.was spent at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County in Rock Springs, Wyoming.
I was placed in the OB (Labor and Delivery, Newborns and Post-Partum) and ER departments. I am so grateful I had these two very different experiences, since I believe they will benefit me in my transition into my professional career.
I started this semester with a strong desire to work in OB. But I also was very curious about the ER and how I would react to a different environment. I still do have a passion for OB and loved my experience, but truly came to appreciate the ER.
Welcoming a baby into the world is one of the most special experiences someone goes through. It is such an honor to help someone through that process. My first half of Capstone was in the OB department, where they provide care for laboring and post-partum mothers and their newborns. My practice experience included admissions, discharges, charting, vitals, special skills and patient teaching. I was very fortunate to be surrounded by such amazing nurses, patients, and doctors who mentored me through a variety of experiences. I will benefit immensely from this interaction. It is nerve racking going into a situation and thinking you will be in the way. During my time I never felt like the staff thought I was in the way or an inconvenience. I left the OB unit with my mind and heart set on becoming an OB nurse. I am so excited to see what the future brings.
I never knew what to expect from the ER. I was curious to see myself outside of my comfort zone. I thought it would be good for me to experience something different from OB. I got to practice different skills that I didn’t use or see a lot in OB. I had only spent a couple weeks in the ER, when I came to appreciate the staff's knowledge and skill. All of the nurses have been so welcoming. They make sure I am able see and help in many different patient situations. I have had so much practice with IV starts, charting, admits, discharging and triaging. I also have had a lot of practice with familiarizing myself with different medications. I do not envision myself as an ER nurse, but I am very glad I had this experience. I believe it has helped me grow and learn more about myself.
.I am so thankful that my classmates and I have been able to participate in this clinical capstone experience. Looking back to the beginning of nursing school and even the beginning of this semester, I see a huge difference. I have been very fortunate to have great preceptors who let me do a lot on my own and taught me so many helpful skills. I feel like I have gained so much skill, knowledge and confidence that will benefit me in the transition to my professional career. The encouragement I have received from all of the staff has been overwhelming, and I am very grateful for my time at MHSC.
Story placed: 4/20/2018