day. There is a higher standard of accountability and autonomy for us in the clinical setting. Emphasis is also focused on teaching for the client. Because the majority of patients on the unit were surgical patients, teaching was necessary to ensure positive outcomes for a client's care. I also underwent clinical simulations in our simulation lab. Situations included nasogastric tube insertion, hypoglycemic event, and compartment syndrome following orthopedic surgery. I really enjoyed these simulations that allowed me to use the critical thinking skills that I developed during the semester.
As a part of my perioperative experience, I was required to observe and journal about my observation. In the past, I have seen open heart surgery in a large hospital from an observational deck, but this I got to observe my first open heart surgery, scrubbed up in the operating room. It was very unique because the surgeon was new to the hospital and performed an "off-pump" surgery where the heart was not stopped and placed on a heart lung machine. Prior to the surgery, I also got to observe the insertion of a triple-lumen internal jugular catheter. I gained insight to the specialty of operative nursing and to explore the options that my career can unveil.
NURS 3743/L - Professional Nursing 3
Spring semester, year 2: Professional Nursing 2 focused on advanced principles and practices of health promotion and rehabilitation of patients with acute and chronic health needs. The class focused on many of the chronic conditions that we will encounter in an aging population, especially in the United States. I continued to learn how to utilize the nursing process in direct patient care, collaborate with other disciplines, and the use therapeutic skills. As always, we all continued to adhere to professional standards of conduct while demonstrating accountability and seeking out self-directed learning opportunities. Subjects commonly covered in this course included the care of patients with neurological, renal, diabetes, hematologic disorders, cardiovascular disorders, hormonal dysfunction, and ear and eye disorders. These topics went into the depth of both acute and chronic phases.
In the clinical portion, I returned to 6 East at Trumbull Regional Medical Center. Because I was on the unit in the previous semester, I had higher expectations from my clinical faculty and floor staff. As the semester progressed, I would be assigned a module with another nurse and take on a full patient load. I exponentially improved a variety of my skills, such as interpersonal communication, patient teaching, even basic tasks such as bathing, and hygiene. We were also required to participate in simulated clinical scenarios such as: acute ischemic stroke, and pneumothorax. These scenarios challenged my critical thinking skill, as well as learning how to think on my feet in a potentially dangerous situation for my patient.
In the clinical portion, I returned to 6 East at Trumbull Regional Medical Center. Because I was on the unit in the previous semester, I had higher expectations from my clinical faculty and floor staff. As the semester progressed, I would be assigned a module with another nurse and take on a full patient load. I exponentially improved a variety of my skills, such as interpersonal communication, patient teaching, even basic tasks such as bathing, and hygiene. We were also required to participate in simulated clinical scenarios such as: acute ischemic stroke, and pneumothorax. These scenarios challenged my critical thinking skill, as well as learning how to think on my feet in a potentially dangerous situation for my patient.
NURS 3731/L - Childbearing, Family, and Women's Health
Spring semester, year 2: Admittedly, not my favorite classes, for obvious reasons. Childbearing, Family, and Women's Health Nursing, otherwise known as Obstetrical (OB) nursing, focused the nursing process on patients undergoing the childbearing process, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. In this class, we studied fetal development, anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, care of the pregnant woman, nursing care during labor, postpartum care, newborn physiology and disorders, disorders during pregnancy, and women's health concerns. Another focus was on the promotion of primary, secondary, and tertiary preventative measures to preserve the health of the specific patient population. Topics such as vaccination, diet and exercise, complications of labor and delivery, and patient needs after discharge were learned.
For the clinical portion, I was placed at St. Elizabeth's Boardman Health Center. I spent my first week in Labor and Delivery and witnessed both a Cesarean section, and vaginal birth. Both were amazing experiences and I will admit that I cried during both events. I was also assigned to the Postpartum unit. There I was able to perform maternal and fetal assessments and provide teaching to the postpartum client. Another assignment during clinical was to create a poster about a topic surrounding labor and delivery. I created a poster on the topic of Hypertensive Disorders during Pregnancy and the dire complications such as Pre-Eclampsia, Eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome. As reluctant as I was to go through my OB clinical, I felt confident in my ability to perform assessments on the mother and newborn. Like previous clinicals, I underwent various scenarios in the simulation lab. Situations included postpartum hemorrhage, meconium aspiration, and labor and birth outside of the hospital setting. Just like before, it improved my critical thinking skills and swift thinking.
For the clinical portion, I was placed at St. Elizabeth's Boardman Health Center. I spent my first week in Labor and Delivery and witnessed both a Cesarean section, and vaginal birth. Both were amazing experiences and I will admit that I cried during both events. I was also assigned to the Postpartum unit. There I was able to perform maternal and fetal assessments and provide teaching to the postpartum client. Another assignment during clinical was to create a poster about a topic surrounding labor and delivery. I created a poster on the topic of Hypertensive Disorders during Pregnancy and the dire complications such as Pre-Eclampsia, Eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome. As reluctant as I was to go through my OB clinical, I felt confident in my ability to perform assessments on the mother and newborn. Like previous clinicals, I underwent various scenarios in the simulation lab. Situations included postpartum hemorrhage, meconium aspiration, and labor and birth outside of the hospital setting. Just like before, it improved my critical thinking skills and swift thinking.
NURS 4832/L - Nursing Care of Children and Families
Fall semester, year 3: Nursing Care of Children and Families, otherwise known as pediatric nursing, was among my favorite classes in nursing school. This class focused on the holistic, family-centered nursing care of children, from birth through 18 years of age. I learned how to incorporate theories and skills learned in previous nursing classes into the promotion and maintenance of health for the child and their family. Many other pertinent topics for health promotion, disease prevention, and safety were addressed such as car seat safety,
A major project in the class was known as "Toys in a Shoebox". The project was meant to show the various developmental theories for certain age groups, such as Erikson's social theory, and Tanner Stages of development. My group was assigned to the age group of adolescent males. Our box included items such as razors and deodorant, playing cards, a sports history book, ear buds, and resistance bands. Another project was to perform a literature review of a certain topic in pediatrics. I chose an article on pediatric obesity and post-op complications. This project was a great review on how to perform a literature and statistical analysis of a published nursing journal, how I will be able to use my knowledge to teach the pediatric client and their family.
In class, we read and were tested on the book I Believe in You by Michele Gianetti, a story about a local registered nurse's journey with her daughter, affected by dyspraxia and sensory processing disorder. Our learning continued in our clinical requirements as we spent a day at the Potential Development Preschool. There, I learned about the various disorders these young children have, and the challenges they face in their schooling. I learned about the process of developing an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and how the students responded to the plan. As it was the beginning of the fall semester, I joined the students on the playground and had a fun morning of giving piggyback rides and playing tag. Certainly, the most exhausted I have ever been after a clinical day.
For clinical, I was placed at Akron Children's Hospital - Main Campus. I was assigned to 5600 - Hematology/Oncology. This clinical was my favorite because the patients presented in a very critical condition. I was thrilled with the challenge of investigating the cause of many of the children's conditions, as well as learning how to effectively treat the hospitalized child. We were also scheduled in off-unit sites such as the emergency department, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. Being that I work as an ER tech, I enjoyed my time in the emergency department. I observed the triage and main unit and observed the nursing care provided. I also had the opportunity to transport a patient to an inpatient unit with the guidance of a volunteer. I am thankful that I got to experience my clinical at a world renowned hospital.
A major project in the class was known as "Toys in a Shoebox". The project was meant to show the various developmental theories for certain age groups, such as Erikson's social theory, and Tanner Stages of development. My group was assigned to the age group of adolescent males. Our box included items such as razors and deodorant, playing cards, a sports history book, ear buds, and resistance bands. Another project was to perform a literature review of a certain topic in pediatrics. I chose an article on pediatric obesity and post-op complications. This project was a great review on how to perform a literature and statistical analysis of a published nursing journal, how I will be able to use my knowledge to teach the pediatric client and their family.
In class, we read and were tested on the book I Believe in You by Michele Gianetti, a story about a local registered nurse's journey with her daughter, affected by dyspraxia and sensory processing disorder. Our learning continued in our clinical requirements as we spent a day at the Potential Development Preschool. There, I learned about the various disorders these young children have, and the challenges they face in their schooling. I learned about the process of developing an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and how the students responded to the plan. As it was the beginning of the fall semester, I joined the students on the playground and had a fun morning of giving piggyback rides and playing tag. Certainly, the most exhausted I have ever been after a clinical day.
For clinical, I was placed at Akron Children's Hospital - Main Campus. I was assigned to 5600 - Hematology/Oncology. This clinical was my favorite because the patients presented in a very critical condition. I was thrilled with the challenge of investigating the cause of many of the children's conditions, as well as learning how to effectively treat the hospitalized child. We were also scheduled in off-unit sites such as the emergency department, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. Being that I work as an ER tech, I enjoyed my time in the emergency department. I observed the triage and main unit and observed the nursing care provided. I also had the opportunity to transport a patient to an inpatient unit with the guidance of a volunteer. I am thankful that I got to experience my clinical at a world renowned hospital.
NURS 4844 - Community Health Nursing
Fall semester, year 3: Community Health Nursing, or Public Health nursing is a class that focused on the nursing responsibilities for the care of their community. I noticed a major difference between this class and "Nursing in the Community" because the focus shifted from the patient to their immediate environment. The class focused on the nursing and public health sciences with emphasis on promotion and maintenance of healthy communities through the assessment and analysis of at-risk populations. Furthermore, I learned about the nurses role in health care policy and legislation. The environment or community that a patient lives in is defined by many factors, such as infrastructure, access to healthcare services, transportation, education, criminal activity, and local government. A nurse must use their assessment skills to identify factors that may compromise the safety of their community.
The major product we were assigned in this class is the Community Assessment. Our chosen community was the East Side of Youngstown. A windshield survey was conducted of the area, and we identified the various aspects of the community that were beneficial, or detrimental. My focus of the project was on the access to health care services in that area. It was revealed that there is no physical healthcare services located in the East side of Youngstown, however, many services were located within a 5 mile distance. You can view the East Side Youngstown website here: https://eastsideytown.weebly.com
I also had the opportunity to participate in various training programs offered to us through the university. I achieved two Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certifications surrounding the Incident Command Center and the role of the hospital in FEMA protocols. I also learned about the triage process using the Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START) algorithm in the event of a disaster. I achieved my "Stop the Bleed" certification from Mercy Health. Skills such as tourniquet application and wound packing were taught to help increase survival rate of traumatic injuries outside of the hospital setting. I also attended QPR suicide prevention training. QPR stands for "Question, Persuade, and Refer"; this training will allow me to make proper referrals to help a suicidal individual meet the proper resources and stabilizing treatment they need in times of a mental health crisis. Lastly, I attended the Project DAWN pre-hospital Narcan administration course. We became certified and acquired a kit with two doses of intranasal naloxone to administer in the event of a potential opioid overdose. Besides being a great resume-builder, these training programs have better prepared me to respond in a potentially dangerous situation and help to decrease mortality of an endangered life.
The major product we were assigned in this class is the Community Assessment. Our chosen community was the East Side of Youngstown. A windshield survey was conducted of the area, and we identified the various aspects of the community that were beneficial, or detrimental. My focus of the project was on the access to health care services in that area. It was revealed that there is no physical healthcare services located in the East side of Youngstown, however, many services were located within a 5 mile distance. You can view the East Side Youngstown website here: https://eastsideytown.weebly.com
I also had the opportunity to participate in various training programs offered to us through the university. I achieved two Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certifications surrounding the Incident Command Center and the role of the hospital in FEMA protocols. I also learned about the triage process using the Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START) algorithm in the event of a disaster. I achieved my "Stop the Bleed" certification from Mercy Health. Skills such as tourniquet application and wound packing were taught to help increase survival rate of traumatic injuries outside of the hospital setting. I also attended QPR suicide prevention training. QPR stands for "Question, Persuade, and Refer"; this training will allow me to make proper referrals to help a suicidal individual meet the proper resources and stabilizing treatment they need in times of a mental health crisis. Lastly, I attended the Project DAWN pre-hospital Narcan administration course. We became certified and acquired a kit with two doses of intranasal naloxone to administer in the event of a potential opioid overdose. Besides being a great resume-builder, these training programs have better prepared me to respond in a potentially dangerous situation and help to decrease mortality of an endangered life.
NURS 4842/L - Mental Health Nursing
Fall semester, year 3: Mental Health Nursing, otherwise known as psychiatric nursing, emphasized the nursing care of individuals suffering from mental health disorders in the healthcare setting. It is important for the nurse to promote optimal levels of mental wellness and functioning , not just for the patient, but for the healthcare team. An important part of this course was learning how to effectively use therapeutic communication when interacting with patients and their family, and therapy group as led by the nurse. Topics covered in class were the foundations of mental health, stress adaptation, therapeutic communication, milieu therapy, crisis intervention, electroconvulsive therapy, psychiatric medications, substance abuse and various mental health disorders. Another large part of the class was focused on the legal and ethical issues in psychiatric nursing, such as patient rights, compliance with treatment, restraints, assault and battery, and duty to inform.
For the clinical portion, I attended many different offsite experiences. For my inpatient psychiatric experience, I returned to Trumbull Regional Medical Center. I was on 3 South - Adult Psychiatric. There, I conducted interviews with many of the patients admitted to the unit. I also lead a therapy group session on the topic of basic de-escalation techniques. I firmly believe that my communication skills were greatly improved during this semester, and that I am able to communicate with my patients in a dignified, therapeutic manner. I also attended an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and learned of its local origins in Youngstown, Ohio. One of my favorite experiences was spending the day at Belmont Pines Hospital (BPH). BPH is a lone-standing psychiatric facility for children and adolescents. I attended both the acute care unit, and the outpatient partial hospitalization program. The children admitted to BPH are experiencing mental health crises, whether resulting from defiance disorder, history of abuse, or traumatic events. Lastly, I spent the morning as a volunteer at the Mahoning Valley Rescue Mission serving breakfast and making an observation of mental illness in the homeless population.
For the clinical portion, I attended many different offsite experiences. For my inpatient psychiatric experience, I returned to Trumbull Regional Medical Center. I was on 3 South - Adult Psychiatric. There, I conducted interviews with many of the patients admitted to the unit. I also lead a therapy group session on the topic of basic de-escalation techniques. I firmly believe that my communication skills were greatly improved during this semester, and that I am able to communicate with my patients in a dignified, therapeutic manner. I also attended an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and learned of its local origins in Youngstown, Ohio. One of my favorite experiences was spending the day at Belmont Pines Hospital (BPH). BPH is a lone-standing psychiatric facility for children and adolescents. I attended both the acute care unit, and the outpatient partial hospitalization program. The children admitted to BPH are experiencing mental health crises, whether resulting from defiance disorder, history of abuse, or traumatic events. Lastly, I spent the morning as a volunteer at the Mahoning Valley Rescue Mission serving breakfast and making an observation of mental illness in the homeless population.
NURS 4840/L - Complex Care
Spring semester, year 3: Complex care is a comprehensive approach to providing patient care to a critically ill patient. With such a high-acuity level, it is important that the nurse rapidly uses the nursing process to diagnose, plan, and implement measures to treat their patient. Critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and therapeutic communication is key when interacting with complex patients and their families. In previous courses, we learned about both acute and chronic conditions, but in complex care, the entire clinical picture comes together with the various diagnostics and assessments that a patient requires.
For clinical, I was assigned to St. Elizabeth's Youngstown Health Center in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). The patient population involved those who were in traumatic injuries, requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation following surgery, or those who require a higher level of care such as vasoactive drugs, inotropic drugs, and those requiring sedation, paralysis. As a part of my off-unit assignments, I went to the emergency department and followed a nurse on his assignment. I had a variety of acute patients, from minor to urgent. I got the opportunity to start an IV, assist with decontamination, and collect labs. I also spent a day on the Cardiovascular ICU. I cared for a patient following a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) who was on a ventilator and requiring Hemodialysis. Although my clinical experiences were cut short by COVID-19, I am happy to have learned and experienced my time in the intensive care setting.
For clinical, I was assigned to St. Elizabeth's Youngstown Health Center in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). The patient population involved those who were in traumatic injuries, requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation following surgery, or those who require a higher level of care such as vasoactive drugs, inotropic drugs, and those requiring sedation, paralysis. As a part of my off-unit assignments, I went to the emergency department and followed a nurse on his assignment. I had a variety of acute patients, from minor to urgent. I got the opportunity to start an IV, assist with decontamination, and collect labs. I also spent a day on the Cardiovascular ICU. I cared for a patient following a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) who was on a ventilator and requiring Hemodialysis. Although my clinical experiences were cut short by COVID-19, I am happy to have learned and experienced my time in the intensive care setting.
NURS 4852 - Senior Capstone Seminar
Spring semester, year 3: As the end of my nursing education approaches, our senior capstone seminar is assessing our accumulated knowledge and skills attained in the nursing program. The class was comprised of three projects: the first project is the ePortfolio that you are reading right now, as I mentioned in the section "ePortfolio Description", this portfolio is intended to display my tenure here in the nursing program at Youngstown State University.
Our second project is a scholarly paper on the topic of "Clinical Nurse Judgement". To briefly summarize, clinical nurse judgement is a practitioners capacity to collect assessment data, and to draw a conclusion about the situation and what interventions are to be implemented.
Our third project is a video project and NCLEX questions based on highly missed topics on our Kaplan diagnostic tests. To preface, we have another class (I will highlight next) where our test-taking skills and knowledge is assessed in order to determine our strengths and weaknesses. Of the numerous topics needing to be reinforced, ,y group was assigned to the following: laminectomy, myelogram, and hard of hearing. This project is a great review and helps to reinforce knowledge for all students.
Our second project is a scholarly paper on the topic of "Clinical Nurse Judgement". To briefly summarize, clinical nurse judgement is a practitioners capacity to collect assessment data, and to draw a conclusion about the situation and what interventions are to be implemented.
Our third project is a video project and NCLEX questions based on highly missed topics on our Kaplan diagnostic tests. To preface, we have another class (I will highlight next) where our test-taking skills and knowledge is assessed in order to determine our strengths and weaknesses. Of the numerous topics needing to be reinforced, ,y group was assigned to the following: laminectomy, myelogram, and hard of hearing. This project is a great review and helps to reinforce knowledge for all students.
NURS 4853/L - Nursing Transitions
Spring semester, year 3: The final stretch of my nursing education. Nursing Transitions builds the foundation of professionalism and accountability. As soon as an individual becomes a nurse, they play a large role on the healthcare team. A professional nurse must hold the highest standards of accountability, discipline, and integrity. As a professional nurse, we are expected to carry out our daily plan of care in a safe, time-efficient manner. Then, we learned the skill of delegation of tasks. With proper delegation skills, I am able to provide high quality care without strenuous time constraints.
As a part of our transition from college to the real world, we received guidance on how to apply for our nursing license and NCLEX licensure exam. I recognize the purpose of the NCLEX is to safeguard the public from unsafe practitioners, and that the National Council of State Boards of Nursing has standards and laws an applicant must follow, and could potentially bar an applicant from taking their NCLEX exam.
As the name suggests, we are beginning our transition from the student nurse to a professional nurse; however, to be a professional is to not just show up for work. A professional has to set his/her blueprint on how to begin their career. One may perceive constructing a resume as a redundant task, but there is much more to the task than actually carrying it out. The same goes with a job interview. An individual must prepare for their interview with the proper attire and mindset. Once an individual gets a job offer, there are numerous factors that influence their decision to close on that job, such as their intention for choosing the job, the salary, the hours, the benefits, the career progression. Thanks to this class, I feel much more prepared to dive into my nursing career and to establish my life and financial security.
As a part of this class, we are required to have a 120 hour clinical preceptorship. I have created a seperate page dedicated to my preceptorship. You can read more about my precpting experience by clicking on the "Preceptorship" tab on the drop down menu at the top of the page.
As a part of our transition from college to the real world, we received guidance on how to apply for our nursing license and NCLEX licensure exam. I recognize the purpose of the NCLEX is to safeguard the public from unsafe practitioners, and that the National Council of State Boards of Nursing has standards and laws an applicant must follow, and could potentially bar an applicant from taking their NCLEX exam.
As the name suggests, we are beginning our transition from the student nurse to a professional nurse; however, to be a professional is to not just show up for work. A professional has to set his/her blueprint on how to begin their career. One may perceive constructing a resume as a redundant task, but there is much more to the task than actually carrying it out. The same goes with a job interview. An individual must prepare for their interview with the proper attire and mindset. Once an individual gets a job offer, there are numerous factors that influence their decision to close on that job, such as their intention for choosing the job, the salary, the hours, the benefits, the career progression. Thanks to this class, I feel much more prepared to dive into my nursing career and to establish my life and financial security.
As a part of this class, we are required to have a 120 hour clinical preceptorship. I have created a seperate page dedicated to my preceptorship. You can read more about my precpting experience by clicking on the "Preceptorship" tab on the drop down menu at the top of the page.
NURS 4855 - Comprehensive Nursing Summary
Spring semester, year 3: In order to become a registered nurse, graduates of an accredited nursing program must pass the National Council Licensure Exam, or NCLEX. This class is dedicated to ensuring my success in passing the NCLEX on my first attempt. Various learning tools were used to properly identify my strengths and weaknesses. Kaplan Test Prep was the predominant resource that has been utilized in my program. In previous classes, we were required to take standardized tests through Kaplan to determine our competency in course content. This semester, various diagnostic tests were utilized to determine our strengths and weaknesses in certain topics. Kaplan also utilized Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) to resemble the format of the real NCLEX. Furthermore, Kaplan also provided Question Trainers to challenge a students knowledge of certain topics and allowing remediation of missed questions. Lastly, Kaplan held a three day review course on the various domains on the NCLEX exam. Not only did I refresh and reinforce on forgotten content, I learned effective test taking skills that will benefit me on the NCLEX.
Another resource utilized in this class is thePoint by Wolters Kluwer. In this resource, we were assigned quizzes on multiple topics and had the opportunity to achieve higher mastery levels. I utilized this resource the most because it gave me harder questions every time I progressed to a new mastery level. Although it is an expensive resource ($150), I recommend it to all nursing students preparing to take the NCLEX.
Another resource utilized in this class is thePoint by Wolters Kluwer. In this resource, we were assigned quizzes on multiple topics and had the opportunity to achieve higher mastery levels. I utilized this resource the most because it gave me harder questions every time I progressed to a new mastery level. Although it is an expensive resource ($150), I recommend it to all nursing students preparing to take the NCLEX.