Download Clinical Journal: Healthy Aging Center - Experiences and Reflections on Elderly Care and more Cheat Sheet Nursing in PDF only on Docsity!
Name: Luz Anel Date: 11/ 13 / Total Clinical Hour: 10 Preceptor Name: Professor. Garg Phone number:
Clinical Journal---N342L West Coast University
Name of Agency/Clinic: Healthy Aging Center: Laguna Woods Agency/Clinic Address: Activity Type:
Clinical site Conference Community Observation other
This activity applies toward the following requirement (check one):
General PH Nursing Senior Center Homeless Shelter Soup Kitchen
FRC ( minimum 90hours)
Vulnerable Populations ( which pop ): Elderly, Dementia, Alzheimer’s
Public Health Focus of this activity: ( check all that apply ) Core Function(s) of Public Health :
Assessment Policy Development Assurance
Essential Public Health Service: Monitor health status Develop policies & plans for Ensure comprehensive PH work individuals & community force
Diagnose & investigate health Link people to needed personal Evaluate effect, access & quality
of problems services care
Inform, educate, empower re: health Enforce laws & regs for health Research new insights &
innovative issues safety solutions
Mobilize community partnerships
Services rendered/observed : This morning, I began in the floor by helping with breakfast from 8 to 9 am. I made sure everyone received their meals and took care of cleaning up afterward. It was nice to see the participants enjoy their breakfast and start the day off with a full stomach. After breakfast, from 9:15 to 10 am, we played a game of "Guess the Word." It was a fun, interactive session that had everyone laughing and getting into the spirit of friendly competition. Watching the participants
work together to guess the words and share in the excitement was really uplifting. Once the game wrapped up, I moved on to assisting in the gym from 10:30 to 11 am. I supported the participants with their exercises, making sure they were comfortable and encouraging them as they stayed active. It was great to see them pushing themselves and enjoying the time spent moving their bodies. By noon, it was time to serve lunch. From 12 to 12:30 pm, I helped distribute meals and made sure everyone had what they needed. I spent a little extra time with a few participants who needed some assistance, offering encouragement and making sure they were comfortable. In the afternoon, around 1:30 pm, I sat down with two Spanish-speaking participants to color. We chatted about their families, and they shared beautiful stories about their loved ones. It was a really special conversation, and it felt so meaningful to hear about their lives and the connections they cherish. As the day came to a close, I helped with cleanup and started getting everything ready for the participants to head home. It was heartwarming to witness the reunions when their families arrived to pick them up, and it reminded me of how important those bonds are. Overall, it was a fulfilling day filled with connection, laughter, and moments that truly made a difference. Problems or difficulties identified : Today at the clinical site, I cared for a participant who arrived with a bruised eye. When I asked her what had happened, she explained that she accidentally hit herself with a door. Hearing that, I couldn’t help but think about how fragile balance and strength can become as we age. What might seem like a simple mishap bumping into a door or losing balance can actually lead to significant injuries for older adults. It's a reminder of how much more vulnerable they can be, even in everyday situations. I carefully examined her eye, checking for any other injuries, and made sure she wasn’t in any severe pain. The bruise wasn’t too bad, but I could tell it was still
participant I assisted with a bruised eye highlights how older adults, due to decreased strength and balance, are at higher risk for injury, a risk that can be exacerbated by limited access to care in certain geographic areas, like rural or underserved communities. Economic barriers also play a significant role, as many older adults may not have the financial resources to seek timely medical attention or follow-up care, leaving them more vulnerable to complications. From an ethical standpoint, it’s crucial that we treat each individual with dignity and respect, ensuring they are empowered to make decisions about their care, while also addressing social factors like isolation or lack of support that can impact their overall well-being. Community health nurses must navigate these complexities, advocating for patients’ rights, connecting them to resources, and addressing both their physical and emotional needs to improve health outcomes. In doing so, we must remain vigilant about the legal and political landscape that governs healthcare, as policies and funding decisions directly impact the care we can provide to those who need it most. Ultimately, these challenges call for a holistic, compassionate approach to nursing care that recognizes the interconnectedness of physical health, social support, and access to resources. It was nice to have discussed this very topic during preconference in the morning and then having the opportunity to connect the dots. I am using CLO #4, which emphasizes using leadership behaviors to collaborate with health team members in the community to identify the need for change, educate about the change, and facilitate that change through cooperative participation. In community health nursing, leadership is essential for bringing about positive change, and it starts with working closely with the health team to recognize areas where improvement is needed. For example, if we notice that many elderly participants are at risk for falls or injuries due to balance issues, like the participant I helped earlier with a bruised eye, it’s important to identify this as a concern and work together as a team to address it. Once we’ve identified the need for change, the next step is educating both
the healthcare team and the community or her family in this case about why the change is important and how we can all be part of it. This might involve talking to staff about the importance of fall prevention strategies or educating family members on how to make the home environment safer for elderly loved ones. Communication is key in making sure everyone understands the goal and how their involvement will help make a difference. Facilitating that change requires everyone to be on board, and that’s where collaboration comes in. As a nurse, I need to create an environment where everyone feels heard and supported. When everyone works together whether it’s the healthcare providers, families, or the individuals themselves the change is more likely to stick and make a lasting impact. For example being mindful that the elderly aren’t just at risks for fall, and injuries we have to keep in mind that abuse is a possibility.
