The Shoes do not Make the Man
On my last placement I
was introduced to rehabilitation in the gerontology area, mainly focused on
post-op orthopaedic rehab. This was a good opportunity to understand the
increased demands of the aging community, possible co-morbidities and the
influence of a wide array of medications. When reflecting on my time at that
facility I fondly remember the staff and the patients and their understanding
and help in my learning. This is all very well and good, but after this next
prac I want to be looking back and remember how good I was at my job and how
many people I was able to help.
The positive that I
can take from my last prac was that I felt I had good communication skills and
was able to speak with other health professionals, with patients and their
families. I was aware of my limitations and of my strengths. In the past year,
however, one a whole new set of challenges and information has made me once
again unsure of what I know and has again presented the mountain to climb back
to a level of confidence in what I know and what I don’t know (staying clear of
what I think I know and what I think I don’t know).
Another big positive
from my last placement was my safety awareness. My shadowing, wheelchair
braking and patient handling, I felt, was spot on. My hygiene awareness was
possibly not as good and I contracted viral conjunctivitis from one of the
patients after the first week. This is an area that I will most definitely not
be taking for granted in the future. Daily charts need to be closely read to
see what the patient may be currently suffering from (on top of the main
condition) that may be contagious to myself and to other patients and staff
that I interact with. I have also purchased a new pair of shoes that will only
be used for hospital work. They are much more comfortable than my last pair and
don’t have laces as this can be a source of contamination (lack a bit of cool
factor though).
I was always punctual
for my last placement but had a tendency to cut it fine. This next placement is
a little further away so I will have to be prepared the night before and stick
to my designated departure time come hell or high water. A coffee mug for the
car may help this department considerably. My new Velcro shoes should save
around 30 seconds as well!
My biggest hurdle is
putting the knowledge into practice. Knowing the assessments and how to conduct
them, writing SOAPIERS and other documentation is what I will be focussing on
this placement. I feel these are my weakest areas and when conquered will help
boost my confidence and time management. Speaking of big hurdles, did I mention
my new shoes.
I start my new
placement tomorrow armed with maps, workbooks and a pre-packed lunch. Even
though I will be eating chicken I will not shy away from the daunting task of
working on a neuro rehab ward. The butterflies in my stomach will be replaced
by beetles of enthusiasm and ladybugs of dedication. Hopefully this will lead to a colony of other
helpful insects working towards the common goal of helping me not make a complete
fool of myself. At least I have new shoes.
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