Ouchies, No-no's, and To-go's

My PEDS clinicals went off without a hitch. My last clinical ended two weeks ago. It wasn't as many hours as I thought it would be. I wouldn't mind going to a few more (just no more care plans, PLEASE!). It definitely helped to be a father of two kids.

The first clinical had me taking care of two 7 year olds. A boy and a girl. The boy was recovering from Rocky Mountain spotted fever. He went home an hour into my shift and I was very disappointed since I had no experience with RMSF. The 7 year old girl was a post appendectomy.

No real challenge since she and her mom were very pleasant. Pain care with lots of distractions and the day was over. Turned out my patient liked watching 'Handy Manny' (also a favorite of my oldest son) so I could speak 'intelligently' about how Turner is okay but Squeeze and Stretch are my favorites.

During my second clinical I took care of a 11 month old with C. diff and assisted with a 5 year old post tonsilectomy. The morning assessment of the 5 year old went off without a hitch. As I left the room I asked him if he wanted a popsicle or anything else. He said, "yes, I want you to go."

Sweet kid. He'll grow up to rob a convenience store, I'm sure, but for now... SWEET KID!

[chuckle]

The 11 month old was more of a challenge. Not because of the patient. Not due to the contact precautions. You guessed it. I actually donned gloves and gown to answer a call light to the 'tune' of momma asking, "Can you get me a Dr. Pepper?" Her favorite soap opera was on TV, she had a bottle propped in the patient's mouth (I know... there is only so much education one person can ignore), and she didn't want to have to leave the room "I might miss something."

Find a happy place.

Find a happy place.

Find a happy place.

Oh, if only we could require licensure before one is allowed to be a parent!

The last patient assigned to me was a 4 year old with asthma. This one held a special place in my heart since I too was a kid with asthma. She was a funny kid. At morning report her O2 sats had hovered around the high 80's. The breathing treatments from R/T helped to bring her sats up to 97% but that would only last about 30 minutes. Then it would be another 3 1/2 hours until the next treatment.

An education session later and a few reminders to turn, deep breathe, and cough and I felt a little proud to see her sats come up from 89% to 92-93% territory.

My clinical experience was well worth it. Everyone I go to school with wants to go into OB. Not me. I could easily work with the kids.

We had one student report her LPN clinical in PEDS involved going to daycares. No hospital clinicals at all. Yuck!