FAM BLOG

1. Write a blog about an experience you had in either peds or Women's health rotation that you felt strongly about.

During my peds rotation I had a very strong experience working with a Muslim family and their 1 week old son. Both the parents always tried to be present with their child; however, they were having meetings with immigration trying to gain citizenship. Therefore, the grandmother was there most of the day with me. She spoke no English, and only Arabic. My Arabic is very limited, but I knew how to respect her and her family to her liking from my own experience as well as from all the nursing classes we have taken that teach us how to be culturally competent. I tried to remain respect, but keeping the door closed at all times when assessing or taking the baby’s vital signs, because she was wearing hijab (head scarf). I also tried to teach her some of the assessment techniques I was doing, and why I was doing it… even though she may have not understood me, I believe she appreciated what I was doing and actually acknowledging her presence even though she didn’t know any English.

2. Did the situation change your views about nursing, about people, about anything?

This situation did not change my views about nursing or people. I still felt compassionate, and I preferred working with a Muslim family because I understand their values and know how to work with and respect them well.

3. If you could change something (within reason) about the situation, what would you change?

I probably wouldn’t have changed anything. It was a great experience, and I was very happy to finally see parents be with their child constantly even though the baby was just an infant.

4. What type of nursing do you think you want to do when you are done?

I feel that I would really like to do maternal – labor & delivery or OR nursing… both are really different. I like the feelings I have with the parents that bring a child into the world, and I also like the team atmosphere in the OR.

#4

Post a blog in the blogspot you have created for yourself describing how you feel patients use the internet as a medium for healthcare. Are there any groups that you feel suffer because of internet access issues or do you think patients blindly listen to their providers about medications and supplements?

I feel that patient’s utilize the internet as more than just a medium to gain a little knowledge for healthcare. It seems as though, most people that read things on the internet have a tendency to believe everything that they read is true. I know I feel whenever I read a blog or WebMD about a condition I feel as though I have it. I start becoming a hypochondriac in every way possible. I feel that there are several groups that suffer because of internet access issues such as those who do not have healthcare or cannot afford to go to the doctor. These people rely more on home remedies and over the counter (OTC) drugs. Sadly, these people can be misinformed just like me if they choose to rely solely on the internet to self-diagnose themselves instead of going to the doctor and getting a real medical opinion. This can be extremely hazardous to one’s health. I think the internet is a great source to get an idea of medical conditions to prepare them to meet with the doctor and understand the terminology/condition that may be utilized. If all patients utilized the internet to get a general idea about medications and supplements for their condition then they may be able to make a suggestion to their doctor… however, this is usually not the normal case. Most patients will listen to their doctor blindly about medications and supplements, which isn’t always the best thing to do. Some doctors could be wrong or misinform you, or forget to tell you certain side effects that may frighten you when your pee turns blue or orange. Therefore, I strongly believe all patients should use the internet to get a general idea, but still continue to see their doctor.