Joan felt exhausted as she walked to her dorm .She had a quick wash to freshen up . Taking her mug , she headed to the pantry room on the first floor .
A small shared stove sat in the corner , used carefully and never left unattended. Although Joan was quick, there was a line ,so she had to wait.While waiting she noticed everyone was talking to a companion, Lily was ahead with Helen,she felt kind of lonely at times like these .
As the line shortened,her thoughts drifted to what kind of patient care she should start writing about. Yesterday,she drafted a few notes on different cases. After some thought,she decided she will start with general care instead of focusing on a specific condition.
Joan filled her mug with hot ,steaming water, and returned to her room.She added two leaves of black tea she bought from the general store. After reviewing her notes,and eating some bread ,she began writing.After a few tries, she got the hang of it , after all although she is not a writer, who in the 21st century hadn't done one or two writing assessments.
She wrote a short article on the practical care of sick patients at home, focusing on cleanliness, quietness, and observation rather than medicine.
Practical Observations from a Hospital Ward
(By a Ward Nurse )
It is often believed that caring for the sick requires only medicine. Yet, in a hospital ward, one quickly learns that recovery is influenced just as much by observation, timing, and the smallest human actions.
Cleanliness of linen and quiet surroundings often matter more than words spoken at the bedside," she wrote.....
Final reflection:
These observations are not offered as medical instruction, but as what one may notice after spending time at a patient's bedside.
Often, the most important lessons in nursing are not written in books.
She finished writing,then took her mug and toothbrush , already prepared with paste , and headed to the bathroom. The lights were turned off soon after , and Joan lay on her bed , drifting off into sleep .
"How was your first night in your new residence "Lily asked, taking a sip of her tea.
"I was too exhausted to feel the difference,I fell asleep,as soon as I hit the pillow " Joan answered as she spread jam on the bread .
Finishing the breakfast in haste,the two headed to the hospital ,parting ways with Helen on the stairs leading to the third floor.
"I already showed you how to help patients rinse their mouths , go assist Mr Brooks ,and Mr James,then I will come help you with cleaning their bodies "Edith instructed as they returned from dealing with the bedpan .
"Yes , miss Hayes" Joan replied ,she noticed Edith's attitude was softer than yesterday.
Good morning,Mr Brooks" Joan greeted the old man as she slid the pan under his bed."Here,let me help you up"after helping him sit , Joan assisted him in cleaning . She repeated the same care with Mr James . With Edith's help ,she finished just in time for breakfast trays to arrive
"We didn't cover breakfast yesterday,
as it wasn't our turn" Edith said briefly.
Joan nodded ,since Mr Brooks and Mr James, are the only ones who couldn't help themselves among the patients under Edith's care , they simply disturbed the meals to each patient ,noting who couldn't eat certain food.Then, they helped Mr James and Mr Brooks with feeding.
The routine from the day before repeated itself, except that two new patients were admitted,and one was discharged.
"Oh ,we have meat soup today . It smells delicious"
It truly was.It didn't have many spices, but it wasn't bland either,the cook here was quite skilled.
As Lily continued chatting,Joan felt she made the right decision to continue working as a nurse . No matter the times,the familiar rhythm of work made her feel at ease.
As they returned,they met two nurses on the stairs,one was supporting the other ,who was stepping lightly on one of her legs.
"Oh, what happened to Stephanie ?"
Lily asked , concerned
"She slipped while returning to our ward,and her ankle twisted "Alice said "I will take her back first, then put some ice on it, hopefully the pain will ease before the shift ends"
"Can't you ask for a half day off?"
Joan asked .
" It's a simplel matter,unless it's broken , it's not worth asking,we're already busy" Stephanie said .
Joan thought that people working in the medical field are always more devoted to their job .It might also be the difference in systems , things seemed stricter in certain ways here.
"Joan ,go ahead and explain the situation so I don't get in trouble for being late ,and I will help Alice get Stephanie back to their ward" Lily said.
Unfortunately, Helen wasn't there to help ,as she is busy tending to an important patient .
"Very well, be careful, " Joan said, then turned to the entrance of the general ward.
"Mrs Clarke, a nurse named Stephanie twisted her ankle ,and Lily is helping her back to her ward"Joan stated
"How's her ankle, is it serious ?"
"They said ice and some rest should help until the end of the day"
"I see. Very well"
What do you think of Joan so far?
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