The Emergency Department is a place where critical patient assessment is heavily emphasized. I work as a 4th year nursing clinical extern in the emergency department at my local hospital and there are various factors that can contribute to comprehensive assessments utilized on the floor.

In our ER, the HEWS (Hamilton Early Warning Score) is one assessment that utilizes risk reduction and can prevent further decline in a patient's condition if their vitals are unstable. The HEWS is located on electronic medical records/charts that signal to healthcare providers if there are any issues with a patient's vitals. The scale ranges from a low of 1-4, a medium of 5-6, and a high risk of 7 and above. If a patient has a score of 7, there is an increased likelihood of a transfer to more intensive care, whereas if the patient scores 4 or lower, there is a decreased clinical…

As a level 4 student preparing to begin my journey as a registered nurse, I have been encouraged to reflect on the opportunities available to me in the clinical setting. My work this semester involves providing care to patients on the burn unit at the Hamilton General Hospital. This is a specialized unit with 12 beds, 2 of which remain reserved for critical care patients. Critical areas have always interested me as a student. It is inspiring to see how nurses can evolve into such skilful clinicians, using their critical thinking to produce positive patient outcomes. My current preceptor has been working on same the clinical setting for 30 years and reflects the image of an expert nurse as described by Benner in her article about the different levels of nursing performance. To Benner, an expert nurse is one who does not depend on rigid structures or guidelines to inform practice,…

In reflecting as a student in the BSN program not long ago, there are wishes and hopes to be assigned to an effective nurse educator who is passionate and loves to teach with a positive personality, preparing students for success and using excellent strategies to motivate and provide a meaningful learning experience to students. Nurse educators have a critical role in a student's success and can tremendously impact the nursing career of students. They are crucial in advancing nursing students to achieve the program objectives (Soroush et al., 2021). In addition, the effective nurse educator can assist the student nurse in integrating and applying the theory learned in clinical practice and improve clinical decision-making skills and critical thinking. Sadeghi et al. (2019) pointed out that nurse educators are paramount in improving nursing students' clinical competence.

There are nurse educators who play a significant role in a student's life and a…

            As I am approaching my final year of nursing school, I have begun to reflect on the past three years I have spent as a student nurse. To compare my first-year self to the present, I have grown vastly as a learner within a classroom and clinical setting. Most of the challenges I have faced throughout nursing school have involved my ability to efficiently preform skills and patient care as a student nurse. However, I would also largely attribute the aspect of self-validation to the challenges I have faced as a student nurse. As someone who is always seeking to set high expectations, it can be disappointing when they are not fully met. As a first- and second-year nursing student, I noticed that I set these high expectations of myself that sometimes were not obtainable, which led to disappointment as well as questioning my worth as a future nurse. As…

It has always been my goal to serve others. Being a nurse has helped me realize this goal. There is an unparalleled fulfilment that one feels when able to make a difference in someone’s life.

But what happens when your physical or mental health gets compromised? Are you still able to give 100% quality service to others?

In my case, my mental health got hit. Depression got the better of me when I took a 2nd travel nursing assignment out West in British Columbia.

Don’t get me wrong, B.C. is a great place to work in and explore. The endless mountains are gorgeous! The city I was assigned in was a picturesque little town with very nice people. I loved my patients and co-workers. Everyone was friendly and nice. Not to mention the fact that travel nursing pays very handsomely.

At that time I just came to the realisation that…

When one thinks of nursing, the first things that come to mind include RNs, RPNs, and NPs. Another important part of the nursing practice is student nurses. The student nurse's role is similar to that of an RN or RPN, with a smaller scope of practice. However, one challenge student nurses face is not only operating in a healthcare system, but a school environment as well.

It is common for student nurses to feel adversity within clinical practice as there are frequent misconceptions surrounding student nurses. For example, some nurses on a unit may scrutinize student nurses for having a large deficit in knowledge or being incapable of doing specific tasks. However, it is important to remember that nursing students are students for a reason. They are still learning the role of an RN and are navigating their way through the healthcare system to the best of their ability.

Speaking…

Prenatal care is crucial for both the mother's and the baby's health. It involves regular check-ups with healthcare providers, such as obstetricians or midwives, to monitor the progress of the pregnancy, screen for any potential complications, provide guidance on nutrition and lifestyle, and offer support for any concerns or questions. Prenatal care typically includes prenatal vitamins, tests like ultrasounds and blood tests, and discussions about birth plans and preparations for childbirth. Consistent prenatal care helps ensure a healthy pregnancy and reduces the risk of complications.

Exercise during pregnancy!

Exercise during pregnancy can be beneficial for both the mother and the baby, but it's essential to approach it safely and appropriately. Generally, low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, stationary cycling, and prenatal yoga are recommended. These activities help maintain fitness, improve mood, reduce back pain, and promote better sleep.

It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting or continuing…

Preparing for a newborn involves a combination of practical preparations, emotional readiness, and creating a supportive environment for the new arrival. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your newborn:

1. Nursery Setup:

   - Create a comfortable and safe sleeping environment for your baby, including a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and fitted sheets.

   - Arrange a changing station with diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, and changing pad.

   - Organize baby clothes, blankets, and swaddles in drawers or closets for easy access.

Myth: Cesarean sections are safer than vaginal deliveries.

Fact: Both C-sections and vaginal deliveries are generally safe procedures when performed under appropriate medical supervision. However, C-sections carry a higher risk of complications such as infection, blood loss, blood clots, and surgical complications compared to vaginal deliveries.

Myth: C-sections are the preferred method of childbirth for all mothers.

Fact: C-sections are recommended when medically necessary or when vaginal delivery poses risks to the mother or baby. Vaginal deliveries are generally preferred for low-risk pregnancies as they are associated with fewer risks and complications compared to C-sections.

Myth: Recovery from a C-section is easier and faster than recovery from a vaginal delivery.

Fact: Recovery experiences vary for each woman and can depend on various factors such as the individual's health, the presence of complications, and the type of delivery. While some women may recover quickly from a C-section, others may experience a…