Shy Wegiel November 1, 2012 Ohara Week 1- Pediatric Clinical Reflections Practice as a member of a multi-disciplinary health care team

This week at clinical, I had the opportunity to interact with a number of different healthcare members. I was able to listen to the doctors during rounds for my patient. While doing rounds, they discussed important aspects of care for my patient. The doctor took a moment to ask me if I had any questions. I asked her if my patient had an IV to prevent dehydration because he didnt have any IV medications prescribed. The doctor explained that he was getting G-tubing feedings and didnt really need more fluids. She said that I had a good point and to let my nurse know that we would be saline locking his IV. I know that this wasnt a big deal but it felt good to have my voice heard. When RT came to provide nebulizer therapy to my patient, I inquired about my patients oxygen supplement. I asked about the difficulties with weaning infants off of oxygen. He noticed that my patient was tolerating L O2 via nasal cannula and would benefit from weaning down his O2 to L. By simply asking questions out of curiosity, I sparked ideas that led to changes. In my future nursing practice, I plan to apply my knowledge with appropriate suggestions to advocate for my patient rather than relying on my questions. Apply the ANA Code of Ethics to care of families including client rights, dilemmas between individual rights and the common good, identification of choices and possible consequences The ANA Code of Ethics states that a nurse has an ethical obligation to give all patients the same level of compassion and care, regardless of the natures of the illness, economic status, or culture. This week while at clinical, my patient and his family were of Samoan decent. His mother was originally from Samoa but spoke English very well. The patients extended family

on the other hand, didnt speak English quite as well. Although they didnt visit for very long, it was difficult to communicate with them. I treated my patient and his family with the same respect and care that I would treat any other patient. I remember learning in class that Samoans tend to have large families who visit in the hospital. With this in mind, I anticipated that there may have been family coming to visit. I took the time to ask my patients mother if there were any cultural considerations that I should be aware of. She pleasantly answered, No, but thank you for asking. As a nurse, it is important to treat patients with compassion and care regardless of their culture.