Nurse Days

Monday, October 4, 1999

Today was my first day of clinical. I arrived at the nursing home at 6:15 a.m. I was nervous, and even a little scared. I kept repeating to myself, I hope I do OK and live up to Joan's (Joan Barber, my clinical instructor) expectations.

After 10 minutes I realized I was beginning to relaxand feel more comfortable with my role as caregiver. My main concern throughout the day was that I would be able to competently handle any situation that arose. I found that everything I'd learned came rushing back to help me care for my client.

I was assigned to E.B., a 95-year-old woman who is bedridden, has an indwelling catheter, and who couldn't possibly weigh more than 95 pounds soaking wet.

She was so frail! I felt the vein in her wrist to check her pulse. Her vein felt like a fat, writhing worm under my fingers. I remember feeling nauseated at the feel of it, though I'm sure stress had more to do with it than the vein itself. 

I wanted to know more about her, so I started reading her chart. I was shocked (and a little jealous) to find she's been around the world three times! How wonderful! Next Monday when I come back here I plan to ask her about her travels, especially about London. I've always wanted to go there, and who better to tell me what it's like!