Siegfried

Name: Kristin Siegfried

Guiding Question: What area of nursing would I want to pursue as a career?

(optional) Use this space to list possible activities, tasks, experiences. Remember everything you do should help you answer your Guiding Question. Observing surgeries (elective, non-emergent procedures), observing pre-op and PACU, patient escort, stocking supplies (linens, cleaning beds, tables, etc.)

(Required) This plan is a “best guess” as to what you and your mentor think you will be doing. It is not meant to be a hard and fast schedule for your Exploration. The plan should illustrate how you intend to complete a minimum of 80 hours.


 * = Date ||= Location/Activity ||= Number of Hours ||
 * = 5/6 ||= Surgery Center At Brinton Lake ||= 8 ||
 * = 5/11 ||= Surgery Center At Brinton Lake ||= 8 ||
 * = 5/12 ||= Surgery Center At Brinton Lake ||= 4 ||
 * = 5/16 ||= Surgery Center At Brinton Lake ||= 4 ||
 * = 5/20 ||= Surgery Center At Brinton Lake ||= 8 ||
 * = 5/23 ||= Surgery Center At Brinton Lake ||= 8 ||
 * = 5/24 ||= Surgery Center At Brinton Lake ||= 8 ||
 * = 5/25 ||= Surgery Center At Brinton Lake ||= 8 ||
 * = 5/26 ||= Surgery Center At Brinton Lake ||= 4 ||
 * = 5/27 ||= Surgery Center At Brinton Lake ||= 4 ||
 * = 6/1 ||= Surgery Center At Brinton Lake ||= 8 ||
 * = 6/3 ||= Surgery Center At Brinton Lake ||= 8 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 80 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 80 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 80 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 80 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 80 ||

Journal:1. So far, from 5/6-5/20, in my exploration I've spent 32 hours working at the Surgery Center at Brinton Lake. I've been given the opportunity to watch a multitude of surgeries right in the OR. I've seen 2 vasectomies,1 anal fistual removal, 1 ganglion cyst removal on palm,1 carpel tunnel and trigger thumb release, 1 peds oral rehab (crowns), 1 hammer toe repair, 1 hernia repair, 1 tonsillectomy and adnoidectomy, 2 cataracs repairs, 1 septoplasty, and 1 ACL repair. In addition to these surgeries, I've helped fold and prepare linens and gowns for the pre-op/PACU area. I was also shown and told about the charts. While prepping someone for surgery, the pre-op nurses must ask a series of questions including what allergies the patient may have, what medications they have taken, if they've taken any blood thinning medicaiton, etc. During one of the lengthier surgeries, I was able to stand back where the anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists are and I learned a little about what to do in the event of a spasm and other things such as how to maintain the deep sleep the patient is in. Surprisingly enough, I also learned how there are very helpful capabilities with smart phones for nursing. As of now, I'm not exactly sure of what area of nursing I would like to pursue. I have realized though that I love working with older people and children, so I think it's safe to say I've narrowed it down to pediatrics or geriatrics. I've seen such a large array of things so far and I really love the exposure I am getting. I know I am not very queesy which is very advantageous and I'm really lucky to be able to spend a lot of time with my mom and the wonderful people she works for and with.

Journal 2:So in my second spread of time at the surgery center, I was able to view even more surgerys then before. I saw 3 different types of knee repairs along with two shoulder repairs. In these ortho surgeries they use a scope with a camera so there is barely any incision. It also make it easier for me to see what was going on inside. I was able to keep some of the pictures which will definately be helpful in my presentation. Of course I don't know the patients name or anything else because of confidentiality which is a very important aspect in healthcare. Although I don't know exactly what is going on in these pictures, during the surgeries the doctors kind of talked me through it so at the time I could follow along. I saw more hernia repairs and 3 mass removals, along with many other surgeries I had already watched. I was really amazed though, that even though I was repeating certain surgeries, I was able to see different doctors perform the same surgeries so I saw a variety of techniques. So far I'm no closer to answering my guiding question than I was before. There is a definate limiting factor at the surgery center because they only do outpatient procedures and they have very limited types of procedures. However, I still am getting great exposure and I look forward to my last week!

Journal 3:So my last week was a very slow week with not many surgeries so I really helped out in the pre-op/PACU area mostly folding linens and fetching things for the nurses. It was a great way to wind down in my exploration. With my experience I have learned so much. I feel more exposed to the nursing world and although the surgery center is only a minor portion of the nursing field, my experience was wonderful. Not only did I get to see first hand a large amount of surgeries but I also got to meet and work with some incredible people. I am very greatful for my exploration because it definatly helped to open my eyes to my future as a nurse. I think i still need some more experience to decide where I want to specialized but this experience was great and I couldnt ask for a better way to spend my time!

6/6/11 POL successfully completed. Mentor report turned in to me. Thank you. delivered last week to mentor

R. Bernard..