February had been a productive month for us nurses under the Nurse Deployment Project of DOH. In terms of career satisfaction, I can now say that I don't regret leaving my previous job. I don't get bored at work and I learn new things everyday. If there's one thing that bothers me in my new job, perhaps it's just the delayed salary. lols. Anyway, here's my journal for last month:
I. ACTIVITIES
We assisted the midwives in the regular Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) schedule during the first week of this month and I was able to administer different vaccines with minimal supervision. I was also able to meet the new Barangay Health Workers and one member of the Community Health Team in my area of assignment during that day.
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| Vaccine Carrier |
On the second week of the month, we listened and assisted in a mini lecture for TB DOTS clients that was held in the RHU. Importance of compliance to taking medications was reiterated. There were clients too that shared their experiences as TB patients.
We had a meeting with RHU staff on the third week of the month. They gave us an update and additional points to remember to accomplish our goals of improving the health status of the community. They also asked if they could tap us, NDPs, in doing and validating midwives’ reports.
On February 26, we had an orientation regarding EPI, Maternal Care, Family Planning and different diseases. Our job description was further explained during this time too, as well as the issues and concerns we encountered in our duties.
The rest of the days were spent in the RHU doing routine nursing responsibilities such as assessing patients, providing health teaching and carrying out doctor’s orders.
II. LEARNING AND INSIGHTS
I was able to refresh my skills in administering vaccines and providing health teaching to mothers regarding possible side effects and how to manage them.
I realized how important family’s support is in patient’s compliance to their medications in TB DOTS program. Without the family’s encouraging words, patients tend to lose hope and just stop the treatment. I also learned to be extra sensitive when dealing with this type of clients to prevent hurting their feelings.
During our orientation, I learned a lot about proper care and storage of vaccines, which diluent to use and other things related to EPI. I also learned how to properly assess pregnant women and how to assist them during and after giving birth, as well as the different family planning methods we could teach them.
I learned how to prioritize clients and how to manage my time to be as productive as possible during duty hours.
III. ISSUES AND CONCERNS
One thing that is very noticeable in the RHU is the lack of or insufficient supplies. Even medicines and vaccines were very limited. During EPI, we were not able to give Penta Vaccine because it wasn’t available. This situation greatly affects the Immunization Status of the children and hinders us in achieving a high percentage of FIC (Fully Immunized Child).
The new “leaders” in my area of assignment want the DOH to formally endorse the Community Health Team (CHT) members to them. They say that since the management is new, they need to know the functions of these CHT members.
IV. RECOMMENDATIONS
Supplies, vaccines and medicines should be distributed to RHUs in a timely manner. Most clients cannot afford to buy these themselves. In addition, we cannot always improvise in order to give utmost care to our clients.
If time permits, CHT members must be properly endorsed to the “new” Barangay leaders. This would allow a more harmonious relationship among them that could be beneficial to the community as a whole.
***end***
I am looking forward for more activities that could help us (or me) improve our nursing skills and knowledge. I'll keep you posted! :)
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