Reflection

This has been a great semester for learning. I have been made aware of the many different social aspects that are integrated in the health constructs of patient care. Public health and the many risks and preventative measures that can manifest, ensure that we as nurses will always have the opportunity to further educate the people we care for. As healthcare professionals, it is our role as a nurse to be an advocate for the people. For those in poverty, who are underserved, who are children, adults, and elderly.  In order to be the voice they need, we need to learn to assess and plan interventions that will effectively improve their quality of life. I have learned that while caring for children, it is important to get on their level and be aware of the age group you are working with. Initiating a trusting relationship with the parent entices the child to be willing to work with you. As nurses work with families, it is important to understand where they come from and be aware of the different challenges each family faces. Assessing these aspects of social experiences engrains a bond of trust between healthcare provider and client. Having that trust not only allows the ability to gain further knowledge on health problems, it also allows for the opportunity of health promotion. Establishing that base spreads beyond individual care and supports community involvement. I have learned a plethora of community agencies that are set in place for the benefit of the public. A big unit of this knowledge came from our discussion of emergency disaster plans. Staying updated and current with community programs that are available is important in allowing nurses to share that information with their patients. I biggest thing I am able to take away from this class is the importance of communication. Healthcare is a system of interrelated programs/agencies that operates at its best based on communication. Keeping communication among healthcare professionals is essential to success.

One particular health issue I learned more about was concussions. The differences between individuals who experience concussions and their recovery rate were rather surprising to think about. I was aware that after each concussion a person has, the next one is typically worse and that concussions are typically followed by some confusion and sensory problems. However, I did not realize how prevalent concussions really were. I did not know that adults 75 years and older were the highest rated for hospitalization and death because of a traumatic brain injury. As I found out many suffer from concussions, I was not surprised then to find out that Wisconsin had their own Concussion Law that requires parental signatures of youth under 19 years old to consent that they have received information on concussions and what signs to look for before signing their child up in a sporting event. Having this law is great way to help prevent concussions from going unnoticed.