MY JOURNEY

I believe that I have done my best to make the most of my experience in the
Medical Ward. What struck me the most was that the Medical Ward could hardly be
termed a ward when you experience what it’s like inside. It’s like one big family. Gone
are the inhibitions of cold concrete walls to separate patients from one another. Here,
they can actually converse with one another when they’re bored. It has been a roller
coaster ride for me though; it has most definitely not been easy. In fact, this may be at
the top of my list of most unforgettable experiences to date. Now’s the time to rewind
and try to relive those memories…
While I cannot say that this patient has been the best, or most interesting, or
most accommodating, he holds the record for having the most number of medications
that I’ve ever encountered: 32 drugs all in all. You might notice though, that I have only 7
in my drug tabulations. This is a reflection of my decision to omit the ones not significant
to the particular case that I chose, COPD.
During my interactions with my patient, I have noticed that he is very fortunate
with his family. The wife and children were all very eager to help out in the plan of care
for their patient. One of the children was a former classmate of mine, and that played a
significant part in my history taking. I realized, at this point, how significant the role of
“the significant others” really are in the health care delivery system. Lucky indeed are the
patients who have family members to watch over them and oversee their care during
hospitalizations.
I learned a whole lot from the research part of this case study. I now understand
the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, treatment, complications, risk factors, and
more importantly, the nursing management for COPD patients. Again, it was a treat
across the land of learning.
The skills I got to practice may have been the same as before, but this time, I had
experience and background. It was not that hard to make a case study anymore, save
for a few time constraints and extra efforts.
To all the Level III Clinical Instructors, Mrs. Katherine C. Bengan, R.N., M.S.N.,
Mrs. Pearl Joy O. Degoma, R.N., and Mrs. Rubilyn B. Sumaylo, R.N., I want to extend
my endless gratitude for supervising our clinical exposure for the second rotation. Lastly,
I want to thank Ms. Maureen N. Patricio, R.N. for the guidance and knowledge. Her
leadership in the clinical area has been a new experience altogether for me, and I do not
regret it. I cannot wait for the next rotation. Here I come.ü