The last time we participated in our service learning project we taught the older adults at the Orem Senior Center about nutrition and exercise. We taught them that even though as they get older and it is harder to exercise that it is still important. We taught them about exercises they can do to strengthen bone and muscles. Strengthening the muscles and bones may help better their balance and prevent falls or injury during falls. We also taught them about how important it is to get the right nutrition. We talked about the essential nutrients the body needs to function and how those nutrients benefit the body.
I believe teaching these concepts to older adults is important because these are things that will better their quality of life. Being physically active and eating the right foods will give them strength and energy they need to carry out their activities of daily living. These practices will give them an overall feeling of wellness. They will be able to think clearer and perform better.
Teaching about healthy practices was beneficial because it gave me experience with breaking things down for people to understand. It helped me know what is too complex to teach and what was is more common knowledge. Teaching this subject helped me learn and understand it better. It helped me know how it applies to certain age groups and how it changes over time. As I learn about the subjects I am teaching I will better be able to educate on that subject and in the future be able to teach more effectively.
I really believe that educating patients about healthy practices can prevent illness and disease. Our world is craving more and more the knowledge and explanation for certain diseases. People want to know why certain practices are healthy or why their body reacts in the way it does. It is our opportunity as nurses to give them the right information. So many people turn to the internet to find answers to their medical questions. For that reason alone, it is necessary for nurses to take the opportunity to teach their patients and to reach out and teach the community.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Week 12: 3/31/11
Outside in the beautifully sunny weather we had class about stresses and concerns that come with being a health care professional. Learning about some of the pressures that come with working as a nurse helped prepare me as to what is to come. It also will help me build healthy coping mechanisms. These coping mechanisms will help me be successful in my career.
Right now this is important to me because it has helped me become aware of the stress and pressure that I have now as a student nurse. I have realized some stressors that I can eliminate or reduce. During this phase of life I put a lot of pressure on my self to be successful in school. I also put a lot of pressure on myself because I procrastinate certain assignments. So after this lesson I need to put more focus on just getting my assignments done on time and before the day its do.
I have noticed that when I am most stressed I am actually most productive. But I can only live that way for so long and then I crash, neglecting other obligations because my body needs rest. I have learned where my limits are and how much stress is too much. I work at an assisted living facility as a CNA and there have been times when I have worked 10 or more days in a row. By the 7th or 8th day I become impatient and uncaring to the residents I help. I become lazier and less efficient in my care. I now know how many days I can work in a row before I feeling like killing someone.
One of the main skills I need to develop that will help in the future is prioritizing. Right now I am not very good at prioritizing but it will become necessary for me to be able to do as I take care of patients. I need to be able to prioritize which patients are most important to take care of first and which nursing requirements need to be accomplished first and which can wait. I think so much focus gets put on making sure we chart that some nurses prioritize that above patient care. Really it should be the opposite. All patient care should come before any nursing requirements.
It is important for me to learn these things now so that in the future I will know how to cope with stress and effectively reduce and deal with them. I believe that I will give my best care to a patient if I take good care of myself first. Learning to reduce unnecessary stress will help keep my body healthy and will allow me to be most efficient with my patient care. Part of taking care of my self will involve knowing how I cope with heavy workloads and at what point I feel like I’m going to break.
Right now this is important to me because it has helped me become aware of the stress and pressure that I have now as a student nurse. I have realized some stressors that I can eliminate or reduce. During this phase of life I put a lot of pressure on my self to be successful in school. I also put a lot of pressure on myself because I procrastinate certain assignments. So after this lesson I need to put more focus on just getting my assignments done on time and before the day its do.
I have noticed that when I am most stressed I am actually most productive. But I can only live that way for so long and then I crash, neglecting other obligations because my body needs rest. I have learned where my limits are and how much stress is too much. I work at an assisted living facility as a CNA and there have been times when I have worked 10 or more days in a row. By the 7th or 8th day I become impatient and uncaring to the residents I help. I become lazier and less efficient in my care. I now know how many days I can work in a row before I feeling like killing someone.
One of the main skills I need to develop that will help in the future is prioritizing. Right now I am not very good at prioritizing but it will become necessary for me to be able to do as I take care of patients. I need to be able to prioritize which patients are most important to take care of first and which nursing requirements need to be accomplished first and which can wait. I think so much focus gets put on making sure we chart that some nurses prioritize that above patient care. Really it should be the opposite. All patient care should come before any nursing requirements.
It is important for me to learn these things now so that in the future I will know how to cope with stress and effectively reduce and deal with them. I believe that I will give my best care to a patient if I take good care of myself first. Learning to reduce unnecessary stress will help keep my body healthy and will allow me to be most efficient with my patient care. Part of taking care of my self will involve knowing how I cope with heavy workloads and at what point I feel like I’m going to break.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Week 11: 3/24/11
This week in class I learned about aromatherapy. I learned that natural oils derived from plants help heal the body. When used with medications essential oils have a complementary effect. For those who experience pain and pain medication isn't enough certain essential oils can provide extra analgesia without adverse effects. It's important though to consult a doctor when using oils with certain conditions and medications.
This is important for me to learn because during school I need to gain all the information i can about alternative medicine so that I can educate my patients about the pros and cons of certain alternative care. The more i learn now about certain therapies the more i can help my future patients. It also gives me the opportunity to suggest therapies that would benefit those that conventional medicine has not helped.
Learning about aromatherapy can also help me now. Some of the oils would be beneficial to my studies and to my health. The presenter mentioned peppermint as a study aid because it helps you focus. She also mentions lavender as a sleep aid. These are both natural oils that will help me get the rest and focus I need to be successful in school.
Our world is looking more and more for alternative medicine. Most people want natural organic plants and things to help them medically rather than synthetic man made medications. I will need to know the benefits and the adverse effects of these natural products.
It will also help me better care for my patients if I am educated on their particular alternative therapy. I will be able to incorporate their desired therapy into their care plan. Doing this may help patients adhere to their care plan producing better therapeutic results.
This is important for me to learn because during school I need to gain all the information i can about alternative medicine so that I can educate my patients about the pros and cons of certain alternative care. The more i learn now about certain therapies the more i can help my future patients. It also gives me the opportunity to suggest therapies that would benefit those that conventional medicine has not helped.
Learning about aromatherapy can also help me now. Some of the oils would be beneficial to my studies and to my health. The presenter mentioned peppermint as a study aid because it helps you focus. She also mentions lavender as a sleep aid. These are both natural oils that will help me get the rest and focus I need to be successful in school.
Our world is looking more and more for alternative medicine. Most people want natural organic plants and things to help them medically rather than synthetic man made medications. I will need to know the benefits and the adverse effects of these natural products.
It will also help me better care for my patients if I am educated on their particular alternative therapy. I will be able to incorporate their desired therapy into their care plan. Doing this may help patients adhere to their care plan producing better therapeutic results.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Week 10: 3/10/11
Class was very interesting today. The major message I got out of class was that it is important to support our patients in whatever kind of decisions that are made about their medical care. Patients depend on their nurses to support them and to help carry out their medical wishes. While sometimes this can bring up ethical issues, it is the nurse’s role to do his/her best to provide the patient with things that will make their care more holistic. This is necessary even when the nurse does not believe in the patient’s choice.
Supporting the patient is something I can learn as a student nurse. It is now that I can learn to advocate and encourage patients. I have many opportunities to practice these principles in the clinical field. While participating in clinical I will encounter many different people and their opinion on the right kind of care. It’s important to not judge patients beliefs or opinions on their care.
The most important way I can learn about support is by learning about alternative ways of care and doing my best to know how to provide that kind of care. Most often the patient will have to be referred other professionals to get their desired alternative care but it’s important to provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment so that the patient feels that they can confide in the nurse. This provides the nurse with more information and an increased ability to best help the patient.
Supporting the patient is vital because it helps gain the patients trust. Gaining the trust of the patient is something the nurse must do in order to best be able to help the patient. As the patient begins to trust their nurse they will be more confident in the care they are provided and may help them have a positive outlook on their recovery. Often a patient’s positive outlook can help motivate the patient to work harder follow the recover plan.
Another reason it’s important to support the patient and to gain their trust is that they will be more likely to listen and receive the education the nurse gives them. Building a relationship with patients opens up opportunities for the nurse to teach and educate the patient about health promoting activities. It allows the nurse to teach about sensitive subjects that would not be received well by a patient that does not feel supported. It is in the best interest of the patient and in the patient’s future health for the nurse to advocate and provide holistic care. I hope that as a future nurse I will learn to support my patients and help them have the best experience with their care.
Supporting the patient is something I can learn as a student nurse. It is now that I can learn to advocate and encourage patients. I have many opportunities to practice these principles in the clinical field. While participating in clinical I will encounter many different people and their opinion on the right kind of care. It’s important to not judge patients beliefs or opinions on their care.
The most important way I can learn about support is by learning about alternative ways of care and doing my best to know how to provide that kind of care. Most often the patient will have to be referred other professionals to get their desired alternative care but it’s important to provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment so that the patient feels that they can confide in the nurse. This provides the nurse with more information and an increased ability to best help the patient.
Supporting the patient is vital because it helps gain the patients trust. Gaining the trust of the patient is something the nurse must do in order to best be able to help the patient. As the patient begins to trust their nurse they will be more confident in the care they are provided and may help them have a positive outlook on their recovery. Often a patient’s positive outlook can help motivate the patient to work harder follow the recover plan.
Another reason it’s important to support the patient and to gain their trust is that they will be more likely to listen and receive the education the nurse gives them. Building a relationship with patients opens up opportunities for the nurse to teach and educate the patient about health promoting activities. It allows the nurse to teach about sensitive subjects that would not be received well by a patient that does not feel supported. It is in the best interest of the patient and in the patient’s future health for the nurse to advocate and provide holistic care. I hope that as a future nurse I will learn to support my patients and help them have the best experience with their care.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Week 9: 3/3/11
In class this week I learned about why we exercise and how to build a good exercise program. People exercise for many different reasons. These are some of the main reasons it is recommended to exercise: it increases endorphins, helps decrease stress level, strengthens muscles and bones and helps keep the heart and lungs healthy. A good exercise program includes flexibility, strength training and aerobic conditioning.
This applies to me now because I need to have a good exercise program, not only because it will keep my body healthy but because being in the nursing program my stress levels are pretty high. Exercise helps release some of my excess stress. The proper amount of exercise actually gives me the energy I need to accomplish the homework and other things I need to get done. It also helps my body sleep better at night. When I get a good night’s rest and have energy I am better able to learn the things I need to know to become a nurse.
Another reason I need to be exercising is so that I have experience and can later relate to my patients about the road blocks that come when exercising. Sometimes patients need someone to relate to. If they have a health care professional that they trust and feel they can confide in, they will be more likely to listen to teaching. It's also important that as a health care provider I set a good example of trying to stay fit. I believe that the best way to help a patient learn how to exercise is to show by example.
This all applies to me as a future nurse because everyone needs to make the effort to exercise. Some want to lose weight; others need to do it to keep their BP down or to control their cholesterol. Some can even manage their diabetes with exercise. This is why it's important to teach proper techniques and to help the patient create a program that is the most beneficial to them and within their physical ability. Another important thing to help provide is activities the patient enjoys. A program that has variety and activities the patient enjoys will be a successful program.
There are misconceptions out about exercise and I believe it is my job as a health care provider to teach the correct things about exercise. The best place to do that is to take the opportunity to teach when talking with the patient. On top of that i think it's important to reach out to the community and really help people understand the reasons for exercise and they right ways to build a program. As I teach my future patients I hope to convey a nonjudgmental attitude and I hope to do my best to help them build an attainable exercise program.
This applies to me now because I need to have a good exercise program, not only because it will keep my body healthy but because being in the nursing program my stress levels are pretty high. Exercise helps release some of my excess stress. The proper amount of exercise actually gives me the energy I need to accomplish the homework and other things I need to get done. It also helps my body sleep better at night. When I get a good night’s rest and have energy I am better able to learn the things I need to know to become a nurse.
Another reason I need to be exercising is so that I have experience and can later relate to my patients about the road blocks that come when exercising. Sometimes patients need someone to relate to. If they have a health care professional that they trust and feel they can confide in, they will be more likely to listen to teaching. It's also important that as a health care provider I set a good example of trying to stay fit. I believe that the best way to help a patient learn how to exercise is to show by example.
This all applies to me as a future nurse because everyone needs to make the effort to exercise. Some want to lose weight; others need to do it to keep their BP down or to control their cholesterol. Some can even manage their diabetes with exercise. This is why it's important to teach proper techniques and to help the patient create a program that is the most beneficial to them and within their physical ability. Another important thing to help provide is activities the patient enjoys. A program that has variety and activities the patient enjoys will be a successful program.
There are misconceptions out about exercise and I believe it is my job as a health care provider to teach the correct things about exercise. The best place to do that is to take the opportunity to teach when talking with the patient. On top of that i think it's important to reach out to the community and really help people understand the reasons for exercise and they right ways to build a program. As I teach my future patients I hope to convey a nonjudgmental attitude and I hope to do my best to help them build an attainable exercise program.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Week 8: Service Learning
This week for our service learning we went to the senior center and taught the clients there about skin care and the importance of taking good care of their skin. After teaching our mini lesson we helped each client correctly learn to wash their hands and then gave them hand massages and for those that wanted we painted their fingernails.
It's imperative for people to know how to properly take care of their skin and what practices promote healthy skin. As we age we lose skin elasticity and our skin becomes more fragile. Taking caution and preventing things that will damage the skin needs to be taught. In our lesson we taught a wide variety of the things but I feel that one of the most important things we taught about was protecting the skin from the sun. The generation we were teaching grew up in an era where they didn't know the negative effects of the sun. No one wore sunscreen or worried about what the sun was doing. Now that they have aged and their skin integrity is decreasing, I feel it's important for them to really understand the damaging effects of the sun.
Taking care of the skin is not only beneficial because it makes it look nice but also because good skin care helps get rid of bacteria and other harmful substances. Certain healthy practices can even benefit skin integrity and promote healing of injured skin. Something everyone can do is making sure they are getting the proper vitamins and minerals. The skin is the biggest organ in the body and has millions of cells that need good hydration and nutrition to stay vibrant and energized. Just drinking water and making sure to get proper nutrition can really benefit the skin.
This whole experience of teaching is really beneficial to me as a future nurse because I need to practice teaching patients. I'm learning through trial and error what really works while teaching and what doesn't. I'm also learning to engage my audience a little more. I know that when I am a nurse it's not necessarily important for me to be entertained but i think that when i am it helps the patients pay attention better and maybe receive the teaching a little better.
Something I've really learned while teaching the older adult is that while I'm teaching I need to refrain from being condescending. I have caught myself a few times speaking in that manner and noticed that when I was I was getting a negative response from the group. From this experienced I have learned ways that I can teach that give the message without being condescending. These communication skills will help me teach the patients I have in the future, especially those that are older than me.
It's imperative for people to know how to properly take care of their skin and what practices promote healthy skin. As we age we lose skin elasticity and our skin becomes more fragile. Taking caution and preventing things that will damage the skin needs to be taught. In our lesson we taught a wide variety of the things but I feel that one of the most important things we taught about was protecting the skin from the sun. The generation we were teaching grew up in an era where they didn't know the negative effects of the sun. No one wore sunscreen or worried about what the sun was doing. Now that they have aged and their skin integrity is decreasing, I feel it's important for them to really understand the damaging effects of the sun.
Taking care of the skin is not only beneficial because it makes it look nice but also because good skin care helps get rid of bacteria and other harmful substances. Certain healthy practices can even benefit skin integrity and promote healing of injured skin. Something everyone can do is making sure they are getting the proper vitamins and minerals. The skin is the biggest organ in the body and has millions of cells that need good hydration and nutrition to stay vibrant and energized. Just drinking water and making sure to get proper nutrition can really benefit the skin.
This whole experience of teaching is really beneficial to me as a future nurse because I need to practice teaching patients. I'm learning through trial and error what really works while teaching and what doesn't. I'm also learning to engage my audience a little more. I know that when I am a nurse it's not necessarily important for me to be entertained but i think that when i am it helps the patients pay attention better and maybe receive the teaching a little better.
Something I've really learned while teaching the older adult is that while I'm teaching I need to refrain from being condescending. I have caught myself a few times speaking in that manner and noticed that when I was I was getting a negative response from the group. From this experienced I have learned ways that I can teach that give the message without being condescending. These communication skills will help me teach the patients I have in the future, especially those that are older than me.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Week 7: Service Learning Day
During this week my group planned out the service project will be working on throughout the semester. We are going to be going to the Orem Senior Center and teaching the clients there healthy practices. We went this Friday and had the opportunity to visit with some of the people and get familiarized with the place. We did not teach anything this first time but we participated in the activities of the day. In the next couple of weeks we will be teaching proper skin care, nutrition, and oral care.
I have been surprised at the lack of knowledge some people have about their health. Because i have been learning about the body and ways to keep it healthy i think its common knowledge to everyone. I’ve realized that it's not. I especially think that those in the older adult age groups have this knowledge deficiency. Most of them, especially the women, didn't have a lot of schooling and were not taught healthy practices. Also research and technology has come out that prove some practices to be unhealthy. Because of these things i believe it's very important for those you have the knowledge to share it with others.
The three areas we will be teaching on at the senior center are important especially to older adults. Older adults are at risk for malnutrition because they don't have the means or ability to provide themselves with the right foods. The senior center we attend does provide lunch for them which is helpful but i think it's important for these elderly to know how to help their bodies. The oral and skin care aspects of are teaching are important to these older adults because their skin becomes more sensitive over time. Some may have lost their teeth or may wear dentures so it's important to teach them how to properly take care of their dentures or teach them to take care of their remaining teeth.
I have a passion for helping people. I love to take care of those in need. I believe that part of taking care of people is educating them on things they can do to prevent illnesses. Education is becoming major part of health care and will continue to be important in order to prevent illnesses. I believe we can better the quality of life in our country of we take the time to educate our patients, friends, families and neighbors about simple health practices.
I am really excited to work with these older adults because i have some interest in geriatric nursing. I really believe that this service project will help develop skills as i interact with the elderly. I believe that the people i will work with will be able to teach me a lot more about life than I’ll be able to teach them. I do hope that the lessons i prepare to teach them with help better their quality of life.
I have been surprised at the lack of knowledge some people have about their health. Because i have been learning about the body and ways to keep it healthy i think its common knowledge to everyone. I’ve realized that it's not. I especially think that those in the older adult age groups have this knowledge deficiency. Most of them, especially the women, didn't have a lot of schooling and were not taught healthy practices. Also research and technology has come out that prove some practices to be unhealthy. Because of these things i believe it's very important for those you have the knowledge to share it with others.
The three areas we will be teaching on at the senior center are important especially to older adults. Older adults are at risk for malnutrition because they don't have the means or ability to provide themselves with the right foods. The senior center we attend does provide lunch for them which is helpful but i think it's important for these elderly to know how to help their bodies. The oral and skin care aspects of are teaching are important to these older adults because their skin becomes more sensitive over time. Some may have lost their teeth or may wear dentures so it's important to teach them how to properly take care of their dentures or teach them to take care of their remaining teeth.
I have a passion for helping people. I love to take care of those in need. I believe that part of taking care of people is educating them on things they can do to prevent illnesses. Education is becoming major part of health care and will continue to be important in order to prevent illnesses. I believe we can better the quality of life in our country of we take the time to educate our patients, friends, families and neighbors about simple health practices.
I am really excited to work with these older adults because i have some interest in geriatric nursing. I really believe that this service project will help develop skills as i interact with the elderly. I believe that the people i will work with will be able to teach me a lot more about life than I’ll be able to teach them. I do hope that the lessons i prepare to teach them with help better their quality of life.
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