Wasn't sure what to think as we approached the all-women's convalescent home, which would be the official site of our clinical rotation for the next 4 weeks. I won't say where, but from the outside, my first impression is a Palm Springs resort. According to our clinical instructor, Mrs. Black, it's supposed to be one of the "nicer" convalescent homes around, and it is run by nuns. In fact, many of the patients are/were nuns (do nuns retire?).
I was assigned to my first patient ever, with my classmate Kate. Our 83 year old patient was just admitted to the home, and had been diagnosed with Dementia, amongst a number of other things. She had dysphasia (impaired swallowing) and had a very limited range of motion. She wouldn't say anything except an occasional "no," and was very lethargic-she even fell asleep on me while I was feeding her. She responded very well to stimuli, and was certain she could understand me based on her facial expressions. I'm not sure she was enjoying my company so much, but it was a great accomplishment getting her cleaned up and dressed.
So, my overall experience? As it turns out, I have a profound love for patient care, only I felt so ill-equipped... being temporarily clueless as to where all the little things were. The poor LVNs were swamped with work! I observed how quickly they had to move. They perform to the best of their ability and have such little time with each patient. I hope I am never put in one of these places when I grow old.
I love my instructor and everyone in my clinical group. I really dig the nun scene-it makes for a very special environment.
Category: General()