My First Patient Interview

As part of the nursing program at McMaster, students are encouraged to write reflections on their nursing experiences. This allows for personal growth, skill development and analysis of actions. Our professors stress the importance of literature and story-telling in the medical field, and suggest that we study it further so that we can understand the importance of narrative techniques in nursing. I was very excited when I learned about this, because, as some of you may know, I love to write...especially stories! I decided that writing reflections would give me the perfect opportunity to update my blog, and help me develop my skill set as a nurse.
Therefore, without further ado, I give you my first reflection:

Today I had my very first interview with a standardized patient.
An SP is an actor who is trained to portray a specific character with an illness, for the purpose of nursing education.

This was a very interesting and exciting experience and the interview went very well!

Initially, while waiting outside the hospital simulation room, I started to feel nervous. The windows were tinted and the hallways were silent. I took a deep breath, prayed, and watched the student before me exit the room. Dressed in scrubs, wearing my nursing badge and clipboard in hand, I entered.

For some reason, the moment I saw the SP sitting there, my nerves started to ease. The woman was seated with a neutral expression. I greeted her, introduced myself, took a seat and began my interview. All throughout the interview I felt very relaxed. My questions flowed naturally and I began to enjoy talking to the patient. In the moment, I inquired about multiple aspects of the patient's life simply because I was interested in how those aspects affected her condition. After the interview, my tutor told me that I effortlessly covered all required components extremely well.

The patient herself told me that she thoroughly enjoyed the interview and felt that I was genuinely concerned about her. I was told that I was entirely professional, empathetic, and that I used excellent verbal and non-verbal communication techniques.

My tutor explained that the only aspect I forgot to discuss in the interview was mentioning confidentiality. This makes sense because this occurs in the orientation phase of the interview, and I was slightly flustered before entering the room. However, reminding a patient that an interview is confidential is a very simple component to remember, and I'm very pleased with how the interview went as a whole.

Now that I have interviewed a patient once, I know that I am fully capable of doing it again. My readings and inquiry have thoroughly paid off so far, and I have realized how much I enjoy this aspect of nursing!

In short, I am loving the McMaster nursing program!
There have been so many exciting experiences and I look forward to doing more!

An Aca-opportunity

Today I officially bought my first set of textbooks!

This was both an exciting and devastating moment for me because as much as I love books, I think I cried a little bit when the cashier announced my total...I don't think I've ever spent that much money at one point in time. After swiping my card, I put all my books in a bag and began the trek home. 

Unfortunately for me, today just so happened to be the hottest day of the year and I sweat the entire walk home. My books were so heavy, that I think I pulled all the muscles in my arm and almost destroyed my new bag. Once I got home, I sat all of the books on the floor and cracked them open. I am so excited to start learning about nursing. I feel like there's so much to know! 

Today was also Clubsfest; the one day a year where all of the clubs at McMaster set up tables so that you can see which clubs you're interested in. As I was walking past one table, someone called out to me asking if I was a singer. In that moment, I wasn't really sure what to say. Even though I sang in high school, I think that certain people around me discouraged me to the point where I wasn't sure if I was very good. When the person today asked me if I was a singer, it felt like a new opportunity to start fresh and forget what people used to say in high school. As hard as it was for me, I smiled and replied, "yes!"  

One thing led to another, and after 45 minutes of staring at my computer screen, I decided to sign up for an audition to be part of Macappella, McMaster's only acappella club! I realized today that I need to start trying new things without being afraid of failure. I'm not sure if I'll make it into the group, and I have no idea what to sing for my audition, but regardless, I'm excited to see where this goes! 

Just the Beginning

Today marks the last official day of summer vacation. 

     I won't lie, I'm slightly bitter that summer snuck away from me as quickly as it did. After a busy final year of high school and a whirlwind successful job interview, I went straight from graduation to full time employment within 24 hours. Ever since then, time has zipped past. It's as if I boarded a bus that took an expressway through summer vacation and dropped me off here, at the last stop. I'm suddenly eighteen years old, I've moved out of my parents' house, and I'm preparing to begin my first day of university classes tomorrow. I don't know how it all happened so quickly, but again I won't lie. I am ecstatic to begin my new adventure. 

     I have the privilege of being a part of McMaster University's undergraduate nursing program. Although the application process wasn't the smoothest, and the non-academic requirements seemed excessive at first, I am delighted that all my paperwork is in and I am ready to go! I absolutely love everything about Mac so far, from the beautiful campus, to the sweet people and amazing support system for first year students. Every day I am more certain that I made the right choice in coming to this school. 

     After moving into residence last weekend, I enjoyed a truly awesome welcome week. The activities were a blast, and the people were fun and energetic. It was a wonderful way to get to know new people and to have an absolute blast! I had the privilege of competing to be 'Super Frosh' by leading a cheer in front of my faculty, trying out for different teams, going on waterfall hikes and so much more. It was an unforgettable experience, and I hope to be a rep next year.

     One of my favourite parts about the nursing program here so far are the NUBs (Nursing Upper-year Buddies). Each first year student that is interested can fill out a short survey online to match them up with a similar, upper-year nursing student who is willing to mentor them. I was excited to take part in this program when I accepted my offer to McMaster, but now that I have met my NUB, I am blown away. She and I have so many things in common with one another, from study habits to future career dreams, and I am so thankful for this opportunity to be mentored by such a wonderful person. Because of this program, I have one friend I can always go to if I need help, and knowing that is an awesome feeling!

     I'm so excited for what each new day has to offer, and even though I know things will get tough, I look forward to learning and growing over the next four years.

Here's to just the beginning of an incredible journey!