Saturday, April 27, 2013

R.S.: Soon-to-be RN (RS: third year)

My capstone experience on the medical-surgical dialysis unit at IU Health Bloomington Hospital has without a doubt been the most critical part of my nursing school career. This experience has shown me that nursing is definitely what I want to do…not that I didn’t already know that. However, working alongside an RN for 12-hour shifts 2-3 times per week has solidified my decision to go into nursing. While it is hard work that can leave one feeling exhausted at the end of the shift, it is at the same time one of the most rewarding professions. Capstone is molding me into the nurse that I someday hope to be, and I have learned invaluable lessons through my experiences. Probably the most significant lesson I have learned is that I am more prepared to take on the title “RN” than I had previously thought.

I still have two days left of capstone, and I am excited to discover what final lessons I will take away this experience before I leave the realm of academia and enter the real world. 

START Triage (RS: third year)

Our senior nursing class went to Mascatatuck Urban Training Center (MUTC) in order to learn how to triage victims in mass casualty situations. We focused on a form of triage called START triage. START stands for “simple triage and rapid treatment”. This type of triage is indeed simple, as the only factors assessed are the ability to walk, respiratory rate, capillary refill, and mental status. By properly assessing victims, we can efficiently identify who needs priority treatment and who can wait to receive medical attention.

We each took turns playing the roles of rescuers and victims so that we were able to get a feel for what both parties experience during these terrifying scenarios. This was such an incredible learning opportunity that opened our eyes to the unpredictable and difficult nature of this area of healthcare. First responders do not always know what to expect when they arrive on the scene, but they must always be perseverant, level-headed, quick to make decisions, and brave. Not only did I gain respect for those who are the first to respond and to perform START triage in emergencies, but I also gained an interest in someday responding to emergency situations by utilizing the skills I acquired at MUTC.