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Chemo Clinic ReflectionAinsley KinchTrent UniversityChemo Clinic ReflectionI was given the opportunity to spend a day off unit shadowing nurses in the cancer care clinic. I was greeted with kindness and enthusiasm from the RNs and fellow nursing student which made the experience that much more enjoyable. My expectations were definitely challenged the moment I arrived as I soon learned that the majority of patients that were attending the clinic that day were not cancer patients but rather were receiving blood transfusions and IVIG therapy. Another unique treatment I was able to witness was the administration of chemotherapy drugs directly into the bladder via a catheter to treat bladder cancer.The aspects of care incorporated in the cancer care clinic involve time management and multitasking to ensure that every task is completed in a timely manner. Each patient, a day prior to the treatment, is seen in their assessment room across the hall to conduct a thorough assessment and blood work to ensure adequate health for the treatment as those who are unwell or lack required antibodies/levels will have to reschedule. Then, on the day of treatment, the client is greeted and subjected to a simple assessment and set of vitals to ensure stability and health, as well as to obtain a baseline. The RN then sets the patient up in a seat and starts an IV to administer the medication or blood product administration; 15 minutes after the start of treatment, another quick assessment is done to evaluate adverse reactions or any dire symptoms. With this implies multiple checks for the chemotherapy and IVIG medication as well as having your fellow nurse cosign, and lab tech check, the blood to be transfused. Throughout the treatment, it is essential to ensure the patient is as comfortable as possible and to offer items such as warm blankets are drinks to make the process more enjoyable as they can last anywhere from 30 min to 8 hours.Unfortunately due to the lack of clients, I was unable to perform any clinical tasks, other than obtain vitals. I used my time to practice my IV insertions on the mannequin arm and familiarize myself with the wide range of needles and available such as the butterfly needle with which I have not practiced yet. The nurses were helpful in providing education on any unique tasks they had and make me feel useful rather than a burden. I also had the opportunity to go to the lab to pick up blood products and medications with which we incurred problems and miscommunications among the nurses and it was interesting to see how that was handled. The manager on the unit also planned a mock code blue to evaluate how the nurses were to react in that situation to test their efficiency. Teamwork was definitely exemplified on this unit among the nurses which I really enjoyed being a part of.Overall, despite the lack of activities I was able to engaged in on the unit, I really enjoyed the interprofessional experience as well as trying a new change of pace. Despite my lack of confidence and anxiety when engaged in new experiences, I know it will serve me well in the long run and help build upon my clinical experience that I will need throughout my career. ................
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