Yes yes it's been too long since since my last blog. So here I go!
Here is my first update: I am now the official "Nursing Medical Director" of Hillside! I was very excited to receive my new title, it feels amazing! I also extended my time here in Belize until December 15th so far. I'm not ready to leave yet! So much to see and learn still!
Home visits are going well. I find it difficult to discharge my patients who no longer meet the criteria of being "home bound." I become very close with my patients and especially their family members. It breaks my heart when I hear things like "Nurse, you're giving up on me!" I have to say "No! You're doing so well that I now have to see you at Hillside clinic. Consider this a huge accomplishment on your part. I'll still be your nurse!" That's an example of a conversation I had a few days ago. We pick patients up in town twice a week and bring them to the clinic and back home. I always make sure they know that this option is available, so we can follow up with them. I have a waiting list of very sick patients that I would like to start seeing once I discharge someone who is no longer home bound. There's only one of me, so I have to be careful about how many patients I take on! I want to provide the best care possible and not spread myself too thin.
I am still enjoying working with/helping out the doctors and medical students in our clinic. Clinic is from 8am - noon. I'm finally starting to discover my strengths in nursing. Wound care is my number one! I also like the adrenaline rush when helping the patients who come into the clinic with acute issues that need to be addressed right away. Working in the clinic challenges my brain in a different way compared to working with my chronically ill patients, which is why I schedule myself in the clinic in the mornings and see my home bound patients in the afternoons. This way, I get the best of both worlds!
Charting in the early AM
Inside our pharmacy. Alfia has been working with Hillside for about 5 years! She's crossed trained to do many things in the clinic. Currently working on becoming a certified pharmacy tech.
Pharmacists + Nurse
My usual morning coffee while charting
Home visit :)
Celia,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on being able to stay longer! I was just confirmed to do a rotation at Hillside next year and have to tell you that your blog has been inspirational! Thank you!