ICU Rotation Week

Journal

Assessment of the Environment

The ICU is very quiet, clean and organized. It is identical to any other area with patient rooms however the rooms are more isolated. There are many machines in every place and there are many different types of professionals working in the unit. There are several RN with a charge nurse, respiratory therapists, and many different doctors depending on the patient. In the unit they closely monitor patients, both conscious and unconscious, and provide appropriate care for each patient depending on their medical situation. It is very eye opening as many of the cases are intense and extreme. All types of machines are used such as ones to help the patient breath, many monitoring systems and any other necessary equipment. It is a very important area and all the employees work hard to provide the best care possible to their patients. 

Observation

The nurses in this area all seemed very nice and friendly. The one nurse I worked with in particular was very informative and nice which made for a enjoyable time in the area. She answered all questions from family members, despite some of them being irrelevant. She was brutally honest which I found was good in a nurse and she knew what she was doing and what she had to do. All of the employees worked extremely well with one another and took care of all the patient's needs. They were not afraid to ask for help as I saw the charge nurse help a regular nurse for assistance which I felt made for a relaxing and tense-free environment. I think the employees in the ICU is what makes is so successful and fun despite the heartbreaking events that take place day to day. Once again the area had multiple hand sanitizers and sinks to keep the area safe and sterile. The nurses washed everything they used with alcohol swabs and they followed all safety procedures. I saw multiple medicines and drugs be given to patients and other procedures to help the patient. Blood tests were often and repetitive as they are a important diagnosis technique. The ICU was better that I expected and I enjoyed the employees and saw how they keep it running smoothly.

Knowledge

The nurse I followed had two patients; one in heart failure and one in kidney failure. Through those to patients I learned a lot about their condition, the specific treatment and prognosis. The heart failure was most likely a cause from the patients diet and I learned that each patient reacts different and recovers form their comas in different ways. The nurse took multiple blood samples, listened to their heart, gave them potassium, antibiotics and pain relievers. The other patient was experiencing trouble with producing urine and I was able to see a bladder scan. Through listening to the nurse explain the situation I learn a lot about the condition. I also was able to observe a specialist doctor and learned about her job. The nurse explained how each day was different and how patients families are always impatient. She taught me a lot about her responsibilities and her career. I learned a lot in the ICU and surprised myself by how much I enjoyed it. 

Evaluation

I feel that this week I did my best yet with asking questions and engaging with the employees as well as patients. I observed very well and was able to even help the nurse with some information. I wasn't as shy as I usually am and I wasn't nervous. I was able to have fun and feel as though I was not in the way. I learned a lot about the functions of the ICU and how each patient is different and will react differently which I something that is true in all areas on the medical field. I was uncertain entering the area but was shocked to realize that it was much more interesting that I expected which taught me not to assume. I was happy to be with a friendly nurse and made the best of my time. The ICU was not something I was ever interesting but my time proved me wrong as it has so many different medical conditions and is a very important part of a hospital. It taught me not to underestimate a certain area and I feel that my experience will help me in the future both medically and socially.